For the first time in franchise history, the Cincinnati Bengals will advance to the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
Andy Dalton picked apart the Minnesota Vikings' 30th-ranked pass defense, leading the Bengals to a convincing 42-14 rout to clinch at least an AFC wild card spot.
Here's what else we learned in Sunday's game:
- The pressure is on Cincinnati to wrap up the AFC North and secure homefield advantage in the playoff opener. Leading his team to a 7-0 home record, Dalton has essentially channeledPeyton Manning at Paul Brown Stadium and Eli Manning on the road.
- Bengals linebacker Vincent Rey has been an underrated playmaker in the second half of the season. He's a significant upgrade on Rey Maualuga in passing situations. Rey opened the game with a strip-sack of Matt Cassel that led to a short BenJarvus Green-Ellis touchdown. Rey followed that up with a second-quarter pick six on Cassel.
- We've mentioned offensive coordinator Jay Gruden's head-scratching penchant for burying Giovani Bernard early in games. Gruden got away with it Sunday -- thanks to a pass-heavy game plan and a playmaking defense -- but BenJarvus Green-Ellis has managed to top 4.0 yards per carry just once in the last nine games. This offense averages a full yard more per play with Bernard on the field. Check out his moves on this 41-yard screen play.
- Marvin Jones has flashed playmaking ability as a wild card in the Bengals offense, but his effectiveness has hinged on Dalton's home-away splits. Jones has averaged 57 yards and nearly one touchdown per game in 10 wins, versus 29 yards and one total score in the five losses.
- With apologies to Adrian Peterson, rookie Cordarrelle Patterson is vying for the title of "most exciting player on the roster." At least three of his kickoff returns looked they had a chance to go the distance. He finally found the end zone late in the game on a 35-yard carry out of the backfield. The next coaching staff will have to make it a priority to feature Patterson's run-after-catch skills as a major part of the offense.
- Matt Cassel's string of quality games just floundered on the rocks. He was responsible for four turnovers, including the pick six and strip-sack that led directly to a touchdown. There's a reason why he's viewed as a backup at this stage of his career.
- The Bengals lost the league's leading tackler Vontaze Burfict (head) and tight end Tyler Eifert (stinger) to injuries. Those are two key players for the season finale against the Ravens.
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