The 2019 NFL season may not have been the most successful for the Cincinnati Bengals, but it certainly ended on a high note. While the team struggled to a 2-14 record under first-year head coach Zac Taylor, their final game was one that will be remembered for years to come. In fact, Taylor himself has called it an “all-time” game that ultimately led to the Bengals landing their future franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow.
It was a game that not many people outside of Cincinnati were paying attention to. The Bengals were facing off against the Cleveland Browns, who were also having a disappointing season. But little did anyone know, this game would turn into a defining moment for the Bengals and their new head coach.
Throughout the season, the Bengals had been plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances. But Taylor never lost faith in his team and continued to push them to improve. And in their final game of the season, that hard work paid off.
The Bengals came out firing on all cylinders, with quarterback Andy Dalton leading the charge. He threw for 190 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for another touchdown. The defense also stepped up, holding the Browns to just 13 points.
But it was the final drive of the game that truly made it a memorable one. With just over a minute left on the clock, the Bengals were down by three points and had the ball on their own 25-yard line. It was a do-or-die situation, and the team knew they had to make something happen.
Dalton and the offense marched down the field, converting on crucial third downs and making big plays. With just 11 seconds left, they were in field goal range and had a chance to tie the game. But Taylor had other plans.
He called a timeout and made the bold decision to go for the win instead of settling for a tie. And it paid off. Dalton connected with wide receiver Tyler Boyd for a 24-yard touchdown, giving the Bengals a 33-23 victory and ending their season on a high note.
But the significance of this game goes beyond just one win. It was the game that ultimately led to the Bengals landing the number one overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. And with that pick, they selected Joe Burrow, the highly-touted quarterback out of LSU.
Burrow had a record-breaking season at LSU, leading them to a national championship and winning the Heisman Trophy. And now, he is the future of the Cincinnati Bengals. But it all started with that “all-time” game in the 2019 season finale.
Looking back on that game, Taylor recalls the excitement and energy in the stadium as the Bengals pulled off the unexpected win. He also remembers the determination and resilience of his team, who never gave up despite the challenges they faced throughout the season.
But most importantly, Taylor sees that game as a turning point for the Bengals. It was a moment that brought the team together and set them on a path towards success. And with Burrow now leading the way, the future looks bright for the Cincinnati Bengals.
In the end, it just goes to show that even in the midst of a difficult season, there can be unexpected moments that define a team and set them on a path towards greatness. And for the Bengals, that moment came in the form of a thrilling season finale that will be remembered for years to come.
