A pair of former NC State teammates helped the Bengals score the game’s first takeaway, when BJ Hill fended off a defensive tackle from Daniel Jones late in the first quarter and linebacker Germaine Pratt corralled the interception at Cincinnati’s three-yard line. It was Pratt’s first pick of the season and his third win, recovering a fumble in Week 2 at Kansas City and in overtime against Baltimore last week.

Pratt now has six career interceptions, which ranks fourth among all NFL linebackers since his 2021 first-round pick.

Hill, who spent his first three professional seasons (2018-20) with the Giants, finished the night with seven tackles.

Burrow bought time in the pocket, finding receiver Ja’Marr Chase downfield for a 33-yard throw and catch midway through the third quarter. It was Cincinnati’s longest pass of the night and marked Chase’s sixth reception of more than 30 yards this season.

Chase’s catch set up a 37-yard field goal by Evan McPherson eight plays later, giving the Bengals a 10–7 lead.