The Cincinnati Bengals showed life in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, a 34-20 victory.
Much of it had to do with quarterback Joe Burrow looking more mobile than at any other point this season, culminating in two massive touchdown passes to wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Buy Bengals TicketsIt wasn’t a banner day for a banged-up defense with a ton of inexperience in the secondary though, with missed tackles an especially big problem.
Still, the Bengals will take putting their best game of the year on film for now — to effectively save the season while moving to 2-3.
Here’s a look at some quick notes, numbers to know and takeaways from Sunday’s game.
Quick Hits
- A stunning, 7-of-7 opening drive for Joe Burrow. On the touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase, he evaded pressure in the pocket in a way we haven’t seen all season, securing the first first-half touchdown of the season.
- Arizona adjusted quickly, sending blitzers that the line couldn’t handle.
- Corner depth was a major issue on Arizona’s first touchdown, with Jalen Davis giving up the score. Multiple broken plays then led to the 14-10 deficit.
- Trey Hendrickson, questionable to play at all, was clearly working through back issues while on and off the field.
- Bengals made the tough call to go for it on fourth-and-goal and got no points from it as Joe Mixon was stuffed…
- …only for Cam Taylor-Britt to pick off a pass a few plays later, taking it back for the defensive touchdown.
- Right after halftime, Burrow and Chase connected for the first deep play of the season, a 63-yard bomb to go up 10 points.
- Missed tackles led the Cardinals down the field for a touchdown in response though, just a sloppy day, not just for the inexperienced secondary, but for veterans. Arizona missed the extra point.
- Burrow’s interception came on the next drive when Trenton Irwin fell down on his route.
- Chase’s third touchdown shattered a franchise record, seeing as it was his 14th catch of the game.
- Hendrickson, hurt or not, forced a sack-fumble that led to a Bengals field goal. The unit can’t keep missing tackles, but it does make splash plays.
Key Stat
140 yards on a 6.7 average: With the offense back to something akin to normal, the spotlight falls on the defense and this brutal number of rushing yards coughed up. The missed tackles will be stunning to see upon film review, too.
Game Balls
Ja’Marr Chase — He stuck through the tough times and came up huge with his quarterback finally back healthy, catching 15 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns.
Cam Taylor-Britt — The pick-six was fun and a nice moment for a guy who entered the game as questionable to play, yet gritted through it.
Trey Hendrickson and DJ Turner — Big day for a veteran and rookie, respectively, with Hendrickson playing through an injury and the rookie stepping up huge with Chidobe Awuzie out.
Top Takeaway
Finding balance: The offense looks back on track, something that should only keep improving as Tee Higgins and Burrow get healthier, especially with a bye soon. The defense…not so much. The tackling issues are out of control and will get the unit torched by better offenses not starting a backup passer. Rest assured Lou Anarumo will be all over it all week. But the season is saved, especially with the AFC North wide open — for now.
