The Cincinnati Bengals opened the 23’-24’ season again at 0-2. In the previous season, they started the same way, just in a different fashion. 

The Bengals suffered losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys before winning on Monday Night Primetime against the 2-0 Miami Dolphins. 

This year, the Bengals lost to the Cleveland Browns and then to the Baltimore Ravens, both AFC North teams. Going 0-2 is harmful enough but starting off 0-2 in your division makes it all the more difficult to clinch a playoff spot. It was a necessity that the Bengals defeat the Rams. 

The first half was a slugfest, with both teams only scoring two field goals. The Bengals struggled to find a rhythm, forcing the offense to have to punt the ball several times. 

In the second half, the Bengal’s offense looked transformed. They played superbly, especially Jammar Chase who had 12 receptions for 141 yards. Halfback Joe Mixon also played well with 65 yards on 19 attempts, averaging 3.4 yards a carry. He also was credited with a touchdown. Receiver Tee Higgins unfortunately did not play up to par with two dropped passes. 

The defense for the Bengals made some monumental plays throughout the game. Right-end Trey Hendrickson sacked Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford twice. The team secured six sacks in total against the Rams, the most for the team since 2019. The defense also snagged two interceptions. 

Quarterback for the Bengals, Joe Burrow, was questionable to play after he re-aggravated an earlier calf injury from the offseason. Burrow was cleared to play the day of the game and only had a few reps in practice. 

The lack of practice leading up to the game, as well as the injured calf, made it difficult for Burrow to play on Monday. He had several passes, and some potential touchdowns, but were completely overthrown leading to multiple incompletions. 

The Bengals didn’t play their best ball but regardless they were able to defeat the Rams 19-16 and look to beat the Tennessee Titans next Sunday at 1:00 pm.