CINCINNATI — Expectations were high for the Cincinnati Bengals entering the season, particularly with quarterback Joe Burrow healthy and ready. However, the team has struggled, managing to scrape together a record of just 4-5 as they reach the season’s midpoint. Of the four games they’ve won, all were against teams with losing records, which collectively hold a dismal 8-28 mark this season.
In divisional play, the Bengals faced mixed results, narrowly losing to the Ravens by three points and securing a victory over the Cleveland Browns by a touchdown. Looking ahead, Cincinnati must contend with the Ravens (currently at 6-3) once again on Thursday, and they’ll also face the Browns (who sit at 2-7) before Christmas, in addition to two matchups against the division-leading Steelers (6-2). This schedule indicates that competing for the AFC North title or even clinching a Wild Card playoff spot will be challenging, especially considering that five of their last eight games are against teams above .500.
Burrow holds strong optimism about the remainder of the season, believing that to secure a playoff berth, the Bengals need to achieve at least six more victories over their final eight games. “I’m going to be hard on myself,” Burrow stated. “I’m going to be hard on us to execute the way that I feel like we need to.”
On a positive note, the Bengals concluded the first half of their season with a resounding performance, dominating the Las Vegas Raiders with a score of 41-24. Burrow tied his career-high with five touchdown passes during the game, while defensive end Trey Hendrickson made a significant impact with four sacks. Additionally, tight end Mike Gesicki scored two touchdowns, and the running game showed significant improvement with Chase Brown achieving a personal-best of 120 rushing yards.
Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has continued to be a standout player, leading the NFL with seven touchdown receptions, ranking second with 717 receiving yards, and tied for third with 55 catches.
However, questions remain about the Bengals’ consistency, particularly regarding their run game, which had been one of the worst in the league prior to their game against the Raiders. With their starting left tackle, Orlando Brown Jr., sidelined due to injury, it remains uncertain if the Bengals can maintain their level of play against stronger opponents. Brown’s absence was particularly felt since Cincinnati had previously averaged just under 90 rushing yards per game.
In terms of individual performances, Hendrickson’s remarkable four sacks not only elevated him to the top of the NFL sack leaderboard with a total of 11 but also showcased his ability to apply pressure, marked by seven quarterback hurries against the Raiders. “You know, if they gave out midseason awards, that would be something you could get excited about. But they don’t, so it’s on to the next challenge, and that’s the Ravens,” said Hendrickson regarding his performance.
Gesicki made a notable contribution as well, notching his first touchdown as a Bengal after previously scoring on Christmas Eve with the Patriots. His growing chemistry with Burrow is increasingly visible, especially in the absence of receiver Tee Higgins. He caught Burrow’s last two touchdown passes during the game and has amassed 30 receptions for 353 yards.
On the downside, rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton found himself unexpectedly sidelined, despite expectations that he would feature prominently following Higgins’ absence. Coach Zac Taylor affirmed that the decision to bench Burton was the right call at that moment, though he did not elaborate further.
In the injury department, Higgins could not participate for the second consecutive week due to a quad injury, following earlier setbacks with a hamstring issue. Additionally, Brown is coping with a right knee injury, tight end Erick All Jr. has endured a knee injury, and defensive tackle B.J. Hill left the game with a hip injury—all absence symptoms that indicated they did not practice on Monday.
A key statistic to note is Burrow’s 20 touchdown passes, tying him for second in the NFL alongside Lamar Jackson of the Ravens, just one behind Baker Mayfield of the Buccaneers.
Looking forward, the upcoming matchup this Thursday against the Ravens presents a crucial opportunity for the Bengals. Having already lost to Baltimore earlier in the season in a thrilling 41-38 overtime duel, a victory would serve not only as a vital boost to their playoff aspirations but also enhance their confidence, especially considering their struggles in divisional games last season where they finished with just one win out of six attempts against other teams in their division.