CINCINNATI — Joe Burrow continues to shine for the Cincinnati Bengals as they secured their second consecutive victory of the season with a 37-27 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Despite the positive outcome, the star quarterback expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance.
“It was too sloppy; we had too many penalties and procedural issues. I also had too many turnovers,” Burrow said, adding that it was a frustrating day for their offense. The game was indeed chaotic, featuring numerous turnovers, including two interceptions by Burrow, and a staggering 14 penalties called against the Bengals.
The combined total of 10 turnovers for both teams marked the highest in an NFL game since 2007, and it was the first time since 2000 that a game had at least 10 turnovers and 25 penalties. Although the Titans scored a last-minute touchdown, the Bengals had previously held a commanding 17-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Running back Chase Brown echoed Burrow’s sentiments, noting, “To be honest, we weren’t playing good ball today. The defense bailed us out a few times, allowing us to get back on the field. Aside from that, we could have performed much better. We were able to score points, but watching the film will show us there’s plenty to improve on.”
This victory keeps the Bengals’ playoff aspirations alive, albeit by a thread. Their path forward likely requires them to win all three remaining games, along with favorable results from other teams. Currently, they are in competition with two other teams sporting a 6-8 record.
What remains strong for the Bengals is Burrow’s individual performance, which has been impressive regardless of the team’s overall outcomes. He completed 26 of 37 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns against the Titans, marking his sixth consecutive game with at least three touchdown passes—a feat matched by only four other quarterbacks in NFL history. Moreover, Burrow’s 36 touchdown passes this season have surpassed his previous franchise record of 35 set in 2022. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase also made headlines by becoming the first receiver this season to record 100 catches.
However, the team has areas that need improvement. In addition to his two interceptions, Burrow also lost a fumble. The 14 penalties inflicted upon the Bengals resulted in a loss of 113 yards, contributing to a total of 35 penalties and 294 yards lost over their last three games.
On a positive note, Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard made history by lining up as an eligible receiver and catching a 2-yard touchdown pass from Burrow late in the first half. This achievement made him the first defensive player in Bengals history to catch a touchdown and the first overall in the league this season. Furthermore, he became the first Bengals defender to score a scrimmage touchdown since 1962.
In contrast, safety Jordan Battle had a missed opportunity when he picked up a Titans fumble and dashed toward what would have been a 61-yard touchdown, only to fumble as he crossed the goal line, resulting in a touchback.
Injury-wise, Hubbard exited the game with a knee issue after his touchdown, while offensive lineman Cody Ford, standing in for the injured Orlando Brown Jr., was ruled out shortly before the game due to illness.
For context, Chase leads the league in receiving yards with 1,413, along with the most receptions (102) and touchdowns (15).
Looking ahead, the Bengals will aim for a season sweep when they host the struggling Cleveland Browns (3-11) on Sunday.