Imagine the thrill of redemption on the gridiron—Joe Burrow, once struggling with injuries and subpar performances, erupts in a dazzling display that reminds fans why football ignites such passion! But here's where it gets controversial: Is this resurgence enough to salvage a disappointing season for the Bengals, or does it merely highlight what could have been? Dive in as we break down the Bengals' decisive 45-21 victory over the Miami Dolphins on December 21, 2025, packed with stats, standout plays, and the kind of drama that keeps you glued to the game. And this is the part most people miss: Even with playoff hopes dashed, both teams brought intensity that begs the question—why bother when the stakes are gone? Let's explore it all, clarifying the finer points for newcomers to the NFL scene.
The action unfolded in Miami Gardens, Florida, where Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow proved he's back in the groove. After admitting in recent weeks that football wasn't feeling fun amid an injury-filled year—culminating in a lackluster outing against Baltimore—Burrow lit up the scoreboard with 309 passing yards and four touchdowns. For beginners, that means he threw the ball accurately and effectively, racking up points for his team in a big way.
“I'm not one to enjoy sitting it out on the sidelines, rehabbing endlessly—that's not the point of this game,” Burrow shared post-game with a grin. “This right here, the rush of play, that's what it's all about.” It was a stark contrast to his earlier shutout (zero scores, for those new to the lingo), and the Bengals delivered one of their most polished performances of the season, despite no playoff skin in the game. Both Miami (at 6-9) and Cincinnati (5-10) had been officially out of contention the previous week, yet both squads insisted they were still fired up for the season's final trio of matchups.
“This is our reality right now,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor explained thoughtfully. “We focus on what we can influence. Come season's end, we'll look back and pinpoint what needs tweaking.”
The Bengals seized control after halftime, jumping from a 17-14 lead to a blowout by capitalizing on four consecutive Dolphins turnovers—think fumbles and interceptions that handed the ball right to Cincinnati. Burrow dominated Miami's defense, connecting on 25 of 32 passes for a stellar 146.5 passer rating (a statistic that measures a quarterback's efficiency, with 150 being elite level). He exited early in the fourth quarter, handing off to veteran Joe Flacco. One highlight encapsulated his day: dodging pressure and firing an improvised throw across his body to a wide-open Drew Sample, paving the way for Samaje Perine's 4-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter.
“That felt like pure football magic,” Burrow noted. “We've got to ride this momentum into the next games.”
Two of his scoring strikes found running back Chase Brown, from 9 and 5 yards out. Brown wasn't done, adding a 12-yard rushing touchdown and totaling 66 yards on the ground plus 43 receiving. Remarkably, all three of Brown's touchdowns came in the third quarter alone, marking him as the season's first player to achieve that feat in a single period.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase hauled in nine catches for 109 yards, while Tee Higgins showcased his athleticism with a flashy 9-yard touchdown reception in the opening frame. Even former Dolphin Mike Gesicki chimed in with a 17-yard touchdown grab, celebrating with the Griddy dance right in front of his old teammates—a fun nod to his history with Miami.
On the Dolphins' side, linebacker Bradley Chubb urged accountability. “We've been stuck in this rut all year,” he said. “It's time to elevate our game and find solutions in these last two games.” Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, making his debut start, kicked things off strong with two scoring drives but faltered with two interceptions, leading to Miami's scoreless second half—this marked the second week in a row the Dolphins were shut out after halftime.
“I stayed composed and eager for the chance,” Ewers reflected. “I understood the playbook well and felt the team's support. I was pumped to return to the field.” The seventh-round draft pick from Texas, who had mostly simulated opponents during practices, completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel benched starter Tua Tagovailoa after last week's interception-heavy loss to Pittsburgh (where Tua reached 15 league-leading picks) and turned to Ewers for fresh energy.
Ewers shone early, going 10-for-12 in the first half with sharp play-action decisions. But here's where it gets controversial: Was benching Tua Tagovailoa, the 2023 passing leader who signed a massive four-year, $212.4 million deal in 2024, the smart move? Some argue it was overdue, given his struggles, while others see it as a risky gamble with a rookie who's barely practiced with starters. Imagine if this sparks a full-on QB carousel in Miami—do you think McDaniel's bold choice will pay off long-term, or is it just short-term desperation? Tagovailoa, once a star, now sits as the emergency third-stringer behind Ewers and veteran Zach Wilson.
Injuries added to the storyline: Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II exited with an illness, and tight end Cam Grandy left due to a left clavicle issue, both in the second half. For the Dolphins, wide receiver Dee Eskridge departed in the third quarter with a toe problem.
Looking ahead, the Bengals host Arizona next Sunday, while the Dolphins welcome Tampa Bay.
This game was more than just stats—it raised eyebrows about team motivations when playoffs are out of reach. Do teams owe it to fans to play hard regardless, or is coasting acceptable in blowouts? And on the Dolphins' QB situation, is starting an inexperienced rookie a bold innovation or a sign of deeper issues? Share your thoughts in the comments: Agree that Burrow's revival changes everything for Cincinnati, or disagree that benching Tua was fair play? Let's discuss!
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