The Bengals clinched a trip to their first AFC Championship in 33 years with a wild finish against the Titans. With the game tied at 16 and only 34 seconds left, Tennessee had the ball and a chance to win. But on a short pass, the ball deflected off the receiver and was picked off by Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson. The Bengals bench exploded. In just one play after the interception, Joe Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase wide open to get them into field goal range. It was everything the Titans couldn’t do just moments before.
Evan McPherson calmly warmed up by the heater, looking unfazed. He had already nailed three game-winners that season. On the sideline, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel tried to gather himself, calling a timeout as the game slipped away. Burrow used the time to sneak in a few more yards, then left it to McPherson. When the rookie kicker lined up, everyone knew what was coming. He drilled the 52-yarder, and one Bengal started celebrating even before it went through. He didn’t even need to watch it. He just turned and hugged a teammate.
Burrow hugged the coach, gave a quick nod, and walked off. No drama, no hype, just another game-winning drive. The Bengals move on. The Titans are left stunned.