Three Things We Learned From the Bengals’ OT Thriller
Credit: Sam Greene via Imagn Images
In a stressful, but satisfying affair, the Cincinnati Bengals narrowly escaped from Week 17 with a must-win victory over the Denver Broncos, scoring a touchdown in overtime to take it 30-24. Cincinnati’s playoff hopes remain alive. Joe Burrow played like an MVP yet again (what’s new?) and Tee Higgins notched the first three-touchdown game of his career, the third of which was a historic walk-off touchdown.
Tee Higgins' THIRD TD seals the win for the @Bengals!#DENvsCIN pic.twitter.com/hzH4j4jAWh
— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024
We learned there’s still hope in Cincinnati, but what else did we find out? Let’s take a deeper look at this emotional rollercoaster.
Tee Higgins Just Might Be Irreplaceable
Higgins has been an incredibly productive and beloved Bengal since he was drafted alongside Joe Burrow in 2020. He has made a habit of catching fire in the latter half of seasons, and 2024 is far from different.
Tee Higgins isn’t as replaceable as the Bengals front office believes he is.
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) December 29, 2024
His elite production is why he is projected to be the highest-paid free agent in the NFL this offseason, and if the Bengals can’t pony up, they’ll need to replace him. The offense can’t simply rely on a Burrow-to-Ja’Marr Chase connection for the next several years, especially since Chase isn’t fully guaranteed to remain in Bengals stripes after this season. It seems as if about six different fan bases are planning for a future where Higgins is a part of their offense, especially since the man himself has all but made it explicit that he has played his last game in Cincinnati.
"This is a surreal feeling. I hope not, but that could've been my last game in the stripes, you know, here so this game meant a lot more to me."
Our interview with Tee Higgins after his game-winning, season saving touchdown. pic.twitter.com/2XupijMSM7
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) December 29, 2024
The problem is, can he even be replaced? Higgins set himself apart on a loaded Bengals offense, doing much more than breaking loose for a Chase-esque 11 catches for 131 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday. He’s averaging 78 yards per week while scoring 10 TDs in 11 games as the No. 2 option.
Who Dey Nation has spent the last half-decade watching Tee be this generation’s A.J. Green — a big-bodied contested-catch weapon who can make receptions at all levels of the field, take over the game in pivotal moments, and be leaned on in any situation. Those don’t grow on trees. If Higgins departs, they can try targeting the next one in the 2025 Draft (maybe Ole Miss’ Tre Harris?), but ask anyone who got excited about Jermaine Burton’s supposed first-round talent how easy it is to find great rookie wideout.
Cincinnati Might Not Know What They Have In Khalil Herbert
The Bengals’ trade deadline acquisition of Khalil Herbert has been more or less an afterthought in the offense for some reason I can’t explain.
However, once Chase Brown left the game late in the fourth quarter with an ankle sprain, Herbert springboarded into the bell cow role. And while you wouldn’t know it from the five touches in his previous six games, he performed servicably.
Khalil Herbert was huge during OT. 4 carries for 23 yards. Shoutout to Khalil. Definitely a guy I'd re-sign if i'm the #Bengals.
— DColdest (@DColdestt) December 29, 2024
Two of those four runs were for eight and thirteen yards, both of which put the Bengals well into Denver territory. Herbert demonstrated exactly who he was during his tenure with Chicago — a gritty running back who does exactly what his team needs him to do, while also demonstrating a sneaky ability to burst for a critical run.
With Brown’s status uncertain for the Bengals’ massive Week 18 matchup in Pittsburgh, Herbert may have his number called upon more than ever. Herbert demonstrated the kind of chops as a rusher and as a pass blocker that the Bengals tried to get out of Zack Moss, and with the Steelers’ tough defense coming up in Week 18, Herbert will likely need to be a focal point of the offensive game plan in the event of Brown’s absence.
Yes, the Defense Can Stop QBs… Sometimes
Lou Anarumo’s defense has had a rocky 2024, allowing huge performances to QBs like Jayden Daniels, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts, among others. Those players walked all over the Bengals by playing perfectly to their MVP-caliber strengths. While Bo Nix isn’t that caliber of quarterback (yet?), he’s still enjoyed a solid rookie season.
While the stat sheet says Nix went 24-for-31 with three touchdowns, that doesn’t tell the entire story.
Bo Nix's passing chart is killing me pic.twitter.com/FV5wGN3bGM
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) December 29, 2024
Nix relied heavily on efficient play and checkdowns for the majority of his passing attempts. Yes, in small doses, he was able to make elite throws and change the course of the game. He launched a bomb to Marvin Mims in the fourth quarter for a 51-yard score, and he capped off the regulation period by throwing a miraculous off-balance touchdown to the very same receiver.
Game on the line, 40 yards downfield, off one foot falling backwards. Throw of the year candidate from Bo Nix pic.twitter.com/9MSpr1rqAN
— Football Digest (@FoootballDigest) December 29, 2024
That said, his arm wasn’t perfect and Nix made rookie mistakes that Broncos fans have seen at various points in the season. In addition to the numerous checkdowns, he made an embarrassing throw in the fourth quarter, which was promptly picked off by Germaine Pratt.
MF clutch 🩸 https://t.co/zRZmdcG0KV
— Germaine Pratt (@GermainePratt7) December 29, 2024
The turnover directly led to a Burrow rushing touchdown, giving the Bengals the lead.
Nix put on a show at times, but it wasn’t a show with only good moments. It was a microcosm of the abilities of Bo Nix, who has faced many ups and downs throughout his initial season in the NFL. The Bengals’ defense had the QB looking like a rookie, and that’s something quite new and refreshing in Cincinnati.
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