In a nail-biting showdown at Paycor Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals secured a dramatic 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, overcoming a significant injury to their star quarterback, Joe Burrow. Burrow exited the game in the second quarter with a left toe injury, leaving the Bengals' fate in the hands of backup Jake Browning.
Browning, stepping into the spotlight, orchestrated a stunning comeback. He completed 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions. His performance was punctuated by a crucial 1-yard sneak for the game-winning touchdown with mere seconds remaining on the clock. This thrilling drive, covering 92 yards in 15 plays, showcased Browning's composure under immense pressure.
The Jaguars, led by Trevor Lawrence, kept the game competitive throughout. Lawrence threw for 294 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, demonstrating his ability to make key plays. He connected with Dyami Brown and Brayshul Tuten for early touchdowns, and Travis Etienne contributed a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown.
Ja'Marr Chase continued his stellar performance for the Bengals, accumulating 14 receptions for 165 yards and one touchdown, bringing his career receptions past the 400 mark. Tee Higgins also played a pivotal role, securing a crucial 42-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, a play aided by a collision between Jaguars' defenders Tyson Campbell and Andrew Wingard.
The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, featuring impressive offensive plays and defensive blunders from both sides. While the Bengals' victory is undoubtedly a testament to their resilience and depth, the injury to Burrow casts a long shadow over their upcoming games. The Jaguars, despite the loss, showcased a potent offense that will undoubtedly challenge their opponents in the weeks to come.
Looking ahead, the Jaguars host the Houston Texans next week, while the Bengals face a tough test against the Minnesota Vikings, initiating a challenging stretch of five consecutive games against playoff contenders from last season.
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Originally published at: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20250914_JAC@CIN/
