Philly/Cincy Earn First Tie of Season

BENGALS 13
EAGLES 13

You know you're bad when you struggle to win games like the Bengals have all year. You know you're bad, when your quarterback gives you headaches, as Eagle fans can attest about their quarterback, Donavan McNabb.

Perhaps it is fitting that the Bengals and Eagles finished in the first tie of the 2008 season. The tie marked the first in the NFL since the Falcons and Steelers tied in a game in the 2002 season.

The Eagles did everything they could to lose this game. McNabb threw three interceptions and even fumbled a ball that set up the Bengals first score of the day. As for the Bengals, Ryan Fitzpatrick and receiver T.J. Houshmanzadeh had career days. Late in the second quarter, Fitzpatrick found Houshmanzedeh wide open in the end zone for a 26 yard touchdown, giving Cincinnati a 10-3 lead before half time.

The Eagles would not go away. McNabb led Philly back. In the third, McNabb hit L.J. Smith from four yards out to get Philly to within three points, 13-10. Late in the fourth, McNabb orchestrated a 13 play drive with his arm and legs to get the Eagles to within field goal range at the Bengal 19. David Akers connected on a 27 yard field goal to tie it at 13.

In overtime, no one wanted to win the game. Both teams exchanged punt after punt after punt with no results. Finally, the Bengals seemed to be on pace to win the game. Fitzpatrick hit Houshmanzadeh down the middle for 10 yards. There was an additonal 15 added because of a roughing the passer penalty on Phialdephia. The Bengals set up for the field goal, but kicker Shane Graham missed it wide right with 13 seconds to go.

McNabb then heaved up a Hail Mary with seven seconds to go, but the ball was knocked down to preserve the tie.

The Eagles fall to 5-4-1 on the season. The Bengals fall to 1-8-1.