Three Thoughts on the Bengals' Primetime Win Over the Dolphins

Cincinnati is 2-2 following their win over Miami.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals beat the Dolphins 27-15 to improve to 2-2 on the season. 

After an 0-2 start to the year, the defending AFC Champions won two games in five days, knocking off 3-0 Miami.

Here are three thoughts on Cincinnati's primetime win. 

Joe Burrow Leads the Way

Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals' star told everyone to relax last week. Cincinnati was 0-2 and reeling after an ugly loss in Dallas. Well, everyone outside of Paycor Stadium was reeling. 

Burrow and the Bengals didn't flinch and now they're right back in it. Cincinnati knew they had to beat the Jets and Dolphins in a five day span to get back on track. 

"That was one of the first things we said in the locker room [after the loss to Dallas]. We had two games in 10 days to get that ugly taste out of our mouth," Burrow said. "Then we have a long weekend to enjoy, get our bodies right, eat good food, watch some football, enjoy the weekend and come at it.”

Burrow was all smiles after the game. The start of the season was disappointing, but the Bengals enter October with a .500 record and there's reason to believe they're turning a corner. 

Stout Defense

© Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Vonn Bell led the way, but the Bengals' defense was outstanding. The veteran safety had two interceptions, including a beautiful play deep downfield against Tyreek Hill. 

Cincinnati didn't have DJ Reader, but they held an explosive Dolphins offense to just one touchdown. Miami was 2-of-10 on third downs. 

"I’d put our defense up against anybody’s," Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said after the game. "Vonn made those great plays that turned the game for us, and Jessie (Bates) made some big tackles. You look at a lot of guys—last week when we played the Jets—[it was] Chido. I didn’t give him a game ball after the game because I give them to guys with turnovers. He just didn’t give up a completion, so at what point is a guy going to get a game ball when you just keep throwing at him and it’s incomplete? So, we’ve got so many guys who maybe don’t get the stat production, but their role is so critical to the success of others. They allow everybody else to get the credit, and it’s just such a great unit as a whole."

Offense Does Enough

© Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Bengals' offense wasn't great on Thursday night, but they produced explosive plays when they needed them. 

First, Burrow connected with Tee Higgins on a 59-yard touchdown. Then he found Tyler Boyd for 43 yards early in the fourth quarter, followed by a 36-yarder to Chase that ended up being the dagger with less than three minutes in regulation. 

"They started playing more man [coverage]," Burrow said. "They had a good plan, doubling Ja’Marr (Chase) a lot and changing their leverages up. Certain plays weren’t working. They have good coaches. Our guys went and won one-on-ones, and we took our chances down the field."

Cincinnati's offense might not be clicking on all cylinders. They averaged just 2.2 yards-per-carry, but the offensive line protected Burrow—he was only sacked once and the Bengals made big plays when they needed them.  

 For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Film Breakdown: Terron Armstead vs Trey Hendrickson is Matchup to Watch

Joe Burrow Welcomed Donovan Mitchell to Ohio After Offseason Trade

Joe Burrow Downplays White Helmets Ahead of Thursday Night Football

Tyreek Hill Calls Out Eli Apple Ahead of Thursday Night Game With Bengals

Bengals Favored in Thursday Night Matchup With Dolphins

Winners and Losers From Bengals' 27-12 Win Over Jets

Postgame Observations: Bengals Beat Jets 27-12, Get First Win of Season

Joe Burrow says "Relax" Following Bengals' 0-2 Start

Film Room: How Joe Burrow and Bengals Can Beat Tampa 2 Defense

Bengals Fall in Week 3 Power Rankings After Loss to Cowboys

Bengals Offensive Line Hoping to Make Joe Burrow More Comfortable

Will Bengals Be the Exception After Starting the Season 0-2?

Four Takeaways Following the Bengals' Loss to the Cowboys

Ja'Marr Chase Calls For Changes After 20-17 Loss in Dallas

Winners and Losers From Bengals' Loss to Cowboys

Bengals' Rally Falls Short in 20-17 Loss to Cowboys

Ja'Marr Chase Comments on Flipping Double Bird at Minkah Fitzpatrick

Film Breakdown: Analyzing DJ Reader's Stellar Performance Against Steelers

Bengals in Top 10 of Power Rankings After Loss to Steelers

Zac Taylor Admits He Should've Challenged Ja'Marr Chase's Goal-Line Catch

Five Takeaways From Bengals' Loss to Steelers

Joe Burrow and Bengals Not Panicking Despite Frustrating Loss

Snap Count Breakdown: Thoughts on Dax Hill, Ja'Marr Chase and Others

Walkoff Thoughts: Joe Burrow, Zac Taylor Struggle in Opener Vs Steelers

Dak Prescott Injures Hand, Won't Play Against Bengals in Week 2

Winners and Losers From Bengals' Overtime Loss to Steelers

Bengals Drop Season Opener to Steelers

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel

Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like Our FaceBook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok