Bengals and Dolphins Trade Blows Early in South Florida Showdown
CINCINNATI - After a rough outing last week, the Bengals didn’t waste time trying to flip the script. On the road in Miami and looking to bounce back from a shutout loss, Cincinnati came out swinging - and so did the Dolphins. Midway through the first half, it’s all square at 7-7, with both teams landing early haymakers.
Let’s start with the highlight that had Hard Rock Stadium buzzing: Dolphins rookie running back De’Von Achane turned on the jets and left defenders grasping at air on a dazzling 48-yard touchdown run. Achane found a crease, hit the gas, and put the kind of move on the Bengals’ defense that makes you rewind the clip just to watch it again. That’s the kind of burst Miami has been hoping to unleash all season - and Achane delivered.
But Cincinnati answered quickly, and in style. Joe Burrow, looking to shake off what he himself called one of the worst performances of his career last week in Baltimore, found Tee Higgins in the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown.
And what a catch it was. Higgins, who just returned from concussion protocol, went up and got it, securing a much-needed momentum boost for a Bengals squad eager to put last week in the rearview.
It’s been a tough season for both teams - the Bengals sitting at 4-10, the Dolphins at 6-8 - and neither will be playing beyond Week 18. But don’t mistake that for a lack of effort. There’s pride on the line, and for players like Higgins, there’s also the matter of proving you’re still a difference-maker, even in a down year.
Higgins’ return is especially notable. After dealing with multiple stints in concussion protocol this season, he was cleared to play following evaluation by a top concussion specialist.
And just like that, he made his presence felt. For a Bengals offense that struggled mightily in their 24-0 loss to the Ravens, having Higgins back gives Burrow a trusted target - and a chance to reestablish some rhythm before the curtain drops on a disappointing campaign.
On the other sideline, the Dolphins made a significant change under center, benching Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers. It’s a bold move, but with the playoffs off the table, Miami is clearly using these final games to evaluate the future - and Ewers is getting his shot.
So while this game won’t shift the playoff picture, it’s far from meaningless. For young players like Achane and Ewers, it’s a stage to showcase potential. For veterans like Burrow and Higgins, it’s about pride, leadership, and setting a tone heading into the offseason.
And if the first quarter is any indication, neither team is mailing it in.