The Cincinnati Bengals generated some major reactions on Sunday, to say the very least.
Getting bamboozled 27-3 on the road by the Tennessee Titans and falling to 1-3 on the season in the process tends to do that to a purported Super Bowl contender.
With things looking dire now from a season-long perspective, the reactions from fans and otherwise didn’t just focus on the immediate decisions and plays that went into such a brutal loss.
Now, the conversation shifts to things like playoff outlook, jobs and the future, too.
Here’s a look at the most noteworthy reactions from right after the game went final.
And now Burrow takes off running (!) and gets lit up.
What are they doing?
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) October 1, 2023
Burrow goes down for another sack. This one around his legs.
What an unnecessary risk having him in there for this.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) October 1, 2023
I’ve said this repeatedly, but playing Burrow in this state is coaching malpractice. If Burrow insists on playing, you thank him for his willingness to play through injury and tell him to catch a seat. He can’t help you right now. You have to protect him from himself.
— Teth-Adam (@DCRezz) October 1, 2023
Zac Taylor is Marvin Lewis with a better quarterback
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) October 1, 2023
Offensive line gets a lot of blame when they’re trying to protect a guy who can’t move.
If Burrow can’t move- he’s a below average NFL QB. He doesn’t step up, he doesn’t move outside and extend plays.
He has to sit.
— Trace Fowler (@CBoxTrace) October 1, 2023
Yeah I’m not here for the “this team isn’t panicking” post game presser.
— Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) October 1, 2023
Zak Taylor deserves blame here, but CIN cannot continue to play the QB if this is what he is right now.
It shouldn't be an option.
— Dan Hanzus (@DanHanzus) October 1, 2023
The issues are deeper than a calf strain.
— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrison) October 1, 2023
The entire offense is built around Burrow being a superstar and he can’t with his limitations right now. https://t.co/MIGDcLPmaL
— DarthNoobSaibot (@DarthNoobSaibot) October 1, 2023
Should they just put Burrow on the IR at this point? Don’t know if it’s worth the risk with how he’s playing
— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) October 1, 2023
You gut the offense the first two weeks to protect Burrow, then keep him in a 27-3 game so he can take multiple sacks and take off running on a 4th-and-13?
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) October 1, 2023
It appeared, from my view field level, the coaches were going to send Jake Browning out for this drive.
Joe Burrow threw his helmet on last minute and ran out. Gave coaches a thumbs up like “I’m good” as he ran away onto the field. #Bengals
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) October 1, 2023
It sucks that a whole season in thr middle of a super bowl window is washed away by a calf strain in July.
— Vance Meek (@vancemeek) October 1, 2023
This is a QB being payed a quarter of a billion dollars
He’s gone from hobbling this season ….to flexing his arm on the sideline …..to throwing 30 times and playing in the 4th QT of a 27-3 game…..
There needs to be an intervention#Bengals
— LanceMcAlister (@LanceMcAlister) October 1, 2023
Bengals fall to 1-3, Burrow will likely be put on IR.
This game is the season.
— Cody Crabtree |o| (@crabtree_cody) October 1, 2023
I love the Cincinnati Bengals.
I’ll never stop watching them or cheering for them to win.
Every phase of the game was bad. Players. Coaches. I think the bus driver fucked up somehow.
But I’ll be here forever. It’s just the way it is.
— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrison) October 1, 2023
It’s a coaches job to reel a player in. I’m sure burrow is still wanting to play. He’s literally hoping in the pocket because he can’t move.
Do your job Zac Taylor.
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) October 1, 2023
I can’t talk about the draft yet, but
Marvin Harrison Jr to the Bengals just makes sense.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) October 1, 2023
And I don't want to see any "they can win 10 straight" nonsense this week. They're much more likely to lose 10 straight.
— Vance Meek (@vancemeek) October 1, 2023
I haven’t seen an offense this inconsistent since Ken Zampese
— Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) October 1, 2023
This looks like the 2020 Bengals.
Burrow trying to make too much happen, no answers in front of him, poor pass protection and no extended or explosive plays.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) October 1, 2023
Worst Bengals game since 2020
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) October 1, 2023
Bengals offense:
-Haven’t scored a first half TD in four games
-Have scored three offensive touchdowns in four gamesI dunno 🤷🏻♂️
— Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) October 1, 2023