Joe Burrow Leads Bengals to Dominant Victory: ‘It Was Sick’
In a compelling matchup on Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals triumphed over the Arizona Cardinals with a score of 37-14 at Paycor Stadium. This victory spotlighted the performance of quarterback Joe Burrow, whose leadership and playmaking skills were pivotal to the team’s success.
Key Moments from the Game
The highlight of the game occurred during an extraordinary play involving offensive lineman Cody Ford. Celebrating his 29th birthday, Ford made a remarkable 21-yard catch-and-run, positioning the Bengals at the Cardinals’ 2-yard line. This play occurred with just 1:38 remaining in the third quarter and sparked excitement among his teammates.
Burrow’s Reaction
Joe Burrow, who threw the pass to Ford, expressed his disbelief at the play. “I couldn’t believe what I was watching. It was sick,” said Burrow, comparing it to a previous memorable moment from last season. Ford’s size, 6 feet 3 inches and 345 pounds, proved too much for rookie cornerback Denzel Burke, who struggled to contain him.
Innovative Play Design
The play had been devised by offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher earlier in the week. The Bengals’ formation strategically placed All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and rookie receiver Andrei Iosivas alongside Ford, who found himself isolated near the sideline.
- Cody Ford: 21-yard catch-and-run
- Burrow’s quote: “It was sick”
- Location: Paycor Stadium
- Game score: Bengals 37, Cardinals 14
- Time of catch: 1:38 in the third quarter
Ford Reflects on the Experience
Ford, who had not caught a pass since middle school, shared his thoughts on the catch. “Every lineman dreams to line up as a receiver one time,” he remarked. He felt the nerves build as Burrow targeted him. The coaching staff had encouraged him to position himself wider, which ultimately benefited the team’s offensive strategy.
The innovative play resulted in great excitement, as Ford turned around the field and shrugged off Burke, solidifying the Bengals’ dominance during the game. This moment exemplified the teamwork and creativity employed by the Bengals, underscoring their formidable presence in the league this season.
