Bengals Control First Half To Wing The Cardinals

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Dateline: 1,209 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

The Cincinnati Bengals defense smothered the Arizona Cardinals in a 37-14 decision that grounded the Cardinals for the eighth straight week.

The Bengals (6-10) won for the second week in a row as their improving defense held the Cardinal (3-13) to its lowest point total of the season. 

It was the best performance by the improving Cincinnati defense which allowed 35 points or more in five games. The Baltimore Ravens scored 14 against the Bengals in a 32-14 Cincinnati triumph on November 27. The Bengals held Cleveland to 16 points on September 7. The Browns visit the Bengals next Sunday.

The Bengals improved its all-time record over the Cardinals to 8-6.

The Cardinals got a late score on an 18-yard pass from Brissett to Trey McBride to provide the final margin. McBride set the Cardinals record for receptions with his 10 catches, giving him 119 on the season. He had 76 yards receiving, leaving him 32 short of the franchise record 1,205 yards by Hall of Famer,  Jackie Smith in 1967.

"It's cool that I got the record in 16 games," McBride said. "I wish we had one the game. We need to play better as an offense. I wish I was more excited about it. Maybe after the season it will be something that I will cherish but right now, it's frustrating."

Cardinals coach Jon Gannon indicated that McBride is a light in the darkness.

"I'm really proud of him," Gannon said. "He comes to work every day. I know it is of secondary significance to him but just the season, he's had. He's the best player out there."

Brown rushed for 101 yards on 22 carries it was his seventh game in a row in which he rushed for over 100 yards. He improves to 957 yards rushing on the season. 

Jamar Chase had seven catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns. Tee Higgins, who missed a game under concussion protocol was limited to four catches for 59 yards.  

Arizona was 3-for-13 on third down while the Bengals were 10-for-15.

Gannon pointed out that was the key to the game.

"We got a couple of chances to make it a game," Gannon said. "I think it really comes down to, for me, third down. They converted a bunch. We didn't. They stayed on the field. We didn't. They scored points. We didn't. It got out of hand. We have to coach better and play better."