Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts: Turnovers Costly in Bengals Loss
The Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Indianapolis Colts, 23-17, on Sunday. As usual, they beat themselves with turnovers. There was also the weekly Marvin Lewis wasted challenge. It didn't cost them the game but a Bengals game doesn't feel complete without one.
On the good side, the defense played well. They twice sacked Peyton Manning, who threw for a season-low 185 yards and no touchdowns.
On offense, Chad Ochocinco made some great catches. He ended up with seven catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. Jermaine Gresham had a nice game with nine catches for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Lets take a look at the five Bengal turnovers that sealed the Bengals' fate.
1. Kelvin Hayden
1 of 5
The situation:
With 9:50 left in the first quarter, Peyton Manning drove the Colts from their 8-yard line to the Bengals' 10. The defense bent but didn't break. Adam Vinatieri kicked a 28-yard field goal.
What happened next:
The Bengals took over with 3:16 left in the quarter. Cedric Benson rushed to the right for a yard. On the next play, Kelvin Hayden intercepted Palmer and took it in for a 31-yard touchdown.
Palmer may have been trying to connect with Chad Ochocinco; perhaps Ochocinco was supposed to curl in. Jordan Shipley was in the area but it is unlikely that he was the target.
Points from turnovers so far:
2. Cedric Benson
2 of 5
The situation:
Kelvin Hayden just picked off Carson Palmer and took it to the house.
What happened next:
After Hayden's pick-six, the Bengals got the ball back. Cedric Benson lost a fumble on the Bengals' next offensive play. Seven plays later, the Colts made the Bengals pay when undrafted rookie Javarris James ran the ball seven yards for a touchdown.
The Colts were up 17-0.
Points from turnovers so far:
3. Tyjuan Hagler
3 of 5
The situation:
The Bengals were facing a 3rd-and-7 on their own 37-yard line with 11:13 to go. They were down 20-10.
What happened next:
Backup linebacker and former Cincinnati Bearcat Tyjuan Hagler intercepted Carson Palmer and ran the ball 35 yards. Palmer made an interesting tackle with his foot to prevent his second pick-six of the day.
It was hard to tell who Palmer was throwing to on this one. There may have been a communication issue with Chad Ochocinco. The interception led to a 23-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri.
Points from turnovers so far:
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4. Aaron Francisco
4 of 5
The situation:
After the Hagler interception with 10:01 left in the game, the Bengals were moving the ball. They started at their own 20. Seven plays later, they were at the Colts' 45 and looking good.
What happened next:
Strong safety Aaron Francisco intercepted Carson Palmer and ran it back 11 yards. The target was Terrell Owens, who appeared to pull up on the ball. The throw was off target but Owens could have at least tried to get a hand on it. Fortunately, the Colts did not make the Bengals pay for this one.
Points from turnovers so far:
5. Jermaine Gresham
5 of 5
The situation:
It was another exciting finish for the Bengals. Cincinnati had just scored on a 19-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Gresham, and the score was 23-17. With 2:33 left in the game, Chad Ochocinco recovered an onside kick. The Bengals had the football on the Colts' 40-yard line.
What happened next:
On the first play, Carson Palmer connected with Gresham on a short pass. Gresham tried to fight for more yards as the Colts defenders were piling up on him. Dwight Freeney was able to strip the football from Gresham. The Bengals would have one more chance with the ball but couldn't get anything done.
Total points from turnovers:
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