Seattle Seahawks Keep Pace with Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals But Trail at Halftime

The Seattle Seahawks had an extra week of preparation and rest to get ready for Sunday's Week 6 meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

But despite their 2-3 record, the Bengals continue to prove why they're a better challenge than the standings show. Even after a first half that was hardly a disappointment for the Seahawks, Pete Carroll's group still trailed 14-10 at halftime.

Another rushing touchdown from Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III and a 55-yard field goal from a struggling Jason Myers marked the pair of first-half scores for Seattle.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith went an efficient 13 of 17 passing for 123 yards, finding Tyler Lockett four times for 53 yards.

Still, it was Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow that took the cake, as he finished the first half 18 of 22 passing for 143 yards and two touchdowns and had 15 straight competitions at one point. He found star receiver Ja'Marr Chase five times for 67 yards.

The Seahawks wasted little time getting points up on the scoreboard, as Walker III found the end zone for the fourth straight game and sixth overall time this season after a one-yard score on the game's opening drive. Seattle had an early 7-0 lead.

But the improving Bengals showed why they're better than their record shows. Behind seven straight completions from Burrow, Cincinnati found the end zone on its opening drive with a eight-yard touchdown grab from Tyler Boyd to tie things up at 7-7.

The Burrow-Chase connection was alive and well against a talented Seattle secondary, yet it was rookie receiver Andrei Iosivas that had Cincinnati's second touchdown on a three-yard catch to put the Bengals up 14-7.

The Seattle offense looked like they'd be due for a response after Smith found Lockett for a 32-yard gain on the Seahawks' third drive but an ensuing sack on 3rd and 11 in Cincinnati territory helped give the ball right back to Burrow via punt.

The Bengals finally stalled and punted after a five-play drive, which gave Seattle its chance to set up Myers for the 55-yard field goal.

Cincinnati will receive the second-half kickoff.