The Cincinnati Bengals cruised to a 22-7 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, behind a spectacular performance from A.J. Green. Stats & Info breaks down the win for the Bengals.
Green could not be stopped
After totaling 10 receptions in Weeks 2 and 3 combined, both Bengals losses, Green was targeted early and often. Green had 123 yards at halftime, most by any player in a first half this season.
He finished catching 10 of 11 passes thrown his way for 173 yards and a touchdown, while also converting six first downs. It was Green's fifth-most yards in a single game since gaining 227 yards last season against the Baltimore Ravens.
Green allowed Andy Dalton to stretch the field Thursday, averaging more than three times as many air yards per pass compared to his teammates.
Through four games, Green has the third (180) and fifth (173) most receiving yards in a game this season. According to research by Elias Sports Bureau, he and Dalton have the second-most yards by a quarterback/receiver duo, who were drafted in the same year by the same team, since 1980 (6,257). Only the duo of Dan Marino and Mark Clayton combined for more yards (8,469).
Dolphins lose early rhythm
The Dolphins struck quickly, scoring in just two plays on their first drive, but could not take advantage of the Cincinnati's standard defense. They failed to score on their last 10 possessions after the touchdown on the opening drive.
Tannehill was 13-of-23 for 104 yards, an interception and five sacks when facing four or fewer pass rushers. When facing five or more rushers, Tannehill was 2-of-2 for 85 yards and a touchdown
Thursday night was the fourth instance this season of a team allowing at least five sacks against standard pressure, the Dolphins have had two of them (also allowed five sacks against Seattle). Tannehill has been sacked five times in a game 13 times since he came into the NFL, the most of any QB over that span.
This is the third season in his five-year career that Tannehill has started under .500 through the first four games.