THE NFL 1996 : Coslet Wins Debut With Bengals, 28-21

The first time he ran off the field as Cincinnati Bengal coach, Bruce Coslet was booed. His second trip to the locker room was much friendlier and a lot wetter.

Jeff Blake threw for a touchdown and Ki-Jana Carter ran for two more scores as the Bengals scored 21 fourth-quarter points to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 28-21, Sunday in Coslet’s debut.

The Bengals (2-6) were booed at halftime after another slow, dismal start. The big ending won over a less-than-capacity crowd and got Coslet a ceremonial dunking with a water cooler on the sidelines.

Coslet, who took over Monday for Dave Shula, was relieved by the ending.

“It is special, because of the stress of this week,” said Coslet, who was promoted from offensive coordinator. “I wouldn’t wish this on anybody.”

Cincinnati blew a 21-point lead last Sunday to San Francisco, a loss that helped cost Shula his job. This time, the Bengals played their best in the final 15 minutes.

“For the most part, what Bruce has done to our team has involved attitude,” Carter said. “We all know how Bruce is. He’s a very intense guy.”

The Bengals made modest strides in Coslet’s first game, but little headway with the public. Only 45,890--about 15,000 less than capacity--showed up on a warm, sunny afternoon. The crowd jeered for most of the game before standing and applauding at the end.

The Jaguars (3-6) made no progress toward solving their biggest problem. Once again, they came unhinged in the fourth quarter. All of their losses have been decided in the final minutes.

“We’ve got to find a way to win these games,” said Mark Brunell, whose two interceptions turned the game. “We’ve got the talent. We’ve got the ability. We’ve just got to do it.

“We’re angry. We’re emotional. We’re hurting right now.”

Jacksonville tied its franchise record by sacking Blake five times, but couldn’t overcome Brunell’s two errant throws.

Brunell threw five interceptions inside the St. Louis 12-yard line as the Jaguars lost, 17-13, last Sunday. He had two more Sunday, setting up two Cincinnati scores. One came when he was hit while throwing, the other was a tipped ball.

Five of the seven interceptions over the two games have been deflected passes.

Brunell, who threw for 421 yards last Sunday against the Rams, completed 18 of 31 for 215 yards.

Blake completed 19 of 30 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns.