CINCINNATI — Two drives, two offensive touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati opened Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills with back-to-back scoring drives. Running back Joe Mixon got into the end zone on a 2-yard run to put the Bengals up 14-7 with 35 seconds left in the first quarter.
Two drives, two @Bengals TDs!
This time it’s Joe Mixon 🐅
📺: #BUFvsCIN on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/T6GLEfxpQv pic.twitter.com/XnelXsDReq— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2023
Mixon’s score came after tight end Irv Smith Jr. caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Burrow to open the scoring in the first quarter of the prime-time contest at Paycor Stadium. It was Smith’s second reception in as many plays. He hauled in an 11-yard pass to get the Bengals in a goal-to-go situation on the opening drive.
Through the first seven games, Smith had 10 catches for 57 yards and had missed a couple of games with a hamstring injury. Cincinnati also signed tight end Tanner Hudson to the 53-man roster this week after spending the season on the practice squad.
It was Smith’s first touchdown since he signed a one-year deal with the Bengals this past offseason.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Cincinnati has scored a touchdown on its opening drive in four straight games, the longest current streak in the NFL this season.
6-for-6
65 yards
TDPerfect opening drive for @JoeyB 🐅
📺: #BUFvsCIN on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/T6GLEfxpQv pic.twitter.com/Gc6TENsuHw— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2023