Final. It was pretty but it was a win. The defense was much better. They snap a 76-game streak from the last time they allowed less than 10 points in game. Next up the at the Browns.

Defense won the game. Defense showed it is good enough to get the Bengals to the playoffs. Is it good enough to win playoff games?

I’m glad they won. Next week is a very important game for them to have possession chances. They absolutely have to beat Cleveland.

7 minutes ago, hrcarrier said:

I’m glad they won. Next week is a very important game for them to have possession chances. They absolutely have to beat Cleveland.

The next 3 games are must wins.

I have watched the Chase Brown TD run several times. It is hard to see the number but it looks like #99 made one of the key blocks on that run. That is Miles Murphy. Is that right?

I would much rather win ugly like this than lose pretty 41-38 like last week!

Ugly wins are better than sparkly losses. 
 

That being said, my better half - who loves her Bengals but does not possess the most astute football mind - had this observation. 
 

Joe is gonna get killed out there if they don’t do something. 

The effort put forth by the defense was evident.  The problem is that they lack the personnel to stop the run.  I was shocked that the Giants even tried to throw the ball.  Lou has to scheme out a solution every week.  

9 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

I have watched the Chase Brown TD run several times. It is hard to see the number but it looks like #99 made one of the key blocks on that run. That is Miles Murphy. Is that right?

Ok. Watched again this morning and it was not 99, it was 89 TE Drew Sample making the block. Sample, All and Volson all made excellent blocks on the Brown TD run. It was great patience by Brown as he read the blocks and squeezed between them as they happened.

The game left a bad taste with me from the point where they allowed Burrow to run for a 50 yard touchdown. How can any legit NFL team let that happen??? 

I would prefer to earn a win rather than be gifted one. 

Key changes to the defense this week by Lou:

Ossai worked into the d-line rotation.

Battle played the second half at safety.

Complete strategy change from last week with minimal blitzing thus week. This was Lou's preferred defense. He is a very strategic blitzer and likes to stick with the 4 man rush. That is what he did this week.

Finally, getting healthy was a huge help. Mike Hilton may be the most impactful slot corner in the NFL. One or my favorite Bengals ever. Just love the way he plays - all pro level mentally and tackling technique.

6 minutes ago, Mustang said:

The game left a bad taste with me from the point where they allowed Burrow to run for a 50 yard touchdown. How can any legit NFL team let that happen??? 

I would prefer to earn a win rather than be gifted one. 

Great scheme and read by Burrow. Add in Burrow hit over 19 mph speed on that run showing his wheels. He outran the Giants DB's.

Where was the gift?

5 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

Great scheme and read by Burrow. Add in Burrow hit over 19 mph speed on that run showing his wheels. He outran the Giants DB's.

Where was the gift?

I simply don't feel that a good NFL team should allow that to happen.

I guess I'm weird that way.  I always want a sense of legitimacy to accompany my victories.  I'm glad we scored to late game touchdown to help legitimize the win.  Add the Burrow TD to the earlier game pass interception that never should have been thrown by the NY quarterback, both contributed to my "gifted" feeling. 

19 minutes ago, Mustang said:

I simply don't feel that a good NFL team should allow that to happen.

I guess I'm weird that way.  I always want a sense of legitimacy to accompany my victories.  I'm glad we scored to late game touchdown to help legitimize the win.  Add the Burrow TD to the earlier game pass interception that never should have been thrown by the NY quarterback, both contributed to my "gifted" feeling. 

I think you are looking through a tainted lens. Give credit where credit is due. Burrow read that play perfectly. Giants in man coverage and linebackers blitzed. The left overload then the quick slant route to the left by the WR opened the whole right side of the field.

Jones did not underthrow the Pratt interception. Pressure by the Bengals got to Jones and they hit him as he was releasing the ball. Good play by the Bengals created the interception.

The Brown TD run was a beautifully executed run against a very good defense.

How about the Bengals gifting a TD to the Giants when Moss fumbled and gave them a short field?

The Bengals earned that last night. The Giants defense is one of the best defenses I have seen this year.

5 hours ago, Mustang said:

The game left a bad taste with me from the point where they allowed Burrow to run for a 50 yard touchdown. How can any legit NFL team let that happen??? 

I would prefer to earn a win rather than be gifted one. 

Unless the QB is Lamar Jackson, that should never happen.