Perine rushes for 113 yards as Bengals beat Titans 39-25

Cincinnati, OH - Samaje Perine rushed for a game-high 113 yards and Cincinnati scored touchdowns on all five of its red-zone trips as the Bengals defeated the Tennessee Titans 39-25 in Week 8.

Cincinnati built an advantage and maintained its separation through a productive afternoon from an offense that finished with 411 offensive yards. Tennessee generated 396 offensive yards and repeatedly applied pressure, but the Bengals had an answer often enough to finish with a two-touchdown margin.

The result extended Tennessee's losing streak to four games. The Titans arrived in Cincinnati having dropped three straight, and another solid offensive total was not enough to stop the slide.

Perine supplied the game's most productive rushing performance, carrying 18 times and breaking a game-long 32-yard run. His 113 yards were part of a Cincinnati ground game that accumulated 163 yards, and he also scored one of the Bengals' five red-zone touchdowns.

"I liked the way we stayed committed to it," Perine said. "When you keep getting opportunities, you want every carry to move the offense in the right direction. We had a good balance, and finishing our red-zone possessions was a big part of the day."

Cincinnati's quarterback combination was efficient throughout the game. Joe Burrow completed 18 of 21 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown, posting a 116.8 passer rating. Joe Flacco added 75 yards and a touchdown on 8-of-12 passing, giving the Bengals 248 passing yards as a team.

Burrow spread his completions across a controlled passing attack rather than relying on downfield strikes. His longest completion went for 15 yards, yet Cincinnati continued to move the ball and converted nine of its 13 third-down opportunities. The Bengals also went 2-for-2 on fourth down.

"We didn't have to chase the big play," Burrow said. "The throws were there underneath, the run game was producing, and we stayed efficient. Going five-for-five in the red zone is the kind of finishing you want to see."

Ja'Marr Chase caught six passes for 46 yards and a touchdown, while Erick All Jr recorded a seven-yard touchdown reception. Darius Slayton led all receivers with 75 yards, providing Cincinnati's largest receiving total in a game where the Bengals leaned on distribution and sustained efficiency.

The red-zone numbers created the sharpest statistical contrast. Cincinnati turned each of its five trips inside the 20 into touchdowns. Tennessee made four red-zone trips, scoring three touchdowns and kicking one field goal. Neither team came away empty on those possessions, but the Bengals consistently finished with seven points.

Tennessee divided its passing work between Cam Ward and Mitchell Trubisky. Ward completed 10 of 18 passes for a team-high 133 yards and a touchdown, while Trubisky went 11 of 17 for 108 yards and a touchdown. Trubisky also produced the game's longest completion at 28 yards.

Nick Singleton was Tennessee's leading rusher with 87 yards on 12 carries, including a 30-yard run. Calvin Ridley caught four passes for 39 yards and a touchdown, and Ja'Tavion Sanders added three receptions for 34 yards and a score. Chimere Dike led the Titans with 55 receiving yards on two catches, including the game's longest reception at 28 yards.

"There were stretches where we moved the ball the way we wanted," Ward said. "But when the other team puts up 39, you know there are more points you have to find. We have to take the production we had and turn it into a better result."

The teams were separated by only 15 offensive yards, with Cincinnati holding a 411-396 edge. Tennessee actually recorded one more first down, 20-19, and converted six of 11 third downs along with two of three fourth downs. Cincinnati's conversion rates were stronger, however, and its perfect red-zone touchdown mark stood out in a game featuring plenty of offense on both sides.

There were no interceptions despite four quarterbacks combining for 59 pass attempts. Tennessee recorded three sacks, while Cincinnati finished with one. The Bengals nevertheless continued creating broad separation on the scoreboard and closed out a 39-point performance at home.

For Cincinnati, the victory paired balance with precision: 248 passing yards, 163 rushing yards and touchdowns on every red-zone possession. Tennessee left with its fourth consecutive defeat despite producing 396 offensive yards and touchdowns from both of its quarterbacks.

Up Next

The Bengals will travel to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 looking to build on the victory. Tennessee will return home for its next game, hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10.