Bengals vs. Cowboys live blog, updates and game recap for ...

When the final gun sounded, the Cincinnati Bengals came away with a 27-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys that was arguably the most complete game of the season.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys are set to kick off their Week 14 showdown on Monday Night Football. Game time is set for 8:15 PM ET on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2. You can also stream the game online using ESPN+, which includes the Simpsons Funday Football broadcast.

We’ve heard the phrase ‘must-win’ throughout the season — that’s what an 0-3 start will do to ya — but this is really it. The Bengals can still theoretically win out, finish 9-8, and squeak into the NFL Playoffs with some help.

But for that miracle scenario to happen, it’s gotta be one win at a time starting tonight in Dallas. One more slip-up, and it’s curtains for good.

As usual, this will be a live blog we update throughout each quarter and ultimately becomes the full game recap, so follow along throughout the night, and join the discussion down in the comments section!

Oh, and as always, WHO DEY!!

First quarter

The Bengals started the game on offense but were quickly escorted off the field with a three-and-out. Then, it didn’t take long for quarterback Cooper Rush to make an impact. They started with a short field, and he was able to hit wide receiver CeeDee Lamb from 11 yards out as he absolutely left Mike Hilton in the dust on a corner route from the slot.

Cincinnati wasn’t going to let their star wide receiver be outdone, though. Ja’Marr Chase accounted for 33 yards on the 70-yard drive. That included a touchdown pass on an out-breaking route at the pylon that Joe Burrow threw before Chase even turned around. That knotted the game up at seven apiece.

Second quarter

The Cowboys had quite the drive going at the end of the first, and they started the second quarter at the Bengals 12-yard line. That is when disaster struck for them. Dallas was trying to run a rub route with Lamb running into safety Jordan Battle to free up the tight end on the wheel route.

It worked, except that Rush threw it to Lamb, who had collided with Battle. That created a tip drill where safety Geno Stone walked away with a diving interception. Cincinnati went on to fail to convert a 4th-and-3 just passed midfield.

That failed conversion — combined with a couple of decent runs from running back Rico Dowdle — set up a go-ahead field goal with just over six minutes left in the half.

Burrow wasn’t going to go into halftime down without a fight. He threw for 42 yards prior to hitting running back Chase Brown for a quick screen that he was able to pop free from and tightrope the sideline for a 19-yard score.

The Bengals defense finally got a stop on the next drive. Things seemed to be moving well with just under a minute left. They made it all the way to Dallas’ 22-yard line, but after a couple of missed shots to Chase near the end zone, they were forced to settle for a Cade York field goal to go up by seven with the Cowboys set to receive the ball to start the second half.

Third quarter

Dallas started the second half with a touchdown drive, capped off by Rush throwing a touchdown to Brandin Cooks from three yards out. Dawdle was responsible for the big play, a 27-yard run that set them up inside the red zone, tying the game at 17.

The Bengals had a promising drive ended with a diving interception of Burrow. He was trying to hit Chase on a deep crossing route, but the linebacker underneath backed into him limiting his range to make the catch. Cincinnati was in scoring range.

Fourth quarter

The following drive went all the way to Cincinnati’s 29, but Germaine Pratt helped sell a personal foul that cost Dallas 15 yards and derailed the drive. The Cowboys were able to make it back into field goal range to take a 20-17 lead.

Moving the ball hasn’t felt like an issue for the Bengals offense. Burrow has been able to cross midfield almost every drive. It has been making that play that gets them into at least field goal range.

On this drive, they got into field goal range. The touchdown eluded them after a pass intended for Tee Higgins in the end zone innocently flew up and out of his reach. The field goal tied the game at 20.

The defense had a moment to shine, with plenty of stops, including one where Cincinnati was at midfield before penalties derailed it. That is when this whole game took a turn. Stay with me here.

The Cowboys blocked the punt, which would have been a huge play for them. However, one of the return team members then touched the ball, making it recoverable by the Bengals. Pretty much like a muffed punt. They recovered it 24 yards down the field. A real Leon Lett moment.

Then Burrow connects with Chase, who breaks off a 40-yard touchdown to gain a touchdown lead.

The Cowboys then had a desperation drive, with Rush unable to get anything going. The Bengals went into the house that Jerry built, defeating the Cowboys.

This win still keeps the Bengals' playoff hopes in single digits. It keeps them from being mathematically eliminated. It is one of those games where you look at a fan and think, “Why couldn’t we have done this sooner?”

Still, it is fun to see Burrow and everyone on this team have good moments. Guys like him and Chase deserve these kinds of games. At least they were on the right side of one of these outrageous mistakes for a change.