Bengals rally for thrilling 30-26 win over Saints

NEW ORLEANS — The Bengals have been faced with a handful of drives this season with the game on the line. Each time prior to Sunday, it hasn’t been enough.

In New Orleans at the Superdome, they managed to score their way out of trouble.

Ja’Marr Chase’s 60-yard touchdown at the two-minute warning gave the Bengals a 30-26 win, a win they needed, in Week 6 over the Saints.

Here are a few takeaways from the afternoon in New Orleans:

Final drive comes through with a big play

Chase’s exhilarating 60-yard touchdown down the left sideline was the moment the Bengals’ offense had been waiting for for weeks.

He made two defenders miss, and even though the Saints had him shaded and ran a defense designed to prevent big plays, the Bengals made one when they needed it most.

Offense finds a rhythm

The Bengals’ offense, once again, started a game slowly. But as the afternoon wore on, they slowly found a rhythm.

With a mix of RPOs and a quick-passing game, the Bengals were able to rally after two punts to start the game with two touchdowns on their final three drives of the first half. They also scored on their first drive of the second half.

The offense looked as smooth as it had all season for points during the game, there were still enough rough patches to cause concern. But for stretches, it looked like the offense that was promised.

Defensive struggles against the run

The Bengals’ defense has been incredibly stout so far this season against the run.

Sunday was the exception.

The Saints rushed for a total of 214 yards and 6.3 yards per carry, as the mix of Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram and Taysom Hill were too much to handle. Add in that the Bengals lost defensive end Jeff Gunter (knee) in pregame and defensive tackle Josh Tupou (calf), and it wasn’t a good day for the Bengals’ run defense.

That run defense allowed them to control the ball for the majority of the second half of play.

Higgins/Williams play

The Bengals got a major boost to the lineup as wideout Tee Higgins and left tackle Jonah Williams were both active and played significant time.

Higgins has been dealing with an ankle sprain that he suffered in the win over the Dolphins. Williams suffered a sprained MCL and dislocated kneecap against the Ravens a week ago.

Gunter carted off, line loses Tupou

The Bengals suffered an injury blow before the game even began.

Gunter, a depth defensive lineman, was carted off the field after he suffered a left knee injury during warmups. It’s unclear what the injury is, but the team ruled him out just after kickoff. If it is indeed serious, the Bengals might have to make a roster move next week.

The defensive front also lost Tupou to a left calf injury. It’s unclear what the severity is.

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