Highlights Montage from December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals

December is make-or-break time in the NFL, and for the Cincinnati Bengals, the month’s games delivered no shortage of drama, clutch plays, and memorable moments that would fill any highlight reel. From last-second wins to dominant defensive stands, the Bengals’ December stretch wasn’t just about securing playoff positioning—it was about showcasing the team’s heart, skill, and ability to perform when the stakes were highest. Whether it was Joe Burrow’s precision passing, Joe Mixon’s hard-nosed runs, or the defense’s game-sealing stops, each game added new clips to a montage that reflects why the Bengals remain AFC contenders. Highlights Montage from December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals walks through the most iconic moments of the month, breaking down what made them stand out and how they fueled the team’s late-season momentum.

The first standout moment in the December montage comes from the Bengals’ Week 14 matchup against the Cleveland Browns—a divisional rivalry game that went down to the wire. Trailing 17-14 with 23 seconds left and no timeouts, Burrow led a 58-yard drive that ended with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Trenton Irwin, who had stepped in for the injured Ja’Marr Chase. The play was a masterclass in poise: Burrow evaded a Browns pass rusher, stepped up in the pocket, and dropped a perfect spiral into Irwin’s hands in the end zone, just as two defenders closed in. The Paycor Stadium crowd erupted, and Irwin’s celebration—sprinting to the stands to high-five fans—became an instant viral moment. “That’s why you play this game—for moments like that,” Burrow said after the game. The drive, which included three completions of 15+ yards, wasn’t just a win—it was a statement that the Bengals could thrive even without their top receiver. Highlights Montage from December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals emphasizes that this last-second touchdown isn’t just a highlight; it’s a reminder of the Bengals’ never-quit attitude.

No December highlight montage would be complete without the Bengals’ dominant defensive performance in Week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens. After a slow start, the defense took over in the second half, recording three sacks, two interceptions, and a crucial goal-line stand that kept the Ravens out of the end zone with less than two minutes left. The stand’s defining play came from safety Dax Hill, who intercepted Lamar Jackson’s pass in the end zone, leaping over a Ravens receiver to secure the pick. The play was followed by a fist pump from Hill and a roar from the defense, which had spent the game disrupting Jackson’s rhythm with blitzes and tight coverage. Earlier in the game, defensive end Sam Hubbard recorded a sack that forced a fumble, which was recovered by defensive tackle D.J. Reader—setting up a Bengals touchdown. The defense’s effort held the Ravens to just 10 second-half points, turning a 14-10 deficit into a 24-17 win. “Our defense showed up when we needed them most,” head coach Zac Taylor said. Highlights Montage from December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals highlights that this defensive showcase wasn’t just about stops—it was about changing the game’s momentum and proving the Bengals could shut down one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.

Another key clip in the Cincinnati Bengals’ December montage is Joe Mixon’s breakout performance in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the Bengals leaning on the run game to compensate for Chase’s absence, Mixon rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown, including a 32-yard run in the third quarter that broke multiple tackles and set up the Bengals’ go-ahead score. The run was vintage Mixon: he started left, cut back right to avoid a Steelers defender, then used his strength to push through two more tacklers before being brought down near the Steelers’ 10-yard line. The play not only shifted momentum but also showcased Mixon’s versatility—his ability to be both a power runner and a playmaker who can break long gains. “Mixon was the engine today,” Burrow said. “When he’s rolling like that, it opens everything up for us.” The Cincinnati Bengals’ run game finished with 132 yards that day, a season high against the Steelers, and Mixon’s touchdown—a 1-yard plunge in the fourth quarter—sealed the 20-17 win. Highlights Montage from December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals shows that Mixon’s December surge wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a critical part of the Bengals’ offensive strategy, proving they could win with a balanced attack.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ December montage also includes a feel-good moment from Week 14: rookie wide receiver Charlie Jones’ first NFL touchdown. With the Bengals leading the Browns 7-6 in the second quarter, Jones lined up in the slot, ran a quick out route, and caught a 5-yard pass from Burrow, then fought through a tackle to cross the goal line. Jones’ celebration—jumping into the arms of his teammates—reflected the joy of a young player realizing a lifelong dream, and it also highlighted the Bengals’ depth, as Jones had stepped in to fill a role left by injured receivers. “That touchdown meant everything to me,” Jones said after the game. “This team has trusted me, and I wanted to pay that trust back.” The play wasn’t just a milestone for Jones; it was a reminder of the Bengals’ ability to develop young talent and integrate them into the offense when needed. The Cincinnati Bengals’ coaching staff had praised Jones’ work ethic in practice, and his December performance—including 10 catches for 120 yards across three games—proved he was ready for the moment. Highlights Montage from December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals underscores that this rookie touchdown is more than a highlight; it’s a sign of the Bengals’ future, even as they compete for a title in the present.

The final clip in the Cincinnati Bengals’ December highlight montage comes from the closing seconds of Week 16 against the Steelers: a game-sealing field goal by Evan McPherson. With the score tied 17-17 and 11 seconds left, McPherson stepped onto the field to attempt a 45-yard field goal—his longest of the season. The snap was clean, the hold was perfect, and the ball sailed through the uprights as time expired, giving the Bengals a 20-17 win. McPherson’s calm demeanor—he stood watching the ball with his hands on his hips before celebrating—was a stark contrast to the chaos around him, and it recalled his clutch performances in past playoff runs. The kick capped off a month where McPherson went 9-for-10 on field goals, including three game-winners. “Evan is the best in the business at staying cool under pressure,” Taylor said. The Cincinnati Bengals’ December success often relied on McPherson’s leg, and his Week 16 kick was the perfect ending to a month of resilience. Highlights Montage from December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals concludes that these December highlights aren’t just individual moments—they’re pieces of a larger story: a team that overcame injuries, embraced depth, and found ways to win when it mattered most. As the Bengals head into the playoffs, this montage serves as a reminder of what they’re capable of—and why they’re a team no opponent wants to face.