Cincinnati Bengals get much-needed morale boost, beat Miami Dolphins 45-21

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals were looking to bounce back after getting shut out — and they did so by toppling the Miami Dolphins 45-21.

The Bengals had a dominating second half that was rounded out by Joe Burrow targeting former Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki in the end zone. Burrow ended 25-of-32 for 309 yards and four touchdowns before he was replaced by Joe Flacco, who finished out the game.

Before Gesicki's touchdown and subsequent griddy, the play was set up after Jalen Davis nabbed Cincinnati's third turnover of the day when he intercepted a deep pass meant for Jaylen Waddle.

Chase Brown had a massive day for himself as well, scoring three touchdowns, including two receiving touchdowns. Brown was the first Cincinnati running back to collect three touchdowns in a game since Joe Mixon did so in 2022 against the Carolina Panthers.

Brown's first touchdown came when he leaped into the end zone. The touchdown came after defensive end Myles Murphy recovered a fumble by Miami tight end Greg Dulcich.

For his second one, Brown waltzed into the end zone untouched. That touchdown came after Cincinnati collected its second turnover of the day when linebacker Barrett Carter picked off a bobbled pass by Quinn Ewers.

Brown collected his third touchdown on a 5-yard pass from Burrow.

Before the half, Bengals running back Samaje Perine also got a touchdown when he rushed 4 yards straight up the middle into the end zone.

Tee Higgins — who returned from concussion protocol — brought in Cincinnati's first touchdown of the day when he made a crazy catch in the end zone off a 9-yard pass from Burrow.

Though Cincinnati has been eliminated from playoff contention, Sunday's win was a necessity for the team, which has struggled to play complementary football all season.

After the win, head coach Zac Taylor said he was "proud but not surprised" at the way his team played.

In his own press conference, Burrow said that Higgins' touchdown, as well as a key target he had earlier in that drive, helped set the tone for the game.

Cincinnati returns home to face the Arizona Cardinals next week in Paycor Stadium.