Week 16 Game Recap: Cincinnati Bengals 23, Denver Broncos 24

What you need to know

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati went into this road game against the Denver Broncos only needing a win to secure a playoff spot. They played well enough in a close game where no team was ever up by more than one touchdown. Despite four costly turnovers, quarterback Carson Palmer was able to lead the Bengals on a game tying drive in the last minute of the game. All their hopes were for naught though, as the resulting PAT failed due to a wide snap. Denver recovered the resulting kickoff and the Bengals walked out of Denver with an eight and seven record.

Carson Palmer had an uncharacteristically rough game, throwing two interceptions to match his two touchdowns. He threw for 209 yards on 52.5% passing, but the true story of his game was missed opportunities. There were several times when he had open receivers that he overthrew or simply missed. It was unclear if the elements affected Palmer (it was snowing throughout the game) or if he simply had an off game. His favorite targets were Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Chris Henry. The latter two both caught touchdowns, while Chad Johnson was frustrated all game by all-pro cornerback Champ Bailey. He finished with only 32 yards on three catches and had his first fumble as a pro.

Rudi Johnson had a very effective game running the ball, gaining 139 yard and a touchdown on 30 carries. He ran very strong all game and regularly broke multiple tackles on his touches. Johnson also lost a fumble in the fourth quarter.

The Bengals defense started strong, getting to Jay Cutler three times in the first quarter. Safety Dexter Jackson also intercepted Cutler’s first pass attempt of the game. Over the first quarter, though, the defense didn’t force any turnovers or sacks. Cincinnati’s defense gave up 127 yards rushing and one touchdown but only 179 yards passing with two scores allowed.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos took advantage of Cincinnati’s mistakes and eked out a close victory that put them one step closer to the playoffs. They overcame their own problems protecting the ball in the first half to pull away in the second half and were gifted with a win on a botched PAT snap.

Jay Cutler continues to show improvement and strong ball-throwing skills. His first pass was intercepted but he recovered to throw touchdowns to both Tony Scheffler and Javon Walker. He was harassed by the Cincinnati pass rush early in the game but not much in the last three quarters, and he used his good mobility to move out of the pocket and make some good plays. Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall were Cutler’s favorite targets, and Marshall led the team with four catches for 65 yards.

Tatum Bell started for the Broncos but never got anything going. He saw his playing time severely reduced after losing a second quarter fumble. Rookie Mike Bell saw his playing time increase after the fumble and was the more effective of the two backs, earning 69 yards and a second half rushing touchdown.

The Denver defense played their typical version of bend but don’t break, although they did manage to force four turnovers to help their cause. Both starting corners, Champ Bailey and Darrent Williams had interceptions. The defense also forced and recovered two fumbles. They gave up 149 yards rushing with one touchdown and 209 yards passing with two touchdowns.

What you ought to know

QB Carson Palmer, Pass: 21 - 40 - 209 - 2 TD / 2 INT, Rush: 2 - 6 - 0

Palmer had decent stats with 209 yards passing with two touchdowns, but he actually had an off game. His throws were regularly off target, and he missed several excellent scoring opportunities that almost certainly would’ve been touchdowns if he was accurate. His favorite targets were his three wide receivers, all of whom had double digit looks. His first touchdown went to Chris Henry and his second to T.J. Houshmandzadeh. It was this second touchdown that was the result of a last minute drive that was supposed to tie the game. Palmer added six yards on two carries.

RB Rudi Johnson, Rush: 30 - 129 - 1, Rec: 2 - 11 - 0 (3 targets)

Johnson delivered a workhorse type performance, running aggressively and effectively throughout the game. His 30 carries matched his season high, while his 129 rushing yards was his second highest total for the year. Johnson had a six yard touchdown run in the first quarter. He also caught two of the three balls thrown his way.

RB Kenny Watson, Rush: 2 - 14 - 0, Rec: 1 - 12 - 0 (1 targets)

Watson had two runs, each for seven yards. He also has a nice 12 yard run on a shovel pass.

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Rec: 9 - 94 - 1 (12 targets)

Houshmandzadeh led the Bengals in all receiving categories. He caught nine of his twelve looks for 96 yards and showed excellent hands and determination throughout the game. Houshmandzadeh scored a touchdown that should’ve tied the game, but the PAT wasn’t good. He was Palmer’s favorite target.

WR Chad Johnson, Rec: 3 - 32 - 0 (10 targets)

Johnson had an off game, and was shut down by cornerback Champ Bailey. Johnson was affected by Palmer’s relative inaccuracy, but also had a few mental lapses throughout the game. He missed a couple of catches he should’ve had, and also suffered the first fumble of his career. This was one of Johnson’s worst performances of the season.

