Bengals’ Kirkpatrick makes dubious NFL history

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick made NFL history Sunday in the 20-17 victory at Denver.

He wishes that wasn’t the case.

Kirkpatrick’s 101-yard interception return was the longest one ever that did not result in a touchdown. The only reason it didn’t produce points is because he dropped the ball while looking back to see if anyone was gaining on him.

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“They were coming from both ends.” Kirkpatrick said. (Emmanuel) Sanders and (Demaryius) Thomas were coming. I tried to catch the ball and I thought they poked it out. I have to hold on to the ball. I didn’t know where they were at, it was just an act of the moment. I have to hold on to the ball, no excuses for it. I have to put that in.”

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After losing control of the ball at the 11, Kirkpatrick was able to recover the fumble at the 1, and the Bengals scored the first points of the game three plays later when Andy Dalton hit Tyler Kroft for his first of three touchdown passes.

It was Kirkpatrick's first interception of the season and 10th of his career, three of which have come against the Broncos. Had he held on to the ball and reached the end zone, it would have been his third career pick-6 and second against Denver.

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Kirkpatrick returned a Peyton Manning interception 30 yards for a touchdown in a 38-27 Bengals win in 2014.

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