CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Bengals once again faltered in a close contest, despite a strong second-half performance from quarterback Joe Burrow. The team suffered a disappointing 34-27 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers, marking their sixth loss this season by a single score.
This season has been particularly frustrating for the Bengals (4-7), as they once again found themselves in a position to win, only to squander it by allowing an 84-yard touchdown drive in the final minute after clawing back from a 21-point deficit in the second half. The Bengals are still searching for their first victory against a team with a winning record this season, and their chances of reaching the playoffs appear slim.
Despite Burrow’s repeated claims that the team could turn things around to qualify for the postseason, the road ahead is challenging. Cincinnati sits 4.5 games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lead the AFC North with an 8-2 record, and the Bengals have two games left against them. Nine teams in the AFC boast better records than Cincinnati as they approach their bye week.
When asked if a playoff push was still realistic after the loss to the Chargers, Burrow tempered expectations slightly, stating, “I hope so. I guess we’ll find out. We are where we’re at, and I’m not happy with where we’re at; I don’t think anybody is. We’re not good enough. Our margin of error is slim.”
Head coach Zac Taylor indicated that there are no immediate plans for significant changes during the bye week. “We believe in what we’re doing,” he affirmed. “We’re not going to panic because the record is 4-7 and start making drastic changes; that’s not the solution.”
On the positive side, Burrow is enjoying one of his most prolific seasons to date. Against the Chargers, he completed 28 of 50 passes for 356 yards and threw three touchdowns, much of it under pressure from the opposing defense. He leads the NFL with 3,028 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase also shined, recording seven receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns, making him the league leader in catches with 73, receiving yards with 1,056, and touchdowns with 12.
Despite these high-caliber performances, the Bengals have struggled to close games effectively. Their defense allowed the Chargers to establish a 27-6 lead in the third quarter. Burrow responded with touchdown passes to both Chase and Tee Higgins, tying the game at 27 in the fourth quarter, only to see Los Angeles execute a game-winning drive shortly after.
On a brighter note, Higgins made a powerful return from injury, hauling in nine catches for 148 yards and a touchdown. Conversely, kicker Evan McPherson, once known as “Money Mac” for his accuracy, has had a troubling season and missed two crucial field goals—48 and 51 yards—during the critical fourth quarter against the Chargers, which could have given Cincinnati the lead. He has made only six of twelve attempts from 40 yards or further this year.
Injury updates reveal that cornerback DJ Turner II suffered a shoulder injury during the game, while offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. was sidelined for the third consecutive game due to knee and leg issues. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins also missed the matchup due to illness.
A notable statistic from the last two games shows that Burrow has amassed a staggering 784 passing yards, even though both contests ended in losses.
Looking ahead, the Bengals must address their ability to finish games during their bye week, as they prepare to take on the Steelers on the Sunday following Thanksgiving.