Halftime Observations: Cincinnati Bengals Trail Minnesota Vikings 7-3

Cincinnati is hoping to win their eighth game of the season.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals trail the Vikings 7-3 at halftime. Cincinnati scored on their opening drive, before punting on three consecutive possessions.

Here are our halftime observations: 

Missed Opportunities

Bengals rookie Charlie Jones was wide open deep downfield for what would've been a 56-yard touchdown. Jake Browning's pass might've been a bit long. Jones also slowed down slightly in the middle of his route. 

The ball was just past the outstretched arms of Jones and fell incomplete. 

The Bengals also nearly had an interception in Vikings territory when Dax Hill cut in front of Justin Jefferson. He couldn't hang onto the interception.

Browning appeared to find Tee Higgins for a 40-yard gain that would've given Evan McPherson a chance to kick a field goal in the closing seconds of the first half, but it was ruled incomplete following a booth review. 

Questionable Decision

The Bengals drove the ball downfield on the opening possession of the game. They faced a 3rd-and-1 at the Vikings' 12-yard line. Zac Taylor called a trick play. Jake Browning handed it off to tight end Tanner Hudson. Hudson was going to throw the ball to Tee Higgins, but he was covered. 

The veteran tight end was tackled for a 3-yard loss and the Bengals were forced to settle for a field goal. 

Injuries

Star defensive tackle DJ Reader suffered a right knee injury on the Vikings' first possession. He was carted off the field and won't return. 

Rookie cornerback DJ Ivey suffered a left knee injury while on punt coverage. He was also carted off and won't return. 

The Bengals Will Win If...

The Bengals need to find ways to get off the field on defense. The Vikings are 4-of-6 on third down. 

They did force two much-needed turnovers in the red zone. Mike Hilton intercepted an errant Nick Mullens pass to keep points off the board late in the second quarter. 

Minnesota was threatening again with less than a minute left in the half when BJ Hill sacked Mullens, knocked the ball out and intercepted the pass as he was falling to the ground. 

On offense they have to find a way to produce explosive plays. Whether it's Ja'Marr Chase, Chase Brown, Tee Higgins or someone else—they have to get the ball downfield. 

Finding a way to get the run game going will also go a long way for this offense. They ran the ball seven times for 22 yards in the first half.

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