Sports Illustrated Declares Bengals Won't Rebound From Slow Start

Cincinnati had a disastrous September and enters a new month tied for the worst record in the AFC.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
Oct 3, 2023 8:10 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals have largely lit the first four games of the season on fire as they sit 1-3 and tied for the worst record in the AFC.

Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano isn't convinced they turn things around like the past two seasons.

"I’ve seen enough from the Bengals," Manzano wrote. "I can now say their sluggish start isn’t like last year when Cincinnati started 0–2 before winning 12 of its final 14 regular-season games. This year’s Bengals are on the verge of becoming an afterthought after another offensive dud with a hobbled Joe Burrow, whose injured calf has prevented the team from stretching the field with stud wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

"Cincinnati averaged 4.1 yards per play and 5.5 yards per passing attempt during Sunday’s ugly 27–3 loss to the Titans. For as long as Burrow plays on one bad leg, the Bengals will likely struggle against teams with ferocious defensive fronts. The Titans sacked Burrow three times and hit him nine times. Perhaps the Bengals can get past the Cardinals next week. But after that, they face the Seahawks, 49ers and Bills."

Things are definitely different this time around. There aren't many position groups playing well across the entire roster—all while Burrow is compromised. He ranks 34th out of 34 qualified QBs in EPA + CPOE composite through four weeks.

The franchise player ranked 10th in that all-encompassing efficiency metric through four games last season. Team Rankings currently gives Cincinnati a 14.8% chance to make the playoffs.

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