Bengals' close loss to Chiefs already stands out in historically frustrating fashion for Joe Burrow
Just like the previous five meetings, the latest installment of Cincinnati Bengals-Kansas City Chiefs came down to the wire as the Chiefs squeaked out a 26-25 victory at home with Taylor Swift watching on.Four total turnovers created a messy game for both sides, and despite Cincinnati's offense showing notable improvements from last week, its quarterback […]
Just like the previous five meetings, the latest installment of Cincinnati Bengals-Kansas City Chiefs came down to the wire as the Chiefs squeaked out a 26-25 victory at home with Taylor Swift watching on.
Four total turnovers created a messy game for both sides, and despite Cincinnati's offense showing notable improvements from last week, its quarterback had to keep it real following the last-second defeat.
"This is as frustrating [of a loss] as I've had," Burrow said about the loss.
When asked why, Burrow said he'd need to think about it for the next couple days. The entire fourth quarter is what he'll be thinking about.
After posting 25 points in nine real drives, Burrow and the offense gave the ball back to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs with 2:35 remaining in the game with just a two-point cushion. It's a recipe for losing 99% of the time.
Sunday fell in the 99%.
Cincinnati's final points came on a 53-yard field goal from Evan McPherson with 9:28 to play, but the Bengals only kicked that field goal after Ja'Marr Chase was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after getting tackled on a four-yard reception on second-and-11.
The flag moved the Bengals back 15 yards from the 30-yard line, effectively killing the drive and setting up a long field goal.
Burrow did his best to try and restrain Chase after the play to avoid getting penalized, but the fourth-year wideout stepped over the line and paid the price.
"I was just trying to de-escalate the situation," Burrow said.
Per CBS Sports sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson, Chase believed Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie used a hip-drop tackle on him and pleaded his case to the refs. When he didn't get the call, frustration set in.
The Bengals and Chiefs are a dead-even 3-3 against one another in the Burrow era and the total point differential now favors the Chiefs by just three points. Every point matters in this rivalry, and going from a third-and-seven near the red zone to a third-and-22 near midfield is monumental.
It was a turning point in the game, and it could've been a lot worse had McPherson missed the long attempt. Chase had to be asked about it in the locker room. He declined to comment on the play and the aftermath.
"Not talking about it," Chase said.
Chase only had four receptions for 35 yards, but Burrow played well, especially compared to how Week 1 transpired. He was able to connect on a handful of explosive plays to his tight ends and rookie Jermaine Burton, and looked much more comfortable in the pocket.
But he's not entirely off the hook. The Chiefs sacked him for a third and final time at the start of the fourth quarter and Burrow was stripped of the ball on the way down. Chamarri Conner made him pay by returning the fumble for six points.
So many critical moments in the final 15 minutes led to the Chiefs gaining a first down off a defensive pass interference penalty on fourth-and-16. Harrison Butker won the game four plays later.
Burrow and Chase could only watch from the sideline, wishing they had their own moments back.
What stings even more is the Bengals' offense made great strides from last week. Getting off to a faster start, generating explosives, winning the turnover battle, and scoring a combined 10 points off those turnovers.
But morale victories don't sit well with Burrow and Chase. They're the identity of the team, and their collective frustration is palpable in the midst of a third-straight 0-2 start.
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