Bengals Takeaways: Thoughts on Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and the Defense Ahead of 'Must-Win' Matchup With Cardinals

Cincinnati is 1-3 going into Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow called Sunday's game against the Cardinals a "must-win."

That declaration is fair, especially considering Cincinnati's 1-3 start. They have as many losses as they have offensive touchdowns (3) through four games. Let's stick with that number. 

Here are three thoughts on the Bengals with a road matchup against the Cardinals looming:

Dialed In

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Burrow was focused on Wednesday. The Bengals' star was all business during the nearly 13-minutes he spent with the media following Wednesday's practice. 

"He's always like that," one player said with a smile. 

"No, he seems even more dialed in than normal," I quickly replied. 

"We need it," another player said knowing the importance of Sunday's game.  

If the Bengals fall to 1-4, they'll have roughly an 8% chance of making the playoffs. With teams like the 49ers, Bills, Ravens and Chiefs waiting on them in the second half of the season, they need to win games and keep their head above water over the next few weeks.

That starts on Sunday in Arizona. Burrow's focus was more intense than normal. Everyone could feel it in his news conference. 

It was also obvious on the practice field. He's pushing his calf more than last week. He was putting more weight on it during throws and moving more than he has in recent weeks. 

Burrow is a winner. He believes they can right the ship and he knows it has to start Sunday. 

Will Offense Be Shorthanded?

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Tee Higgins wants to play on Sunday, but I think it's a long shot. 

The 24-year-old suffered a fractured rib against the Titans. He's dealing with a lot of pain. The Bengals need all the help they can get and Higgins may try to play through it, but it feels like there's a good chance that he misses at least one game. 

The fractured rib impacts his ability to reach, jump, run—all of the things a wide receiver has to do on every play. 

That doesn't take into consideration the hits that he'll have to absorb if he plays. 

If Higgins doesn't suit up, then look for Trenton Irwin and rookie Andrei Iosivas to get more reps on offense behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd. 

It's unfortunate timing because the Bengals placed wide receiver Charlie Jones on injured reserve last week. He had thumb surgery, had five pins put in to keep it in place and will miss the next three games. He's hopeful about a potential return in Week 9. 

Without Jones and potentially Higgins, the Bengals wide receiver depth will be tested over the next few weeks. 

Stopping the Run

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The Cardinals want to run the ball on offense to help set up play-action passes down the field to Hollywood Brown, Michael Wilson and Rondale Moore. 

The Bengals have allowed the second-most rushing yards-per-game (157) in the NFL. They need to find a way to contain James Conner. Cardinals quarterback Josh Dobbs also likes to run. 

Shutting down the run will not only make the Cardinals one dimensional, but it could put them in second and third-and-long situations, which is exactly what the Bengals want to do. 

They have to find ways to get off the field. Of course, the offense has to do their part too. 

Cincinnati hasn't played complimentary football this season and when they have been in sync, it's because all phases are struggling. 

The players know it. The coaches know it. There's plenty of blame to go around.

They need to take a step forward, not only on offense, but as an entire team on Sunday. 

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