GREAT NEWS: INDIANAPOLIS SIGN QB PLAYER, WHO IS BETTER THAN LT Bernhard Raimann.
Jake Browning, the backup quarterback, excels once more as the Bengals defeat the Colts 34-14 to maintain their playoff chances.
Jake Browning has transformed from Joe Burrow’s little-known backup to the Bengals’ season-saving player in the space of six days.
The 27-year-old Browning, making his third NFL start, was fantastic once more on Sunday, as Cincinnati defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34-14 by passing for two touchdowns and rushing for another.
Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury appeared to be killing the Bengals, but last Monday night’s victory over Jacksonville saw Browning throw for 354 yards and a touchdown.
Browning’s second-half performance was equally impressive and helped the Bengals (7-6) maintain their playoff hopes. He ended the four-game winning streak of the playoff-contending Colts (7-6), who he completed 18 of 24 passes for 275 yards with one interception.
Tee Higgins, a Cincinnati receiver who caught two passes for 72 yards, said of the player, “He’s playing his butt off.” “There’s nothing better than watching a quarterback who truly is the best in the game,”
After halftime, the Colts’ offense stagnated, but Gardner Minshew still managed to throw for 240 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
At the half, the score was tied at 14 all, but Indianapolis’ first four second-half possessions resulted in two punts, a Minshew pick, and an unsuccessful fourth-down attempt.
Minshew remarked, “A lot of self-inflected wounds.”
On their opening two drives of the second half, Tanner Hudson’s 11-yard touchdown reception and Browning’s 1-yard keeper gave the Bengals the lead.
Shane Steichen, the coach of Indianapolis, said, “It was just one of those days.” “That day wasn’t ours. I am completely sure that the group in the locker room will clean it up.
Chase Brown, a rookie running back, caught a touchdown pass for 54 yards to set up the Bengals’ first score. Brown intercepted a short pass from the backfield and darted down the right sideline without being seen. He managed to avoid safety Rodney Thompson II at the 6-yard line and reach the end zone.
Colts kicker Matt Gay’s 38-yard attempt at a field goal ricocheted off the left upright, allowing the Bengals to score again. Taking advantage of two Indianapolis penalties, Cincinnati put together a 72-yard drive that Joe Mixon finished with a 1-yard touchdown plunge.
The Colts kept the ball for the next 8:22, during which Minshew connected with Mo Alie-Cox for a 2-yard touchdown pass.
It took Indianapolis only twenty-five seconds to score again. Browning’s off-target pass went straight to Colts linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr., who returned it 36 yards for a touchdown after deflecting off Hudson’s hand.
MONSTER WITH TWO HEADS
Mixon had three 46-yard receptions and ran for 79 yards on 21 carries. Brown finished with 25 yards of rushing and 80 yards of receiving. Everybody scored a touchdown.
It’s a wonderful feeling, Mixon remarked. “It feels good to be here. Everyone is making an effort to support the team, and it seems like everyone is playing complementary football.
