Bengals Snap 49ers’ 11-Game Home Win Streak with Impressive Victory
The Cincinnati Bengals achieved a significant milestone in Week 8 as they ended the San Francisco 49ers’ 11-game winning streak at Levi’s Stadium. The Bengals took great pride in their 31-17 victory, knowing that they were the team to finally beat the Niners on their home turf.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor emphasized the importance of ending the 49ers’ home win streak to motivate his players. “They want to hear that this team’s won 11 in a row at home,” Taylor said. “Because someone’s got to beat them and it’s going to be us, you know? So I think that’s just kind of the edge that these guys play with. They want that information to fuel them, and they responded how I assumed that they would.”
The victory against the 49ers also marked a significant milestone for the Bengals. After a slow start to the season, they have now won three consecutive games and moved above a .500 winning percentage for the first time this year.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, who struggled earlier in the season, had one of the best games of his career. He completed 28 of 32 passes for 283 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Burrow’s completion percentage of 87.5% was a new career high, surpassing his previous best of 83.3% against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021. He also came close to breaking the franchise record for consecutive completions, falling just one short of Ken Anderson’s record set in 1982.
Burrow was particularly excited about his ability to use his legs during the game. One standout play occurred in the first quarter when he evaded multiple defenders, scrambled to his right, and found wide receiver Tee Higgins to convert a crucial third-and-10. This display of athleticism showcased Burrow’s improvement in recent weeks, especially after recovering from a right calf injury sustained during training camp.
“Athleticism, acceleration, explosiveness was really a big focus of mine in the offseason,” Burrow said. “I just haven’t really been able to show that too much. So it was nice to have that hard work pay off.”
The Bengals’ defense also played a crucial role in ending the 49ers’ home-winning streak. They forced three turnovers in the second half, including a fumble and interceptions by linebackers Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson.
Defensive end Sam Hubbard praised the defense’s performance and expressed his hope that they would receive more national recognition. “They deserve more national recognition,” Hubbard said. “Hopefully, as they continue to perform well, they’re going to get that.”
For Pratt, who was a rookie when the 49ers dominated the Bengals in 2019, the road victory held special significance. In that game, the 49ers amassed 571 total yards in a 41-17 win. Four years later, Pratt celebrated the Bengals’ ability to “take over” San Francisco’s home stadium as they completed a season sweep over the NFC West.
The road victory against the 49ers exemplified the Bengals’ mindset after their bye week. Linebacker Germaine Pratt described it as the team entering the second phase of the season, indicating their determination to continue their winning streak and make a strong push towards the playoffs.
The Bengals’ triumph over the 49ers not only ended an impressive home win streak but also showcased their potential as a competitive team in the NFL. With Joe Burrow finding his rhythm and the defense making impactful plays, the Bengals are poised to make a significant impact in the remainder of the season.
As they continue to perform well and build on their recent success, the Bengals hope to gain more recognition on a national level. The victory against the 49ers serves as a statement that they are a team to be reckoned with and a force to be taken seriously in the league.
Overall, the Bengals’ win over the 49ers was a significant achievement that highlighted their growth and potential. It marked the end of a remarkable home win streak for the 49ers and solidified the Bengals’ position as a rising team in the NFL. With their talented roster and newfound momentum, the Bengals are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way and continue their pursuit of success in the league.