Bengals' offense faces two pressing questions following inexcusable loss
Just when the Cincinnati Bengals' coaching staff was beginning to ease everyone's minds after two consecutive dominant wins, they laid an unacceptable egg against the Cleveland Browns on national TV. They were outplayed, outcoached, and outclassed against a team that entered the night 2-5. Where do you even begin? Let us start with the fact […]
Just when the Cincinnati Bengals' coaching staff was beginning to ease everyone's minds after two consecutive dominant wins, they laid an unacceptable egg against the Cleveland Browns on national TV.
They were outplayed, outcoached, and outclassed against a team that entered the night 2-5. Where do you even begin?
Let us start with the fact that this was the 28th-ranked pass defense by Football Outsiders' DVOA that the Browns were facing.
Ja'Marr Chase or not, the Bengals should've been able to muster up more than 13 points. This offense was supposed to be superior. Or at least, competent. Taking into account the five times Joe Burrow was sacked, the Bengals had 187 net passing yards when the night was over.
Why? It's hard to understand and as always the All-22 will provide more answers. But one thing that was made clear is the Bengals tried to replace Chase with… pretty much whoever was active on game day.
And while everyone loves some depth, it was surprising that none of the other top three wide receivers was able to step up. Or at least, it wasn't a priority for the coaching staff. Despite all the praise Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd received heading into the game, running back Joe Mixon ended up being the team's leader in targets with eight.
Meanwhile, Higgins and Boyd combined for only six catches. Cincinnati just couldn't find ways to get them the ball consistently all night long. Absolutely inexcusable.
Perhaps that had to do with Burrow being under fire all night as Myles Garrett finished the night with three quarterback hits. Like early in the season, the Bengals lacked answers versus the blitz, too.
Late in the game, Burrow was sacked on a screen pass. If that doesn't paint a picture of how bad this game was, I don't know what will.
The poor performance raises several questions. The big one is more than clear. Can the Bengals figure out a way to be operational without Ja'Marr?
To do so, they'll need to prioritize putting their top two available wideouts in favorable situations. If they can't – and rely on a committee of unproven players – the AFC North will be tough to win.
But even when Chase comes back, how sustainable will the pass-happy shotgun-exclusive approach be on offense?
While fun and exciting, you've got to wonder if they can keep it fresh enough for it to work consistently in a league in which you need to keep rolling out new looks and concepts every Sunday.
The good news is the Bengals have been here before. They've silenced the early-season critics. But this one was on the coaching staff.
Featured image via Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
