Reports: Disarray awaits Cincinnati Bengals as fans favorite has been suspended indefinitely for PED use in their match against Los Angeles Chargers..…Read more

The New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts were originally scheduled to play each other in Week 11’s Sunday Night Football contest. Due to the poor performance of both teams thus far this season, the primetime game was flexed and replaced with one that looked considerably better on paper.

It was a fantastic choice.
The first half was the Chargers’ hegemony, while the second half was the Bengals’ resurgence. The final score was 34-27, and the loss was a devastating blow to the Bengals’ postseason aspirations for L.A.

As a result of a great performance by quarterback Justin Herbert (17 for 36, 297 yards passing, two touchdowns, 65 yards rushing), the Chargers were leading 24-6 at halftime and were poised to take the field after the break with a 27-6 advantage. The Bengals responded with a 21-point run that tied the game in the fourth quarter. The game would have been won by Cincinnati if Evan McPherson hadn’t missed two field goals in the last five minutes.

Herbert rediscovered his form as Cincinnati was compelled to punt with 45 seconds remaining. With 18 seconds remaining in the game, he completed passes to rookie Ladd McConkey (6-123) for 28 and 27 yards. Running back JK Dobbins (11-65, two touchdowns) broke enough tackles and dove for the winning score.

From this Bengals game, we can learn a few things. Despite their Sunday night inconsistency, they possess a potentially league-leading offensive. Joe Burrow threw for 356 yards and three scores, which set up Tee Higgins’ 9-148-1 and Ja’Marr Chase’s 7-75-2 numbers. With 27 carries for 143 yards, Chase Brown was also impressive.

Second, if you’re planning on making a run in the playoffs, you should be very concerned about the Bengals’ defense. With six games remaining, Cincinnati needs a victory to move to 10-7 and potentially qualify for the playoffs. However, the defense will make that feat very difficult.
The last thing to remember is that Burrow was utterly destroyed in the backfield. On every play, he appeared to have taken a significant hit from the defense. For most of the game, Cincinnati’s quarterback was on the sidelines, wincing and limping. He needs to be better protected if the squad wants to have a chance at making it to the playoffs.

Fubo offers a free trial, so you can watch the Bengals and Chargers game live.

Los Angeles is understandably worried about letting a three-TD lead slip away. Everything that transpired or did not transpire during halftime must be altered. After kicking the field goal to end the first half, they didn’t make any modifications or substitutions until the last drive of the game. Nonetheless, everything is proceeding according to plan in the first year of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure.

The Bengals will host the Steelers in Week 13 after their bye week. The Chargers will look to keep their winning streak going next week when they face the Ravens in another primetime ‘Monday Night Football’ battle.

Take a look below for a play-by-play of the Bengals’ game against the Chargers in Week 11’s ‘Sunday Night Football.’