Dre Kirkpatrick Shines for Bengals in Win Over Broncos

In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected former Alabama corner Dre Kirkpatrick in the 1st round. Since then, many have been unimpressed by Kirkpatrick's performance with the Bengals, with some even calling him a bust.  However, when his team needed him the most, Kirkpatrick made two plays that sent the Bengals to the postseason on dramatic fashion.

The Bengals hosted the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football for Week 16.  Cincinnati needed the win to secure a playoff berth, while the Broncos could still win the first-overall seed for the AFC.  After holding a 20-7 lead at halftime, the Bengals found their lead at just 30-28 in the 4th quarter.

That's when Dre Kirkpatrick began the best night of his professional career.  As the Broncos were trying to establish a drive, Kirkpatrick intercepted Broncos QB Peyton Manning and returned the pick 30 yards for a touchdown that put his team up 9 points with just 2:41 left to play.

That would have been enough for most teams to claim the win, but the Broncos do not go away easily.  As Manning and his team were driving to try to close the score to a one-possession game, Kirkpatrick made another play. With just 1:07 left, the former Bama DB made a sideline interception that was held up after review.  The Bengals were able to run out the clock and claim a 37-28 victory that earned them a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive season.

Kirkpatrick has just 3 INTs on the year, but they have all come in the last two games and have helped the Bengals in a crucial time.  His time with the team has not been ideal, but tonight Kirkpatrick showed his value to Cincinnati when they needed him the most.