NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Joe Burrow is acutely aware that the Cincinnati Bengals’ chances of making the playoffs are quite slim, given their position among the lower-tier teams in the AFC. Nevertheless, he remains committed to improving his team’s performance, regardless of how the remainder of the season unfolds.
In a crucial game, Burrow recorded 271 yards and three touchdowns, exceeding his own franchise record by one touchdown from last season, leading to a vital 37-27 victory against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. In a moment captured by cameras, Burrow appeared visibly frustrated while discussing the game with head coach Zac Taylor after the Bengals’ final touchdown. “We know the chances are very slim,” Burrow admitted. “What I’m focused on right now is playing as well as I can and meeting my own standards. I felt frustrated because we didn’t reach that level today.”
The win marked the Bengals’ 400th regular-season victory, and with a record of 6-8, they aim to continue their streak of winning seasons, which stands at three straight, despite the looming playoff uncertainties. They faced significant challenges, including the absence of starting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and the loss of defensive end Sam Hubbard to a knee injury after making a rare touchdown catch. Hubbard’s score marked the first time a Bengals defensive player had scored on a pass or run since 1968.
The Bengals capitalized on a staggering six turnovers by the Titans, scoring 24 consecutive points, which included a 39-yard interception return for a touchdown by Geno Stone in the third quarter. Cincinnati also narrowly missed additional points when Jordan Battle fumbled a touchdown during a 61-yard return, resulting in a touchback. Despite collecting six turnovers, the Bengals struggled with discipline, racking up 14 penalties for 113 yards. “Unacceptable, but I was really happy with how the defense created turnovers,” Taylor commented. “Those three second-half turnovers were huge for us. It was a strange game in that aspect.”
The Titans, now at 3-11, decided to bench quarterback Will Levis after he recorded his NFL-high fourth pick-six of the season, amassing four turnovers in total during the match. Mason Rudolph showed some potential for a comeback until he also threw an interception to Josh Newton. The Titans have now lost three straight games and dropped to a dismal 1-6 at home during coach Brian Callahan’s first year, especially disappointing given the matchup against his former team. Callahan expressed frustration over his team’s self-inflicted mistakes, highlighting 12 penalties for 110 yards. “If you can’t stop them on third down and turn the ball over six times, it’s going to be tough to win,” he noted.
Cincinnati played without star left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., while Cody Ford was a last-minute scratch due to illness, leading to rookie Devin Cochran starting, who had seen little action prior to this game. Despite assistance from teammates, Cochran allowing pressure contributed to one of Burrow’s two interceptions. The game ultimately reflected a rare occurrence in the NFL: with four turnovers, it marked the first time since 2007 that both teams combined for ten turnovers.
The Titans initially led the game 14-7, marking their first back-to-back touchdown drives since Week 4 of the previous year. Tony Pollard ran for a 3-yard touchdown, followed by Tyjae Spears, who managed to score after his initial attempt was ruled short. Burrow responded with a touchdown pass to Chase Brown and another to Hubbard, taking the lead for good following a crucial interception from Cam Taylor-Britt that set up a 38-yard scoring pass to Tee Higgins. This play not only shifted momentum but also set a new franchise record for Burrow, who celebrated the achievement while lying on the ground. “I was just hoping it reached him,” Burrow said.
Wide receiver Chase was a standout performer, leading the league in receptions and yards, finishing with nine catches for 94 yards. He made history by becoming the fifth player in NFL history to reach at least 100 receptions, 1,400 yards, and 15 touchdowns in a single season, joining legends like Marvin Harrison and Jerry Rice among others. Burrow’s three touchdowns also saw him join elite company, becoming one of only five players to throw for three touchdowns in six consecutive games. The only players with a longer streak are legendary quarterbacks such as Tom Brady and Dan Marino.
In terms of injuries, Hubbard was declared out just before halftime due to a knee issue after his touchdown catch. Pollard, who had entered the contest dealing with an ankle injury, re-injured it but was able to return. Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. also faced challenges with his hamstring, while T’Vondre Sweat briefly left due to a shoulder issue but came back into play. Luke Gifford suffered a concussion in the second quarter and did not return.
Looking ahead, the Bengals will return home next week to face the Cleveland Browns, while the Titans are set to embark on a two-game road trip, beginning with a match against the Indianapolis Colts.
