With the conclusion of week four of the NFL season, Cincinnati Bengals fans are left with an uncertain feeling. The Bengals are now 1-3, following their first win over former Bengals quarterback, Andy Dalton, and the Carolina Panthers. Their previous losses came from the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Commanders.
The Bengals have had a few injury scares so far this season, however, they have also had multiple key players return. Tee Higgins returned from his preseason hamstring injury during the Panthers game with 6 receptions for 60 yards. Although his contributions seem limited, Higgins’ activity opens the field for other receivers, such as Ja’Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas.
Quarterback Joe Burrow is also back at full strength this season. After tearing his ACL in 2020 and having multiple injuries last season, Burrow is back on the field with his team. The Bengals depend on Burrow to play up to his full potential to give the team a chance at the playoffs.
During their matchup against the Panthers, the Bengals experienced two injury scares. Burrow seemed to have suffered an ankle injury partway through the 1st quarter. He remained on the field, despite limping for a few plays.
Later in the game, defensive end Trey Hendrickson suffered a neck injury. It was discovered as a neck stinger that would not prevent him from playing against the Ravens in the following game. Hendrickson is an essential member of the Bengals’ defense and would have been a huge problem if his injury was more severe.
The Bengals are ranked 29th in the league ahead of Week Five, above the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and Carolina Panthers. The Bengals have a lot of work to do before the postseason. They are scheduled to play the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles in the next few weeks. All these games are set to test the Bengals and prove they are playoff contenders.
During Week Five, the Bengals took a devastating loss to the Ravens with a final score of 41-38 in overtime. The offense was on point with Burrow throwing 30-39, 392 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Both Higgins and Chase had two receiving touchdowns during this game.
The Bengals went into halftime up 17-14 after a last-second 41-yard touchdown by Chase and a 2-point conversion. The Bengals then took a 10-point lead to start the 4 quarter, however, the Ravens quickly closed that gap. During overtime, the defense forced a fumble around midfield and allowed the offense to finish the game. Unfortunately, kicker, Evan McPherson, failed to make the kick as the holder fumbled with the ball. This play cost them the win as the Ravens got the ball back and finished the game 41-38.
The Bengals have now fallen to 1-4 and are tied for the worst record in the league despite Burrow’s outstanding performance. The media has been abuzz with comments questioning head coach Zac Taylor’s ability to make the right call under pressure, as some of the calls may have resulted in their loss.
According to Mark Slaughter, a photojournalist, Chase has agreed to hold a press conference following the loss against the Ravens. James Rapien, host of the podcast Lockdown Bengals, confirmed this rumor. The topic of this press conference is still unknown; however, many suspect it could relate to his unfinished contract.
The Bengals are set to face the New York Giants in Week 6. The Bengals need this win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Will the Bengals go on a historic run to reach the postseason? Or will they fall short and miss the Playoffs for the second year in a row?
