Around the NFL

Neil deGrasse Tyson: Earth's rotation helped Cincy win

Published: Oct 12, 2015 at 02:08 AM

Kevin Patra

Senior News Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals became the first team since realignment to start 5-0 in the AFC North.

Many things have factored into the Bengals' early season success: A multifaceted offense; an improved, swaggery Andy Dalton; a studly defensive front; timely special teams plays.

Thus far in 2015, these haven't been your normal Cincinnati Bengals. Maybe it's Dalton. Maybe it's confidence buoyed by stacking wins. Heck, maybe it's because Mercury was in retrograde.

Sunday's improbable, 27-24 overtime come-from-behind victory came with many reasons and explanations. Famed astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson gives at least partial credit to science.

Kicker Mike Nugent's 42-yard game-winning field goal pinballed off the left upright and through for the win, which Tyson says was aided by the Earth's Coriolis force.

Today's @Bengals winning OT field goal was likely enabled by a 1/3-in deflection to the right, caused by Earth’s Rotation.
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) October 11, 2015

In the N. Hemisphere, Earth’s Coriolis force deflects airborne north-south projectiles to the right. About 1/2-in per 50 yds.
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) October 11, 2015

The @Bengals stadium isn’t oriented exactly North-South. And the field goal was 42-yds. Yielding a 1/3-in deflection, not 1/2
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) October 11, 2015

I don't know what a third of those words mean, but SCIENCE LET THE BENGALS WIN!!!!

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

Niners QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) ruled out Sunday vs. Packers; Brandon Allen to start

Brocky Purdy's shoulder soreness is serious enough to keep him out of a massive Week 12 showdown. Purdy has been ruled out for the San Francisco 49ers' game Sunday against the host Green Bay Packers

news

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) ruled out for Sunday night game vs. Rams

At 8-2, the Eagles are in a tight race for the top seed in the NFC. They will have to take on their next opponent without a key weapon. Receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was ruled out of Sunday night's game.

news

Vikings QB Sam Darnold (foot) off injury report, good to go vs. Bears

There's no cause for concern regarding Sam Darnold's availability on Sunday. Despite a foot injury, Darnold has no injury designation and is good to go for the Vikings in their NFC North tilt Sunday against the Bears.

news

Panthers' Jonathon Brooks, top RB taken in '24 draft, set to make NFL debut vs. Chiefs

Jonathon Brooks will "absolutely" make his NFL debut against the reigning Super Bowl champions, when the Texas product and his Panthers take on the Chiefs on Sunday, coach Dave Canales told reporters Friday.

news

NFL news roundup: Latest league updates from Friday, Nov. 22

NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown.

news

Giants releasing QB Daniel Jones after six seasons

The New York Giants are releasing the veteran quarterback on Friday, the team announced. Jones' release comes four days after head coach Brian Daboll announced his benching ahead of Week 12's game versus the Buccaneers.

news

Micah Parsons apologizes for Mike McCarthy comments as Cowboys prepare for Commanders

Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons created headlines last week with comments that appeared to disparage coach Mike McCarthy. On Thursday, the star pass rusher apologized for how he phrased those words.

news

Dolphins RB De'Von Achane comfortable shouldering heavier workload

Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has taken the clear lead-back role in Miami, already surpassing his carry and touch totals from 2023.

news

Myles Garrett respects T.J. Watt but wanted to show 'I'm number one'

Myles Garrett earned three first-half sacks as the Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in a snow-filled game Thursday night.

news

Steelers WR George Pickens blames weather for loss: 'I don't really think the Cleveland Browns are a good team at all'

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell 24-19 on the road in Cleveland in a game that saw sheets of snow affect play.

news

Nick Chubb plows for 2 TDs to key Browns win in his first game vs. Steelers since season-ending injury

Nick Chubb plowed to two touchdowns to help his Cleveland Browns to a 24-19 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers that won't soon be forgotten, for the drama amid a frosty setting and the quiet running back's storybook contributions.

news

Steelers-Browns on 'Thursday Night Football': What We Learned from Cleveland's 24-19 win

Though it's technically still autumn, the Browns emerged from a winter wonderland with a 24-19 upset win over the Steelers on Thursday night. Here's What We Learned from Cleveland's victory.