98-Yard Drive Seals the Deal
On a late December day filled with emotion the Cincinnati Bengals emerged victorious at Paul Brown Stadium, clinching only their second division title in the last 19 years.
An afternoon that started in the parking lot at 11:15 AM with tailgaters honking their horns 15 times for 15 seconds each time to honor Chris Henry ended with a Leon Hall interception to seal the victory and the division. But it is what happened in between that makes this team and this season one of the most special in Bengals history.
A lackluster first half and a quarterback rating of 12.0 for Carson Palmer left the score tied 3-3 heading into the locker room. As always the Bengals made adjustments and came out with a quick touchdown to start the second half. The Chiefs hung in there and with the game tied 10-10, the Bengals got the ball back with just over nine minutes to play. The only problem, they had 98 yards to go.
The heart and maturity of the Bengals took over and Carson Palmer led them on a 14-play 98-yard march straight into the playoffs. Palmer went 6 of 7 for 63 yards on the drive and hit Laveraneus Coles on a key third down to keep the drive alive. The drive was a complete team effort, a microcosm of the entire season for the Bengals.
As snow began to fall on Paul Brown Stadium, Palmer hit Chad Ochocinco with a bullet over the middle for the game winning score. After having a touchdown called back earlier Ochocinco graced the end zone and capped off the most memorable drive of the season.
A game that began with a tribute to Chris Henry on the video scoreboard ended with Ochocinco, perhaps the closest player to Henry on the team, putting his head up to a picture of Henry in the stands and holding up his hands in a '15' to honor his fallen teammate. Ochocinco described the feeling last week of playing with two sets of arms and legs because 'Slim' was watching over him. I am certain 'Slim' was watching today as his teammates fought their way into the playoffs, just like he would want them to.
Through all the tragedy this season has brought, the Bengals have triumphed. What happens in the playoffs remains to be seen, but what has happened in the regular season is something to be proud of. A double digit win total is rare for the Cincinnati Bengals, so fans need to relish this moment...because after all they don't come around too often.
Today is a great day to be a Bengals fan. Here's to Chris Henry. This one's for you 'Slim'.