After an okay performance vs Kansas City, the Bengals look more lost than ever before. Cincinnati had a strong first drive but struggled in the red zone the rest of the game. Cincinnati had several miscues; Burrow missed on several throws and McPherson missed a crucial field goal.

The defense has been a disaster all season. They could not force a single stop, and let the rookie, Jayden Daniels, torch the defense for 254 yards and 3 total touchdowns. Daniels had a 91% completion percentage, the best by a rookie in one game. A far cry from the 3rd best pass defense in the prior two weeks. The run defense held their ground, but the Commanders got every look they wanted. Jayden Daniels bullied the secondary all game.

Moving Forward

The odds of making the playoffs have fallen dramatically from 0-2 to 0-3. Just 6 teams have made it since 1979, so the odds are not in their favor. The defense is going to need to improve if they want to compete for the playoffs. This season has shown the flaws and holes in this team that have not been masked by the strengths. If this coaching staff cannot turn it around against an up-and-coming Carolina Panthers team, heads will fly, most likely beginning with Zac Taylor. However, if there is a team to turn it around against, it is the Panthers. Despite a strong win against the Raiders, they are still a weaker team in the NFL. It is now or never for the Bengals, or Zac Taylor’s seat will be boiling.