INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Jordan Palmer threw for 115 yards and two touchdowns Thursday to offset a big game from Tom Brandstater and boost Cincinnati to a 30-28 win over Indianapolis.
Palmer, brother of Cincinnati starting quarterback Carson Palmer, hit Dezmon Briscoe with a 50-yard scoring pass with 6:10 remaining to give the Bengals (3-2) a 30-21 lead in the pre-season finale.
Brandstater, who competed during training camp with Curtis Painter for the No. 2 spot behind Peyton Manning, then hooked up with Brandon James for their third touchdown of the game. Brandstater completed 10-of-18 for 177 yards and Painter was 9-of-20 for 114. Manning did not play.
Carson Palmer started for the Bengals and was good on 4-of-5 passes for 28 yards.
The defending AFC champion Colts completed the pre-season winless in four games and will start the regular season at Houston. Cincinnati opens at New England.
