Bengals running back Chase Brown celebrated a spectacular 19-yard catch-and-run by leaping into one of the oversized Salvation Army kettles behind the end zone. However, officials initially ruled he stepped out of bounds at the 3-yard line.
While still in the kettle, Brown questioned the call, and coach Zac Taylor challenged it on the sideline. After review, the Bengals won the challenge, confirming Brown stayed inbounds for the touchdown. This gave Cincinnati a 14-10 lead with 3:30 remaining in the second quarter. They added a field goal three minutes later to take a 17-10 halftime lead.
Cincinnati’s first touchdown came on a 5-yard connection between Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Cade York added a 37-yard field goal for the Cowboys just before halftime.
The Bengals dominated offensively, outgaining the Cowboys 240 to 157 and controlling possession for 17:07 in the first half. Burrow was sharp, completing 19-of-26 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns. Chase caught seven passes for 87 yards and a score, while Brown totaled 16 rushing yards on five carries and added 43 receiving yards with a touchdown on four catches.
For the Cowboys, Rico Dowdle led with 60 rushing yards on 10 carries. Quarterback Cooper Rush went 8-of-15 for 104 yards, throwing a touchdown to CeeDee Lamb, who caught four passes for 71 yards.
