The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to compete for the AFC North title, especially with the return of quarterback Joe Burrow.
However, the Bengals had their worst week in Week 1, losing 16-10 at home to the New England Patriots, who were projected to finish last in the AFC East.
Burrow played in his first game since suffering a season-ending wrist injury on Nov. 16 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Burrow performed well in training camp but struggled against the Patriots, completing 21 of 29 passes for just 164 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and getting sacked three times behind holes in the offensive line.
The attacking force was so inept that the players were booed by many of the 66,214 fans who packed the Paycol Stadium.
“We had chances and we didn’t take advantage of them.” Barrow says“It wasn’t my best day. We’ll bounce back, learn from it and play next week.”
The Bengals had some other issues coming into the game.
Cincinnati’s three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase played in the game despite missing all of training camp due to a contract dispute that had been a distraction all offseason. Chase was listed as questionable due to an illness he described as food poisoning. He didn’t have much of a production, finishing with just six catches for 62 yards.
‘I’m not panicking,’ says Bengals center Ted Karras said“We lost 16-10 to a good team. Our offense was a quagmire. You’re going to have to score more than 10 points to beat somebody in the NFL.”
Burrow sorely missed fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
That meant more targets for the tight ends, who also had a forgettable day: Mike Gesicki dropped a touchdown that could have changed the game, and Tanner Hudson fumbled on the goal line.
“We just couldn’t get into a good rhythm,” says Bengals coach Zach Taylor said“I don’t know exactly what it was. I just felt like there was a good plan. Everybody knew what to do.”
The Patriots defense The team traded four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons. On August 15, Judon Career-high 15.5 sacks He was expected to return in 2022, but was limited to four games last season because of a torn biceps.
The defense held the Patriots to just one touchdown, but Taylor was unhappy with the number of missed tackles and the 170 rushing yards he allowed.
Cincinnati couldn’t force a turnover despite having several chances. Bengals safety Geno Stone dropped an interception. Last season, Stone Ranked second in the NFL He had seven interceptions as a member of the Ravens, second only to Dallas cornerback Darron Brand (9).
Special teams also struggled, with returner Charlie Jones fumbled on a punt, allowing the Patriots a field goal in the second half.
Although it’s just one game, the schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Bengals, who must travel to Kansas City in Week 2 to take on the two-time Super Bowl champion Chiefs.
“There are 16 games left.” Taylor said“Starting 1-0 is certainly a hole we don’t want to get ourselves into, but I have a good feeling about how this team will bounce back.”
