This game was definitely going to be a defensive struggle as two decentoffenses were facing two excellent defenses. One break for either teamwas probably going to decide the game. The first half reinforced thesepredictions: a 0-0 tie. Each team managed drives into opposing territoryonly to be thwarted by good defense and FG kickers with limited range.Things turned quickly in the second half. Will Ellison fumbled at the LA44 on the Rams' first possession. The Bengals made one first down andwere fortunate to kick a 41 yard FG. But there was a penalty on that FG- defensive holding, first down Cincy. Lenvil Elliot took a handoff onthe next play and scampered 19 yards for the 7-0 lead. After the kickthe Rams faced a 3rd and 7 and Ken Riley came up with the big pick and a22 yard return to the LA 9. Anderson passed twice and found Trumpy onthe second attempt for the 14-0 lead. In less than 90 secs the game wentfrom a scoreless tie to a 14-0 lead for the Bengals.
The 4th quarter saw a 3rd Bengal TD after a failed 4th down attempt byLA near midfield. The Rams managed a FG and a TD on two nice drives overtheir next two possessions but it was too little, too late. Cincy willplay the winner of 67 Baltimore or 67 NYJ and I believe LA faces the loser.
-contributed by Wayne Poniewaz-
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