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The late collapse hits the Bengals in a snowy showdown.
The late collapse signals playoff fears for Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ late collapse unfolded beneath heavy snow at Highmark Stadium as the team surrendered a lead and fell to the Buffalo Bills 39‑34. In the early going, the Bengals looked in control, but the late collapse proved decisive.
Cincinnati grabbed the early momentum and dictated much of the game. They built a 28‑18 advantage thanks to accurate driving by quarterback Joe Burrow and a steady offense.
Bengals dominate first half, but the late collapse begins
Cincinnati converted third downs at an elite rate early on, showing sharp execution. Burrow completed passes and found his rhythm, and the snow‑filled conditions seemed to favor his offense, at least initially. However, the seeds of the late collapse were being sown.
Despite the crisp execution, the Bengals failed to finish drives into dominant scores. When the Bills finally shifted gears in the fourth quarter, Cincinnati’s margin evaporated quickly. The late collapse began with two back‑to‑back turnovers inside the final six minutes.
Late collapse defined by turnovers and Bills’ rally
The late collapse hinged on a 63-yard pick‑six from Christian Benford, which gave Buffalo its first lead. On the very next drive, Burrow’s throw was batted at the line of scrimmage by defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and then intercepted by A.J. Epenesa, sealing the momentum. Immediately preceding those turnovers, a 40-yard rushing touchdown by Josh Allen had cut the Bengals’ lead to just three points. The subsequent momentum shift, completed by a clutch 3rd-and-15 scramble and later a touchdown pass to Jackson Hawes, ultimately secured the rally.
The snow may have slowed some momentum, but it certainly didn’t slow the Bills’ comeback. The conditions only made the Bengals’ late collapse more pronounced.
Defensive breakdowns fuel the late collapse
Cincinnati’s defense had held up reasonably through three quarters. But in the late collapse, it folded in key moments. The defense allowed a deep scramble on third down, and journeys that had appeared contained earlier suddenly unraveled.
Head coach Zac Taylor admitted that the strategy and execution in the snow‑filled fourth quarter did not hold up. The defense no longer looked ahead to plays; instead, it reacted—too slowly.
Offense shines but late collapse overshadows effort
Offensively, the Bengals posted strong numbers. Burrow finished with 284 yards and four touchdowns before the collapse. Wide receiver Tee Higgins hauled in six catches for 92 yards and two scores. Tight end Mike Gesicki also posted a season‑high in catches and a touchdown.
But those efforts vanished in the late collapse. The turnovers erased their advantage and allowed Buffalo to seize control within minutes. The offense executed, yet the collapse turned execution into defeat.
Snow conditions highlight collapse, not excuse
This game will be remembered as much for the snow as for the collapse. The heavy snowfall created a white‑out effect at Highmark Stadium and influenced every play.
In fact, the league’s new optical tracking system couldn’t provide reliable readings, so officials returned to manual measurement methods.
Yet the snow does not fully explain the late collapse. Big plays, mental errors, and missed opportunities aligned for Cincinnati’s undoing. And Buffalo capitalized.
Implications of the late collapse for playoff hopes
With the loss, the Bengals drop to 4‑9, perilously close to eliminating themselves from postseason contention in the AFC North. Their unexpected early-season hopes now hinge on an immediate turnaround. A late collapse such as this highlights fragility.
Conversely, the Bills improved to 9‑4, keeping their playoff aspirations alive and reinforcing their reputation for resilience.
For Cincinnati, the late collapse isn’t just one loss—it may define their season if they cannot rebound.
What’s next after the late collapse
The Bengals next face the Baltimore Ravens, who lead the division. Any further collapse could cost the Bengals the chance to compete. Defense and special teams must rebound.
Buffalo, meanwhile, rides momentum and snow‑battle‑tested resolve into upcoming games, expecting their opponent’s late collapse to be a lesson in finishing.
The late collapse suffered by the Bengals in the snow‑filled showdown is more than a single-game narrative—it’s a cautionary tale of hanging on too long and giving away the lead.
/ with reports from Reuters, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Rumblings, Cincy Jungle, TalkSport
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