If anyone finds the real Bengals, please bring them back to Cincinnati quickly. The impostors who donned the Tiger uniform at the start of the season have defaced this team, which nevertheless has everything to strive for major honors in the NFL.
• Also read: [BALADO] The Pay Zone: New York’s Super Bowl hopes end with Aaron Rodgers’ injury
The Ravens’ 27-24 loss already puts the Bengals in a very precarious position. Do you think it’s largely exaggerated to make such a claim after just two weeks of activity?
Note that since 1990, only 31 of 270 teams that had an 0-2 record after two weeks have managed to sneak into the playoffs. In other words: Almost 11.5% of teams get their ticket to the big dance with such a start.
The good news is that the Bengals were the last team to achieve this feat last year. Despite their weak start, Joe Burrow’s gang even made it to the finals of the American conference.
Attack canceled
This time around, however, the offense really leaves a lot to be desired, even with the 275M quarterback at the helm.
Despite setbacks at the start of the season a year ago, the offense totaled 432 yards and 32 first downs in the opening matchup against the Steelers. The numerous ball losses had put the team in trouble, but we had the feeling that the attack would find its rhythm.
The 2023 season starts much bleaker. After totaling 142 yards and just six first downs last week, the Bengals gained just 19 first downs and collected just 282 yards against the Ravens.
Last season, the offense failed to break the 300-yard mark five times. This year the count is already at two.
We had to wait until the Bengals’ 21st offensive sequence to witness their first offensive touchdown of the season, when Tee Higgins intercepted a bid from Joe Burrow midway through the third quarter. Previously, the only other touchdown was scored on a long punt return.
This is odd to say the least since Burrow has an excellent trio of receivers. Last week, however, Tee Higgins appeared to be missing. This time it was Ja’Marr Chase who was pretty much held in check (5 balls for 31 yards).
Joe Burrow was targeted a few times against the Ravens, most notably suffering a quarterback sack at the expense of Jadeveon Clowney. Getty Images via AFP
Weak against the run
In the short term, there is still reason to believe the team will resolve its offensive woes. There is too much talent on board for the ship to sink any further. Unless, of course, the leg injury Burrow suffered in training camp haunts him more than he’d like to admit.
While the offense’s current problems are obvious, the defense’s performance isn’t reassuring either.
During the first two meetings, the Bengals were physically abused, gaining 384 yards on the ground at their expense. They give up an average of 4.9 yards per carry.
The Bengals will achieve nothing if they continue to be trampled by rivals who look like schoolyard bullies in front of them.
The Ravens were able to complete four series of at least 10 games, enough to exhaust any defense.
Their quarterback Lamar Jackson had the leisure to frolic on the fields, he who was not the victim of a sack and who was only hit once. He completed 24 of his 33 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns and also added 54 yards on the ground.
The Bengals proved they could get out of it in the same situation last season. However, it is high time for them to awaken from their deep sleep.
5 KEY GAMES
1. St-Juste closes the door
Benjamin St-Juste ended the Broncos’ hopes by knocking down a pass intended for Courtand Sutton on a two-point conversion attempt. Getty Images via AFP
At the very end of the game, the Broncos thought they had pulled off a small miracle. Trailing the Commanders 35-27, they completed a Hail Mary pass in the end zone to cut the lead to two points. However, they had to convert two points to even the score. Quarterback Russell Wilson attempted to reach Courtland Sutton, but Quebec cornerback Benjamin St-Juste intervened by breaking up the pass in the end zone. A very great game for the third grader!
Benjamin St-Juste’s big play that closed the door on the Broncos on the final play of the game, a two-point conversion attempt. https://t.co/LvRB7G0m0c
— Stéphane Cadorette (@SCadoretteJDQ) September 18, 2023
2. The Seahawks are recovering
Tyler Lockett scored the game-winning touchdown for the Seahawks in overtime. Getty Images via AFP
It was night and day for the Seahawks, between a miserable first week and an explosive second week against the Lions. They built a 31-21 lead after Tre Brown returned an interception into the end zone, but the Lions closed the gap and forced overtime. In overtime, quarterback Geno Smith shined, completing six of his seven passes for 69 yards. He finished the job by connecting with Tyler Lockett for the game-winning touchdown. It makes you wonder why they were so indigestible a week ago.
3. Deadly interception
Shaq Barrett returned an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Bears. Getty Images via AFP
Are the Bears starting to think about their young quarterback Justin Fields? The team was trailing the Buccaneers by three points late in the fourth quarter when Fields attempted a short pass deep in his zone at the six-yard line that was intercepted by Shaq Barrett, who returned the freebie in the end zone. In the following sequence, Fields was unable to redeem himself with another interception. He already has three interceptions this season despite the Bears bringing in reinforcements. Be continued…
4. Concussion for Richardson
Despite the win, Anthony Richardson suffered a concussion. Getty Images via AFP
Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson was having another impressive start against the Texans when he had to leave the game. On his second touchdown, his head hit the ground hard while being tackled in the end zone and he suffered a concussion. He looked fine when he celebrated the touchdown, but must have felt symptoms afterwards. His fellow rookie CJ Stroud did well in the loss with 384 yards and two touchdowns.
5. The Titans at the last minute
Nick Folk scored the game-winning kick in overtime. Getty Images via AFP
The Titans bounced back from last week’s loss with a narrow 27-24 overtime victory over the Chargers. After an unsuccessful offensive sequence by the Chargers in overtime, the Titans took the ball back and scored 37 yards. It was their new kicker, the veteran Nick Folk, acquired in a trade with the Patriots two weeks ago, who scored the game-winning 41-yard field goal. Note that after a disastrous game, Ryan Tannehill regained his senses by completing 20 of his 24 passes.
WINNER OF THE WEEK
Every time the Falcons’ rookie running back touches the ball, he has his own way of making us jump out of our seats. He finished the game with 124 yards rushing and 48 passing yards. He’s electric and the Falcons are 2-0 for the first time since 2017.
We have to assume that the Bills quarterback was hit by the criticism expressed in our column on Saturday! Josh Allen was red hot against the Raiders with 274 yards and three touchdowns without a single turnover.
The Rams lost the game against the 49ers, but what they gained was a new quality receiver. Rookie Puka Nacua continues to impress. He had a 15-reception game and has 25 receptions through two weeks. A real find in the fifth round!
The Chiefs got back to winning ways thanks in part to the return of two of their stars to the game. Tight end Travis Kelce scored one of his team’s two touchdowns, while tackle Chris Jones managed 1.5 quarter bags.
There are no words left to describe how dominant the Cowboys outside linebacker is. He was great against the Jets, with three tackles for loss, including two sacks, as well as forcing and recovering a fumble.
LOSER OF THE WEEK
Facing fourth downs continues to be painful for the Chargers’ drive, who opted to punt despite having just one yard left to go at the Titans’ 44 line. The Chargers are 0-2 and their coach is already in trouble.
We knew the Cardinals would be terrible, that was no surprise. What we didn’t know is that they can even blow a 20-0 lead against the Giants. The defense has given up touchdowns on four straight Giants drives.
Speaking of a team that doesn’t know how to maintain a lead, the Broncos let their 18-point cushion melt away against the Commanders. Russell Wilson served as cannon fodder and was the victim of seven quarterback sacks and 13 hits. Quick, ice cream!
The Raiders’ running back gained the most rushing yards last season. He finished his day against the Bills with -2 yards receiving. It’s a tough start to the season.
If Zach Wilson’s performance was a glimpse into the Jets’ life without Aaron Rodgers, there’s reason to tremble. The quarterback was intercepted three times and completed just 12 of his 27 passes.