The Cincinnati Bengals ran the Tennessee Titans out of the building in Week 15 to a 37-27 result.
There, Joe Burrow broke his own franchise record by reaching 36 passing touchdowns on the season in the rout. The win moved the Bengals to 6-8 and kept their super-slim playoff hopes alive.
Here’s a look at some quick notes, numbers to know and takeaways from the game.
Quick thoughts
- Hyped undrafted rookie linebacker Maema Njongmeta got a start with Logan Wilson out. Good developmental snaps to see if the team has something there over the long-term.
- Worst possible four minutes to open the game. Joe Burrow threw an ugly interception under pressure, then the defense got steamrolled for an easy touchdown.
- Burrow made up for it with some pocket magic before throwing a strike to even things up. Impressive, considering the Bengals were down to their third-string left tackle.
- Not long after, though, a sack fumble. It felt inevitable the injured line would let up enough pressure to produce turnovers — they just needed to hope multiple wouldn’t happen in the first half.
- Fun news: Sam Hubbard caught a touchdown from Burrow on a little trickery. Bad news: Hubbard was ruled out quickly with a knee injury.
- That Tee Higgins touchdown while getting hit is just another good example of why Burrow put pressure on the front office to get him an extension.
- Jordan Battle was going to score a touchdown…until he dropped the ball. An all-timer of a gaffe.
Key stat
10: The shocking number of turnovers in this sloppy game — the most in a game since 2007.
Game balls
QB Joe Burrow: The turnovers were brutal, but Burrow usually made up for them with relative ease. A record-breaking day for a guy who should probably be near the top of the MVP race.
WR Ja’Marr Chase: Another ridiculous day at the office for the Triple Crown threat — nine catches for 94 yards.
Top takeaway
Fun stuff: The Bengals are having fun with the season all but lost, at least. Stuff like the Sam Hubbard touchdown and all of the turnovers showed signs of life. But they still need to win out and get a bunch of help to sneak in the postseason.