WR Chris Henry, Rec: 3 - 30 - 1 (10 targets)

Henry’s ten looks were his second highest of the year and his most since week two. He had a 75 yard touchdown run and catch called back on a penalty. Despite only catching three of his targets, most of the misses were inaccurate throws that weren’t catchable.

TE Reggie Kelly, Rec: 2 - 23 - 0 (3 targets)

Kelly caught two of the three passes thrown his way. The third look was thrown too high.

TE Tony Stewart, Rec: 1 - 7 - 0 (2 targets)

Stewart had one catch for seven yards. His other look was thrown behind him.

PK Shayne Graham 1 - 1 FG, 2 - 2 XP, 5 points

Graham made a 46 yard field goal and both his PATs. He didn’t get off his third PAT because the snap was bad.

CIN Rush Defense

The Bengals’ rush defense started the game doing a good job preventing Tatum Bell from having any success. The Broncos switched to Mike Bell after a Tatum Bell fumble, and had more success. The rush defense gave up 127 total yards and one Mike Bell touchdown.

CIN Pass Defense

The Bengals’ pass defense started the game in a fury, sacking Jay Cutler three times and intercepting him once in the first quarter. The rest of the game was a different story: no sacks, no interceptions, and two touchdowns allowed. The scores went to Tony Scheffler and Javon Walker. They gave up a total of 179 passing yards, much better than their league worst average.

QB Jay Cutler, Pass: 12 - 23 - 179 - 2 TD / 1 INT, Rush: 2 - -1 - 0

Cutler had a good game with an inauspicious start. His first pass was thrown a bit late and was intercepted by Dexter Jackson. Cutler then suffered three sacks during the first quarter. The game settled down for him afterwards, and he connected with Tony Scheffler on a nice one yard touchdown. He hit Javon Walker for a 39 yard touchdown in the second quarter. His favorite targets were Walker and Brandon Marshall.

RB Mike Bell, Rush: 16 - 69 - 1, Rec: 1 - 13 - 0 (1 targets)

Bell entered the game after Tatum Bell’s second quarter fumble. He brought a nice spark to the Denver running game as he showcased his cut back ability. Mike Bell led the team in carries, yards, and added a touchdown run in the third quarter. He seems to be the runner Mike Shanahan trusts the most at this time.

RB Tatum Bell, Rush: 12 - 50 - 0

Bell started the game slowly and then got yanked after a second quarter fumble. He run well when he finally got some more carries late in the game, but this was against a tired Cincinnati rush defense. Shanahan seems quick to pull him as this is this second week in a row that he lost playing time after a fumble. He was second on the team in carries and rushing yards.

WR Javon Walker, Rush: 3 - 3 - 0, Rec: 3 - 52 - 1 (8 targets)

Walker was the most targeted Broncos' receiver. Cutler regularly looked to him deep, but only hooked up once for a 39 yard touchdown. Walker also ran the ball on three separate end around plays, the first of which saw him leave the game temporarily with a hurt wrist.

WR Brandon Marshall, Rush: 1 - 6 - 0, Rec: 4 - 65 - 0 (7 targets)

Marshall was Cutler’s second most targeted receiver. He led the team in catches and yards. Marshall made some nice, tough grabs, including an amazing sideline catch in near the goal line that would’ve been a touchdown if the ball was thrown better.

WR David Kircus, Rec: 1 - 18 - 0 (3 targets)

Kircus had one catch for 18 yards and a first down.

WR Rod Smith, Rec: 1 - 5 - 0 (3 targets)

Smith only had one catch, at the end of the first half. He fumbled the ball but recovered it himself. He seems to have taken on more of a third wide receiver role with the emergence of Brandon Marshall.

TE Tony Scheffler, Rec: 2 - 26 - 1 (4 targets)

Scheffler was the target on Cutler’s first pass which was intercepted. He caught a one yard touchdown pass on a bullet from Cutler in the second quarter. Scheffler’s other catch was good for 26 yards, and the one target he didn’t catch was called back on a penalty.

TE Stephen Alexander (1 targets)

Alexander had one look on a play where the defender was called for pass interference.

PK Jason Elam 1 - 1 FG, 3 - 3 XP, 6 points

Elam made a 24 yard field goal and all three of his PATs.

DEN Rush Defense

The Broncos’ rush defense regularly gave up solid chunks of yardage to Rudi Johnson. Johnson had an excellent game against the unit, gaining 129 yard and one touchdown. All told, the rush defense gave up 149 yards. They also forced a fumble that they recovered.

DEN Pass Defense

The Broncos’ pass defense was an opportunistic bunch, grabbing two interceptions off Carson Palmer and getting another turnover on a Chad Johnson fumble. The interceptions were by Champ Bailey and Darrent Williams. Overall, the pass defense gave up 209 yards and two touchdowns.