Cincinnati Bengals Tickets - Grief Punctuated By Loss

The Cincinnati Bengals definitely needed a pick-me-up coming into their game versus

the San Diego Chargers during Week 15 play, but they got just the opposite in a 27-24 loss. The team had an unexpected blow leading up to the game against the Chargers with the death of wide receiver Chris Henry.

Obviously hurting, the players tried to focus and almost succeeded in taking home the win. That fighting spirit has gotten them to the top of the AFC North, also making Cincinnati Bengals tickets popular. Fans can get theirs online.

Despite the tragedy, the game between the Bengals and Chargers already held importance for both teams. A win would push either team closer toward a secured playoff bid. The Chargers struck first in their opening drive, with Antonio Gates nabbing a three-yard touchdown pass from Philip Rivers. The Bengals moved the score to 7-3 with a 26-yard field goal by Shayne Graham later in the first quarter.

The game moved in the Bengals' favor early in the second quarter when Chad Ochocinco had an impressive 49-yard touchdown catch from Carson Palmer. The Chargers didn't let the lead last long, as Philip Rivers connected with Vincent Jackson on a 21-yard touchdown pass. Graham had a second field goal before the half to bring the score to 14-13 in the Chargers' favor.

The Chargers widened their lead in the third quarter, first when Rivers hit Vincent Jackson with a 34-yard touchdown pass. Nate Kaeding added a field goal before the end of the quarter. Now down 24-13, the Bengals were primed for a comeback, and they provided early in the fourth quarter. After a fortuitous interception, Palmer connected with Laveranues Coles, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Another field goal by Graham tied the game at 24. The game looked like it was headed into overtime, but Chargers' Kaeding kicked a 52-yard field goal with only three seconds left to hand the Bengals a heart-wrenching loss.

Even with the loss fresh on their minds, Cincinnati Bengals players weren't focused on the outcome following the game. Instead, they were consumed with grieving the loss of a friend. Henry's death was unexpected, as he fell out of the back of a pickup truck after what authorities are calling a domestic dispute with his fiance. He subsequently died of blunt force trauma. Henry had struggled with problems in the past, including run-ins with the law, but he was turning his life around in the months leading up to his untimely passing.

Ochocinco wanted to wear Henry's jersey during the game, which would have brought him a fine from the NFL. Some accused Ochocinco of trying to bring attention to himself during the situation, which is why he changed his mind. He said that was far from his intention, and according to the Bengals' website, Ochocinco said, "It's an empty feeling. I don't think lot of people understand. It was bigger than football with me and him. That's the kind of relationship he and I had. I can't even explain it. You have somebody like that you take under your wing for five years and see him turn the right way, it's hard. Like a brother."

by: Brent Warnken

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