CINCINNATI (AP) – Aqib Talib returned Andy Dalton’s too-high pass for a touchdown and Jeremy Hill countered with an 85-yard touchdown run on Monday night, leaving the Broncos and Bengals tied 7-7 after the first quarter.
It was another rough start to a night game for Dalton, who came in 2-6 career during prime time. The longest run of Hill’s rookie season helped Cincinnati keep pace in a game with playoff implications for both teams.
The Broncos had clinched the AFC West and could earn a first-round playoff bye with a victory over the Bengals. They also needed a win to stay in the running with New England for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Bengals had a lot at stake as well. A win would clinch a fourth straight playoff berth, a franchise first, and keep them a half-game ahead of Pittsburgh for the AFC North lead. The title will be decided head-to-head next Sunday night in Pittsburgh.
With two night games in six days, the Bengals had a chance to get beyond or reinforce their reputation for falling apart under the lights. They were 18-41 all-time in prime time, including 10-20 on Monday nights, heading into the game. They’d been blown out by New England and Cleveland in their two night games this season.