The Cincinnati Bengals got a 52 yard FG as time expired to knock off the #1 seed Tennessee Titans 19-16 on Saturday. For the Bengals, it is their 1st ever road playoff win and they will move on to the AFC Title game for the first time in over 3 decades. The game winner was one of four made field goals for rookie Kicker Evan McPherson in the game.
The matchup featured a veteran QB and a young QB who is rising up the ranks, each week. Just in watching the game, you couldn't tell that Joe Burrow wasn't the veteran. In just his 2nd pro season, Burrow has now led the Bengals to Super Bowl contention. He thoroughly outplayed Titan QB Ryan Tannehill. Burrow was 28 of 37 for 350 yards, he didn't have a TD pass and threw one pick. The interception Burrow threw hit the intended receiver in the hands and the Titans picked off the deflection. Tannehill was 15 of 24 for 220 yards, 1 TD and 3 picks.
Cincy had a solid start which is paramount in a road playoff atmosphere. The Bengals got two early field goals and led 6-0 after the 1st. The game marked the return from injury of Titan RB Derrick "King" Henry. He would score in the 2nd quarter from 3 yards out, the 2 point try failed. The game was then tied at 6, when Cincy put together a long late 1st half field goal drive. Mcpherson's 3rd field goal of the game gave the Bengals a 9-6 lead at half.
The Bengals found the end zone for their lone TD in the 3rd, when Joe Mixon scored on a 16 yard run. The Titans then scored 10 unanswered in the final 1:36 of the 3rd. Tennessee put together a drive that was capped by a Randy Bullock 34 yard field goal. They then got a big play from WR A.J. Brown, when he scored on a 33 yard TD pass. The game was then tied at 16 after the 3rd.
In the 4th, both defenses rose up and held the opposing offense scoreless until the last minute. A Tannehill interception late in the game, set up Cincinnati's final drive. The Bengals got into range and the rookie McPherson had ice water in his veins, he knocked down a 52 yarder as time expired to lift the Bengals.
What an incredible and quick full turnaround it has been for the Bengals. They had the #1 pick in 2022 and just 2 seasons later that pick, Joe Burrow has led them to heights unseen for the franchise in 33 years. The Bengals will again be on the road, as they will travel to take on the winner of Buffalo at Kansas City. It's the first time since the Sam Wyche/ Boomer Esiason era that Cincy has a shot at a Super Bowl appearance. ESPN Upstate is the Upstate's radio home for the NFL playoffs.