The Cincinnati Bengals, held back by the NFL’s worst offense, flopped again in Week 5, this time in a 37-24 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions.
There, Jake Browning threw a trio of interceptions, consistently putting the Bengals defense in rough spots. He added three scores late to make the game seem closer than it really was.
Here’s a quick look at some notes and takeaways from the game.
Quick thoughts
- Al Golden keeps dropping pass-rushers in coverage and it keeps not working. Joseph Ossai gave up the touchdown on the opening drive.
- Ted Karras got flagged on the opening drive, continuing his rough season. A third-and-15 screen went nowhere and fans booed, summing up the season nicely so far.
- Jake Browning threw a pair of picks in the first half, both attempting to target Ja’Marr Chase and effectively took a safety, too. He then exited halftime and quickly threw a third pick. The only sign of life was uptempo stuff near the end of the first half, but that might’ve been soft coverage given the scenario.
- It’s hard to get a gauge on the Bengals defense when they’re so constantly playing at a disadvantage like this again. There are some flash plays and turnovers, but they’re always in a brutal spot on the field with little rest.
- It’s really, really hard to think there is that big of a gap between Browning and Brett Rypien, but Zac Taylor insisted on not making a change.
- Ja’Marr Chase made some downright shocking plays on his sudden two touchdowns, one a toe-tapper in the endzone and another just embarrassing a defender down the field.
- Browning throwing three scores, then eating a safety to end it, really summed up the day (and maybe season).
Key stat
28-3: The score entering the fourth quarter. Some outlandish Ja’Marr Chase plays made it closer than it really was, which the Bengals will try to build on in future weeks. Whether that’s wise is a totally different conversation.
RELATED: Bengals’ Jermaine Burton was reportedly late to practice, now inactive
Game balls
WR Ja’Marr Chase: Chase spent a chunk of the day leading the team in tackles (no, really), then made an amazing play to score the team’s first touchdown in nearly 20 drives. He finished with six catches for 110 yards and two scores.
DE Trey Hendrickson: Two sacks for the All-Pro, who clearly never stopped that endless motor once again.
Top takeaway
QB Change: This needed to happen a week ago. Browning looks lost and is probably suffering from the fact defenses aren’t caught off guard by his lack of film now. The price on a quarterback trade is going up the more obviously desperate the Bengals get, but they need to acquire a Russell Wilson-caliber veteran and field a watchable team.
What’s Next?
The Bengals head to Green Bay for a date with the Packers next in another late-afternoon kickoff.
RELATED: Bengals fans are officially ready for the Zac Taylor era to end
