MNF Fallout: Bengals Make A Statement

It was an ugly night for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos that was exemplified by Dre Kirkpatric returning Manning’s third interception of the night into the end zone to give the Cincinnati Bengals the win, 37-28.

The Bengals clinched a playoff run with the win and will play for the AFC North Title against the Pittsburgh Steelers to close out the season.

Manning did his part to rally the Broncos back from the brink to take the lead in the third quarter. They were not able to hold on to the win, as Manning threw a total of four interceptions. The Broncos hand the New England Patriots home field in the playoffs with the loss.

The Bengals looked like a Super Bowl contending team, something many doubted they truly were, despite their 10-4-1 record.

The Bengals came into the game with a defensive strategy designed to throw Manning off his game. They put pressure on Manning forcing him off his timing, thus forcing him to make a lot of mistakes.

On the other side of the ball Andy Dalton throw quick, safe passes into open field where the Broncos had a hard time making open field tackles.

In every aspect of the game, the Bengals looked ready for the playoffs. Now they will have to keep this up through every game of the post season.

The Broncos have long had a reputation as a team that struggled on defense, but that issue seemed to be dealt with, but the Bengals have exposed a weakness in Denver’s defense that other teams will now try to exploit.

On the other side of the ball, the Broncos offensive line did little to protect Manning.

Broncos fans can chalk the win up to pre-playoff jitters or over confidence all they want. The truth is the Broncos’ o-line and defense should worry anyone laying money on this team.

Check out the adjusted future odds after Monday Night Football here.