If anyone finds the real Bengals, please bring them back to Cincinnati quickly. The impostors who put on the tiger uniform at the start of the season have made this team unrecognizable, which nevertheless has everything to aspire to great honors in the NFL.
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The 27-24 defeat suffered at the hands of the Ravens already places the Bengals in a very precarious position. Do you think it’s largely exaggerated to make such an assertion after only two weeks of activities?
Note that since 1990, only 31 teams out of 270 that had 0-2 records after two weeks have managed to sneak into the playoffs. In other words, barely 11.5% of teams get their ticket to the big dance with such a start.
The good news is that the last team to achieve the feat was the Bengals, just last year. Joe Burrow’s gang even made it to the final of the American conference despite their lame start.
Attack broken down
This time, however, the offense really leaves something to be desired, even with the 275 million quarterback in charge.
Despite early season setbacks a year ago, the offense generated 432 yards and 32 first downs in the opening duel against the Steelers. The numerous turnovers had sunk the team, but we felt that the attack was going to find its rhythm.
The 2023 season is off to a much more gloomy start. After last week’s 142 total yards and just six first downs, the Bengals won just 19 first downs and accumulated just 282 yards against the Ravens.
Last season, the offense failed to break the 300-yard mark five times. This year, the counter is already at two.
We had to wait until the Bengals’ 21st offensive sequence to witness their first offensive touchdown this season, when Tee Higgins caught an offering from Joe Burrow in the middle of the third quarter. Previously, the only other touchdown had been scored on a long punt return.
This is odd, to say the least, since Burrow has a superb trio of receivers at his disposal. Last week, however, Tee Higgins seemed missing. This time, it was Ja’Marr Chase who was pretty much held in check (5 receptions for 31 yards).
Joe Burrow was roughed up a few times against the Ravens, 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 that the team will solve its offensive problems. There is too much talent on board for the ship to continue to sink. Unless, of course, the leg injury Burrow suffered in training camp haunts him more than he’s willing to admit.
Even if the current problems of the offense are obvious, the performance of the defense is not reassuring either.
During the first two duels, the Bengals were physically abused, to the tune of 384 yards on the ground at their expense. They are giving up an average of 4.9 yards per carry.
The Bengals won’t get anywhere if they continue to get trampled by rivals who look like schoolyard bullies in front of them.
The Ravens were thus able to complete four series of at least 10 games, which is enough to exhaust any defense.
Their quarterback Lamar Jackson had the leisure to frolic in the meadows, he who was not the victim of any sack and who was only hit once. He was able to complete 24 of his 33 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to adding 54 yards on the ground.
The Bengals proved last season in the same situation that they could get out of it. However, it is high time that they wake up from their heavy 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 convert attempt. Getty Images via AFP
At the very end of the match, the Broncos believed they had achieved 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 from two points to level the score. Quarterback Russell Wilson tried to reach Courtland Sutton, but Quebec cornerback Benjamin St-Juste intervened by knocking down the pass in the end zone. A very big game for the third year player!
Benjamin St-Juste’s big play which closed the door for the Broncos on the last play of the game, a two-point convert attempt. https://t.co/LvRB7G0m0c
— Stéphane Cadorette (@SCadoretteJDQ) September 18, 2023
2. Seahawks bounce back
Tyler Lockett scored the winning touchdown for the Seahawks in overtime. Getty Images via AFP
It was night and day for the Seahawks, between a miserable Week 1 and an explosive Week 2 against the Lions. They built a 31-21 lead after an interception returned to the end zone by Tre Brown, but the Lions closed the gap to force overtime. In overtime, quarterback Geno Smith excelled by 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. Interception fatale
Shaq Barrett returned an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Bears. Getty Images via AFP
Are the Bears starting to wonder about their young quarterback Justin Fields? The team was trailing the Buccaneers by three points late in the fourth quarter when deep in his zone at the six-yard line, Fields attempted a short pass that was intercepted by Shaq Barrett, who returned the freebie in the end zone. On the following sequence, Fields was unable to redeem himself with another interception. He already has three interceptions to his name this season even though the Bears have brought in reinforcements. To be continued…
4. Commotion pour Richardson
Despite the victory, Anthony Richardson suffered a concussion. Getty Images via AFP
Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson was off to another impressive start against the Texans when he was forced to leave the game. On his second touchdown, his head hit the ground hard when he was tackled in the end zone and he was left dealing with a concussion. He looked fine while celebrating the touchdown, but must have experienced symptoms afterward. His rookie counterpart CJ Stroud looked good in the loss with 384 yards and two touchdowns.
5. Les Titans in the extremes
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 victory over the Chargers in overtime. After an unsuccessful offensive sequence by the Chargers in overtime, the Titans took the ball back and drove 37 yards. It was their new kicker, veteran Nick Folk who was acquired two weeks ago in a trade with the Patriots, who scored the winning 41-yard field goal. Note that after a disastrous match, Ryan Tannehill regained his senses by completing 20 of his 24 passes.
WINNERS OF THE WEEK
Sesame Robinson
Every time the Falcons rookie running back touches the ball, he has a way of making us jump out of our seats. He finished with 124 yards rushing and 48 passing. He’s electric and the Falcons are 2-0 for the first time since 2017.
Josh Allen
We have to believe that the Bills quarterback was whipped by the criticism expressed in our column on Saturday! Josh Allen was smoking hot against the Raiders with 274 yards and three touchdowns, without a single turnover.
Puka Nacua
The Rams lost the matchup 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 in two weeks. Quite a find in the fifth round!
Ghosts
The Chiefs returned to winning ways in part thanks to two of their stars returning to the game. Tight end Travis Kelce scored one of his team’s two touchdowns, while tackle Chris Jones managed 1.5 quarter bag.
Micah Parsons
There are no more words to describe how dominant the Cowboys outside linebacker is. He was sublime against the Jets with three tackles for losses, including two sacks, in addition to forcing a fumble and recovering it himself.
LOSERS OF THE WEEK
Brandon Staley
Managing fourth downs continues to be painful for the Chargers driver, who opted for a punt despite only having a yard to go at the Titans’ 44 line. The Chargers are 0-2 and their coach is already in hot water.
The Cardinals
We knew the Cardinals would be awful, no surprise there. 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.
The Broncos
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, being the victim of seven quarterback sacks in addition to being hit 13 times. Quick, ice cream!
Josh Jacobs
The Raiders running back gained the most rushing yards last season. He ended his day against the Bills with -2 yards. It’s a tough start to the season.
Zach Wilson
If Zach Wilson’s performance was a glimpse of life without Aaron Rodgers for the Jets, there’s reason to tremble. The quarterback was intercepted three times and completed only 12 of his 27 passes.
2023-09-17 21:24:36
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