2: Week 14 vs. the Cleveland Browns
We return to this week 14 clash of in-state rivals.
When we last discussed this game, the Bengals were trying to pull off the last-minute, 11-point comeback. A difficult feat for sure, but something within the realm of the possible. After a previous spike play on this final drive of regulation – which checked in at number four on our countdown – Dalton hit Tyler Eifert for a 17-yard gain to turn a 2nd and 10 into a 1st and 10 at the Browns’ 28-yard line. Now Zac Taylor faces a decision: Kick the field goal now and conserve time or try and get the touchdown? Either way, Dalton needs to spike the football:
This is a well-executed spike play. Let’s dive into the scoring.
Situation: 7 points. Sure, they are trailing in a two-score game, but the previous completion put them into field goal range. Now Dalton can spike it and potentially set up the kicker for the first of the two scoring plays.
Decisiveness: 4 points. The Bengals actually wasted a bit of time here, and could have saved a second or two with a deeper sense of urgency.
Style: 8 points. Dalton finally busts out a solid two-handed shove spike. Good to see the emphatic stoppage of play.
Result: 9 points. Hard to top this, as the Bengals do bring out kicker Randy Bullock, who splits the uprights to cut the Browns’ lead to eight points.
Total score: 28.