Entering Week 15 of the 2023 NFL season, a glut of six teams in the AFC sit tied at 7-6 in the AFC. The first of those teams to see the field this weekend? The Cincinnati Bengals, who hosted the similarly-suited Minnesota Vikings, with their own 7-6 record.
While the Bengals began the day on the outside looking in at the playoff picture, due to tiebreakers, Cincinnati pulled off a dramatic comeback win by a final score of 27-24. Not only did the Bengals score late in regulation to force overtime, but a fourth-down stop of a Nick Mullens QB sneak gave the Bengals an extra possession, and a chance at the eventual game-winning field goal.
But it is the touchdown to force overtime, on a throw from Jake Browning to Tee Higgins, that is our focus here. And with good reason. Not only did it come with under a minute remaining, but it is a Catch-of-the-Year candidate:
Browning gets flushed out of the pocket and too his right, and just lofts a throw in the general direction of Higgins. Somehow the receiver not only gets in position to make the catch — which is impressive enough — but he has the spatial awareness to blindly stretch the ball out for the front pylon, finishing the play for the score.
Here is another look at this incredible play from the Bengals:
Should Cincinnati go on to clinch a playoff spot down the stretch, the team — and their fans — will likely look at this moment as essential to that effort.
