CINCINNATI — For most of the game, A.J. Green piled up more yards than the entire Dolphins offense in a virtuoso performance.
The Bengals receiver followed his disappointing game with a dominating one — 173 yards and a touchdown — and a Cincinnati defense that was inspired by Vontaze Burfict’s return clamped down on the Dolphins for a 22-7 victory Thursday night.
The Bengals (2-2) rebounded from a 29-17 home loss to Denver on Sunday with a solid all-around game against a depleted team.
Green led the way, beating the Dolphins (1-3) on every type of route. He was upset with himself after he dropped a pivotal third-down pass and failed to make an impact against the Broncos.
“I hold myself to a very high standard,” said Green, who had 10 catches. “I know what I’m capable of. Last week I didn’t perform to that level. I had to refocus on a short week.”
During the first three quarters, Green had 166 yards on catches while Miami had 152 total yards.
“Any time he was one-on-one, he was able to make the play,” Andy Dalton said.
The Bengals’ season-long problem of stalling out near the goal line forced them to settle for Mike Nugent’s season-high five field goals.
The Dolphins were missing four starting offensive linemen, two linebackers, running back Arian Foster and tight end Jordan Cameron. They had one big play — Ryan Tannehill threw a 74-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Stills — but couldn’t do anything else on offense.
“We’ve got to get it fixed and quick, and by that I mean Monday,” Tannehill said. “We’re kind of in a dark spot right now. It’s squarely on our shoulders.”