The Cincinnati Bengals moved to 3-5 on the season with Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cincinnati’s offense came out of the gates strong and controlled the early part of the game but seemed to hit on a downswing just as the Eagles started to figure things out.
Here’s a quick look at some details and numbers to know from right after the game.
Quick Thoughts
- Stunning opening drive for the Bengals without Tee Higgins on the field. A 17-play effort that ate a ton of clock and resulted in a touchdown on an innovative look from Zac Taylor and Co., with Ja’Marr Chase initially lined up in the backfield before catching the score.
- While the Bengals did a good job of controlling the tempo in the first half, only coming away with 10 points was a major issue.
- Part of that was on Evan McPherson, who continued his rough season with a miss from 50-plus.
- Mike Gesicki was a huge part of the offense with Tee Higgins out. Not a perfect solution, but it could be a preview of the next few weeks.
- Jordan Battle finally got some playing time and was the victim on a 40-plus-yard touchdown pass. It didn’t help, though, that the pass-rush up front got zero pressure.
- Down seven, Zac Taylor decided to go for it on fourth down inside Philadelphia’s 40 and they lost two yards. An oddly aggressive play call from the staff that wound up gifting the Eagles three points.
- Already down 10, a tipped Burrow pass got picked, then the Eagles marched down the field for the finishing score.
- Gesicki fumbled on the next drive and the Bengals defense simply didn’t look very interested in competing anymore from there.
Key Stat
9-of-12: Normally, this sort of conversion rate on third down for the Bengals would result in a win. But the offense was just missing the ability to actually punch it in for points.
Game Balls
TE Mike Gesicki: With Tee Higgins down, Gesicki had a big day as a slot man, including a stellar one-handed grab. He did have the late fumble, but the game was out of reach and guys were just trying to make plays.
TE Erick All Jr.: While the rookie wasn’t super involved as a target, he did turn his one catch into 28 yards. He also had some key blocks, including on a rushing touchdown by Chase Brown.
Top Takeaway
Panic time: At 3-5, the Bengals can’t afford another loss over their next four games, all AFC opponents. Even that would put them at just 7-5. The season isn’t dead, but the offense’s erratic play and the defense getting steamrolled when it matters makes it hard to have some faith.
