The Cincinnati Bengals travel to Miami in Week 5 after back-to-back losses. They will face the 0-4 Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, looking to get back on track.
Joe Burrow and Amarius Mims have been the team’s bright spots. However, Cincinnati’s running game has struggled, and injuries have depleted its receiving group. Here are three truths and two lies about the Bengals heading into Week 5.
Truth: Joe Burrow Put Together an Elite September
Burrow got off to an excellent start this season. Through the first three games, he completed 70.9% of his passes for 743 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception. He finished September with a 106.6 passer rating.
That impressive play continued against Jacksonville, even though the Bengals lost. Burrow threw for 428 yards and kept Cincinnati in the game despite losing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to injuries. He did throw two interceptions, but those mistakes should not overshadow how well he played through most of the first four weeks.
Truth: The Rushing Attack Is in a Total State of Emergency
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Cincinnati’s running game hit a new low against Jacksonville. The Bengals finished with just 23 rushing yards, while Chase Brown managed only 10 yards on nine carries.
Brown was much more effective as a receiver, catching 11 passes out of the backfield. That put even more pressure on Burrow to carry the offense through the air. Cincinnati needs to get more out of its running game. Until the Bengals can gain consistent yards on the ground, teams can focus more on stopping Burrow and the passing attack.
Truth: Cincinnati Cannot Rely on an 80% Pass Rate Without Chase and Higgins
The Bengals had an 81.7% pass rate against Jacksonville, the highest rate of Burrow’s career, according to Next Gen Stats. He attempted 54 passes and dropped back 59 times. That approach is difficult to sustain even with a healthy receiving group. Without Chase and Higgins, it becomes even harder.
Chase is in concussion protocol, while Higgins is dealing with an adductor injury. Andrei Iosivas is also on injured reserve. Cincinnati might need to use more multiple-tight-end sets against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Lie: Joe Burrow Has a “Clutch Turnover” Problem
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Burrow’s two interceptions against Jacksonville were costly, but they do not make him a poor late-game quarterback. His first interception came in the first half, while the second came on the opening play of the fourth quarter with Cincinnati trailing 16-10. Neither was a last-minute desperation throw.
Burrow needs to avoid those mistakes, but two interceptions in one game are not enough to claim a pattern of clutch turnovers.
Lie: The Season Is in Freefall at 2-2
Back-to-back losses have put Cincinnati in a difficult position, but the season is far from over. The Bengals are 2-2 and sit fourth in the AFC North, behind Cleveland and Baltimore at 3-1 and Pittsburgh at 2-2.
There are still 13 games left. Cincinnati has shown it can move the ball through the air, and Mims has been a major strength in pass protection. He maintained his streak of not allowing a pressure against Jacksonville as well.
The running game, receiver injuries, and repeated mistakes are real concerns. But a 2-2 record after four games is not a reason to write off the season. Facing the 0-4 Dolphins gives Cincinnati a chance to get back on track.
