The Cincinnati Bengals ended the Miami Dolphins’ three-game winning streak after a 27-15 victory in their Thursday Night Football encounter.
The matchup was a fantastic way to start Week 4 of the 2022 NFL season because the Bengals are the reigning AFC champions while the Dolphins were undefeated.
Both teams lived up to the hype until the Bengals launched a 13-0 fourth-quarter run to win their second game in four matches.
But on the macro level, Bengals cornerback Eli Apple was also victorious in his duel with All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill, when Bengals CB Eli Apple was the nearest defender: One catch on two targets for 7 yards.
(via NFL Next Gen Stats)
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 30, 2022
ESPN’s Ben Baby tweeted, “Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill, when Bengals CB Eli Apple was the nearest defender: One catch on two targets for 7 yards. (via NFL Next Gen Stats).”
In other words, Apple was able to shut down one of the best wideouts in the game when he was in his shadows.
Despite Apple’s success, Hill still had a big day with 10 receptions for 160 yards.
However, it was Apple who covered Hill during the fourth-down incompletion that ended Miami’s hopes.
The defensive back from Ohio State had one tackle and an assist for the Bengals.
How The Hill-Apple Beef Came To Be
Hill was still playing with the Kansas City Chiefs when they faced Apple and the Bengals in last season’s AFC Championship Game.
The Chiefs tried to add points before halftime, but Apple slammed Hill on the turf to end the second period.
That play proved to be the turning point as the Bengals dominated the Chiefs in the second half to book a spot in Super Bowl LVI.
Apple also called Hill “a baby” after that game.
A year later, Hill still has choice words for Apple even if he is now with the Dolphins.
Hill rekindled their beef by saying, “Looking forward to the challenge. It’s going to be fun. I know, and I can’t wait to go against Eli Apple, man. I owe you, boy. I owe you. I’m here. The cheetah is here.”
NEXT: The Bengals Are Finally Ready To Show Off Special New Uniforms