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Pyramid Hill lights up
Defense dominates in first tie since '02
- COMMENT: How should the NFL handle overtime?
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Monday, November 17, 2008
CINCINNATI — If a tie is like kissing your sister, then the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles should pucker up.
They argued for 75 minutes and couldn't resolve their differences. The only accomplishment was a piece of history after they battled to a 13-13 tie in front of 64,633 spectators at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 16.
It was the first tie in the NFL since Nov. 10, 2002, when Pittsburgh and Atlanta fought to a 34-34 deadlock.
Cincinnati's Shayne Graham entered the game as the third-most accurate kicker in NFL history. But his 47-yard field goal attempt slithered wide right with 0:07 remaining in the 15-minute overtime, and the Bengals were forced to settle for only the second tie in the club's 41-year history.
The Bengals' only previous tie came against the Houston Oilers, 31-31, at the Astrodome on Nov. 9, 1969.
"When guys play as hard as they did and you don't get the win, it's a tough one on our players," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "It's unfortunate with the way they fought their tails off that they don't get the victory. Everybody looks at the last field goal, but we had many opportunities."
The Bengals reached Philadelphia territory on nine of their 18 possessions, but scored only one touchdown and two field goals.
Star of the game
Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught 12 passes for 149 yards (12.4) and one TD — a 26-yard pass from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick — to push his season totals to 73 receptions for 726 yards and 4 TDs. He's on pace for 117 catches and 1,162 yards.
Goat of the game
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, along with several teammates, didn't know an NFL regular-season game could end in a tie.
"I never even knew that was in the rule book," McNabb said. "I was looking forward to getting the opportunity to get out there and try to drive to win the game. But unfortunately, with the rules, we settled with a tie."
You seriously didn't know there are ties in the NFL?
"No, I didn't know that," he added. "I guess we're aware of it now."
Turning point
Safety Chris Crocker's interception and 22-yard return gave the Bengals possession at their 44-yard line at 3:43 of the third quarter. But they turned the ball over on downs and couldn't add to their 13-10 lead.
Quote machine
"I've never been in a tie, so I don't know how this works in the standings. I know it's not good enough. We need wins and this is not a win." — Eagles coach Andy Reid.
Comments
By islebfrank
November 18, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
That’s 3.5 hours I’ll never get back! I would have rather seen the Bengals lose than leave this unfinished business.
If baseball never has a tie, and they play 162 games a season, then there is no excuse for the NFL stopping a game before there is a winner!
By Gravdigr
November 17, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Ties are lame for the reasons posted above. Something needs to be done. I’m not sure that a faceoff with kickers is the answer. Eventually someone is going to get tired. Let it go 8 quarters. The team with the most heart will win, it may not necessarily be the best team on the field, but it will be the team that deserves it.
Btw, pittsburgh is coming, I can’t wait. Always a knock down drag out fight no matter what the stats say.
BTW I am a steelers fan, and I still fear bengals games.
By John
November 17, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Overtime is “handled” OK. just as it is. Perhaps all the players should be told how it is “handled”. Ties are just a part of the game. Each team should play in such a way so as to avoid a tie.
By Ted
November 17, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
To “Finish It” - on a humorous note, baseball only does it if it’s not an Allstar Game lol. But we definitely need to have a clear winner in any game with professional athletes!
By Cait
November 17, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Institute the rule the high schools and college have, but start the pros at the 40 yard line. At three OTs, they have to go for 2 if they school at TD. A hockey format could be interesting. Play a sudden death OT, as they do now, and if it’s tied at the end, then go to a shootout - each kicker starting from the 20 or 25 and moving back 5 yards until one misses.
By Michael
November 17, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
I hate the idea of ties, but I somehow thought it was poetic in this type of a season for the Bengals.
By sam
November 17, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Philly was lucky to have escaped with a tie..Cincy’s defense was tight…except for getting some dammm sacks…another year of spoiling some teams playoff chances,..Bring on Pittsburgh…
By Bryan
November 17, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
No tie! These are professional athletes. The money they are being paid, and the money it costs people to go see the games, there should be a clear winner at the end of the game. If that game ends up taking all night, then I guess the players get to sleep in the next day, but it needs to be finished.
By Finish It
November 17, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Play til there is a winner!! Baseball does it.