Aug 11, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Joe Mixon had an impressive NFL debut, rushing for 31 yards on six carries and eluding three would-be tacklers for an 11-yard reception in a 23-12 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a preseason opener Friday night at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Jeremy Hill, who is coming off two subpar seasons, rushed for 26 yards on seven carries behind a revamped Bengals offensive line that has three new starters.
Jameis Winston was impressive in two series for the Bucs, finishing 9-of-13 passing for 99 yards. Mike Evans had four catches for 58 yards.
Bengals third-string quarterback Jeff Driskel rushed for a team-leading 36 yards in the second half, including an 18-yard touchdown. He was 8-of-9 passing for 97 yards.
49ers 27, Chiefs 17
Austin Calitro forced a fumble in the fourth quarter, setting up San Francisco’s winning touchdown drive against Kansas City.
Calitro, signed four days ago after Malcolm Smith suffered a season-ending torn pectoral muscle, delivered a hit on Marcus Kemp to force the turnover with 13:09 left. D.J. Jones recovered the loose ball.
Rookie C.J. Beathard led a five-play, 23-yard drive after the turnover, finding Tyler McCloskey for a 2-yard touchdown pass to put the 49ers up 24-17. Beathard, who rallied the 49ers from a 17-9 deficit, finished his pro debut 7-of-11 passing for 101 yards and two touchdowns.
Alex Smith delivered a quick start for the Chiefs, marching the team downfield on an eight-play, 75-yard drive in his only series.
Steelers 20, Giants 12
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.– Rookie Josh Dobbs converted two turnovers into 10 points as Pittsburgh beat New York at MetLife Stadium.
Dobbs finished 8 of 15 for 100 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Mike Nugent gave the Giants the lead with his 45-yard field goal in the third quarter, but not for long after the Steelers converted after another Giants turnover. Arthur Moats picked off Geno Smith’s pass intended for Travis Rudolph to help set the stage for a 37-yard field goal to give Pittsburgh a 13-12 lead.
The Steelers increased their lead to 20-12 with 12:56 left in the fourth quarter on a 15-yard touchdown run by rookie Terrell Watson.
