Bengals are in the playoff mix
After starting the season 1-3, the Cincinnati Bengals have reeled off 5 victories in their last six games and are currently in the middle of the playoff mix in the AFC. The Bengals took down the Indianapolis Colts, 21-13, in the RCA Dome on Sunday to improve to 6-4. They are still in the hunt for the Central division crown.
The Bengals finally got some production from their star receiver Carl Pickens. He came into the game with only 24 catches on the season, but he finally got things cooking when he caught 7 passes for 122 yards and a TD.
Jeff Blake started the game, but left do to injury. Veteran QB Boomer Esiason replaced him and went 8 of 16 passing for 106 yards with a TD and an INT. Blake was 10 of 15 for 106 yards and a TD.
For the Colts, Paul Justin replaced injured QB Jim Harbaugh for another week. Justin threw for 273 yards on 28 of 44 passing with a TD and an INT. The Colts were only able to muster up 60 yards on the ground as they fell behind the Bengals 21-3 at halftime.
The Bengals defense punished Justin sacking him six times on the afternoon. They held the Colts to only 289 total offense.
The Bengals have a huge showdown with AFC Central Division leader Pittsburgh next Sunday at Three Rivers Stadium. The Colts won three straight coming into this week and sit at 4-6 on the season. They will host the World Champion Packers at the RCA Dome next Sunday.