NFL 2011 Week 16 - Bengals Jump Out Early, Hold on Late Against Cardinals

Bengals Jump Out Early, Hold on Late Against Cardinals
Kareem Shaker

Cincinnati, OH

Andy Dalton threw two TD passes in the first half as the Cincinnati Bengals jumped to an early 20-0 lead, but they needed two late defensive stands to hold off the visiting Arizona Cardinals, 23-16, Sunday.

With the win, Cincinnati (9-6) jumped past the New York Jets (8-7) for the final AFC playoff spot and will wrap up a playoff appearance with a win next week against the Baltimore Ravens.

Jamie Skelton threw for 297 yards, two TDs and three interceptions for the Cardinals (7-8), who were eliminated from the NFC playoff chase.

Behind two fourth-quarter TD passes by Skelton and an A.J. Feely field goal, the Cardinals got within 23-16 with 3:20 left. When Cedric Benson's second fumble of the quarter set up Arizona on the Cincinnati 22, the Cardinals looked poised to tie. But the defense stopped Arizona on fourth down and one last desperation drive in the final seconds died on the 15-yard line as time expired.

The Cardinals entered having won six of their last seven with an improved defense that was yielding three points and 65 yards per game less than it did when Arizona drooped six of seven to start the season.

However, Dalton and the Bengals offense had no problem early. The offense racked up 243 yards in the first half, Dalton threw TDs to Jermaine Gresham and Jerome Simpson and got two field goals from Mike Nugent for a 20-0 halftime edge.