After two straight wins, the Bengals dropped an embarrassing 20-point loss to the Eagles, remaining winless at home.
Game Recap
The Bengals started off hot, with nearly a 10-minute drive resulting in a Ja’Marr Chase touchdown catch. The defense held an explosive Eagles offense to a field goal, before leading an impressive drive similar to their last, this one being nearly 5 minutes. Unfortunately, they stalled out in the red zone and had to settle for a field goal. The first half ended tied up at 10, and this is where the Bengals took a turn for the worst. They traded blows with a touchdown for each team, but those were the last points the Bengals would score for the rest of the game. The final four drives ended in a turnover on downs, an interception by C.J Gardner-Johnson, a fumble by Mike Gesicki, and the clock expiring. Philadelphia on the other hand scored on every drive of the second half, outscoring Cincinnati 27-7.
What Went Wrong?
The Bengals have struggled to put it all together even one time this season, and it continued against the Eagles. Offensively, Joe Burrow led a productive offense throughout the first half but did not adjust when Philadelphia did. They continued trying to have long, sustaining, drives, despite the atrocious run game. A measly 58 rushing yards averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. Philadelphia’s defense completely immobilized the run game; something that has been an issue for the team all season long. Averaging just 89.8 rush yards per game, the team ranks an awful 28th in the league. Eagles Defensive Coordinator Vick Fangio perfected the game plan to limit the run game to the point that the team had to rely on Burrow. With Tee Higgins inactive (again), the passing game took a hit, and Burrow’s deep ball was a non-factor. This was particularly apparent on the interception, which was just about the last chance for a potential comeback. With two turnovers to 0 for Philly, there was no chance for the Bengals.
The defense was even worse. The below-average unit struggled just about all game long including allowing 161 yards and 4.1 yards per carry. Quarterback Jalen Hurts torched Cincinnati with 4 total touchdowns. Newly acquired running back Saquon Barkley was limited in the first three quarters but exploded in the 4th. The pressure from the defensive line was essentially non-existent with 0 sacks and just one QB hit. Hurts was comfortable in the pocket the whole game. When it mattered most the defense couldn’t hold– a pattern we have seen all season.
Looking Ahead
The loss puts Cincinnati in a sticky situation for the playoff race, which is frustrating to say the least. Many fans believed the team was back on track after two big wins, one against a division rival, but this loss sucked the life out of the team. On top of this, the team has now lost their four home games so far, which makes a midseason comeback very difficult. The next stretch of games is home vs Las Vegas and a Thursday night game at Baltimore to go into their Bye Week. If the team is .500 after the break, the team will have a very good chance of making the playoffs.
