WATCH: Joe Burrow breaks his own Bengals franchise touchdown record vs Bills
The Cincinnati Bengals landed the first strike in their huge Monday Night matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals drew first blood on a 14-yard touchdown reception courtesy of wide receiver Tyler Boyd. And while that score gave Cincinnati the early lead, it also set a new season-high record for quarterback Joe Burrow. With that touchdown pass, Burrow breaks his previous career high of 34 touchdowns in a season, while simultaneously setting a new franchise high mark.
The score came on Cincinnati’s opening drive, giving them a 7-0 lead. With the touchdown happening so early in the game, that gives the former LSU Tigers Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback plenty of time to add to his new record in this game. And given how the close of the season is shaping up, Cincinnati’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens to end the season should allow for more touchdown passes for Burrow.
LSU enjoying ‘fruits of labor’ following Citrus Bowl blowout over Purdue
It was all LSU in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Monday, defeating Purdue 63-7. The win was the largest margin of victory in a bowl game in LSU history and earned Brian Kelly a 10-win season during his first year as head coach.
“They’ve committed to [winning] for the last few weeks and put themselves in a position to play really well today. I’m just proud of their commitment to LSU football, their commitment to wanting to be better in 2023 than we were in 2022, so this this is all about the players they played well today,” Kelly said during postgame celebrations.
“Hats go off to Purdue. They obviously competed today, and we wish them the best moving forward. But this was about LSU today and the way these kids prepared,” Kelly said during the postgame celebration.
Malik Nabers was named Citrus Bowl MVP for his efforts on offense. His nine receptions went for 163 yards and a touchdown – he also had two completions and a passing touchdown. After the game, he couldn’t say enough great things about his head coach, saying he’s helped the team create winning habits that will help build the team toward greater heights.