The Cincinnati Bengals reverted to something resembling Week 1 form on Monday night, losing 38-33 to the Washington Commanders.
Joe Burrow and the offense did what it could, including a banner game from Ja’Marr Chase, but it just wasn’t enough to compensate for a defense that let a rookie quarterback run wild on the road.
Here’s a quick look at notes and stats to know from right after the game ended.
Quick Thoughts
- That Joe Burrow-Ja’Marr Chase touchdown connection had to feel good for fans — never mind for the star wideout trying to get a mega contract extension. No-brainer of a quick trigger for Burrow, too, considering Washington’s stunning decision to play that type of coverage on Chase.
- Defense continued the highs and lows that defined last week by missing on at least one notable, easy tackle for no gain, then coughed up a fourth-down conversation before a touchdown to make it 7-7.
- Bad week for Evan McPherson continued. After the missed extra point in Kansas City, what looked like a routine deal for him whiffed in the first half, robbing the Bengals of a chance to take the lead.
- Starting to look like the defense just might not be good enough. Austin Ekeler kicked outside on that touchdown run in the second quarter to make it 14-7 and just like that, the Commanders had two touchdowns after scoring none the week prior.
- Trent Brown needed a cart to leave the field after an injury, paving the way for first-rounder Amarius Mims.
- Defense came out flat in the second half, got steamrolled on the first drive and gave up a touchdown pass to an offensive lineman for the second week in a row.
- The defense finally got a notable stop in the fourth, but even holding the Commanders to a field goal still kept the team down by 11. Jayden Daniels consistently escaped the pocket to keep drives alive.
- Burrow kept it close in the fourth with his second touchdown to Chase, but officials missed a pretty blatant DPI on the two-point try, keeping the score at a five-point deficit instead of three.
- It was Dax Hill’s turn to get burnt for the touchdown that sealed the game. He’s enjoyed a strong position change, but it was only fitting that everyone got in on the implosion.
Key Stat
38: Washington hadn’t scored 21 points in a first half since 2018. Pretty much any of Washington’s numbers could have gone here, given the miserable defensive performance. Zero punts, too.
Game Balls
WR Ja’Marr Chase: Six for 118 and 2 TD. Just a stunner of a day for Chase, who always felt like a breakout against this secondary, especially with Tee Higgins back.
QB Joe Burrow: Smooth day from Burow, totaling three touchdowns with few mistakes.
Top Takeaway
The hole is deep: Historically, teams that start 0-3, just don’t make the playoffs. The season isn’t over, but the vast number of issues on defense have to get fixed right away. That’s not happening if the line can’t get healthy by next week and the unit manages to wrap up the odd tackling issues.
