The Cincinnati Bengals needed every part of quarterback Joe Burrow’s uneven performance to survive the Tennessee Titans in overtime, a result that moved them to 5-2 but exposed a defense unable to put away an undermanned opponent. The tape supplied plenty of reasons to worry about whether this defense can hold up against the AFC’s better offenses.
Locked On Bengals co-host Jake Liscow said the performance made him question whether the defense is good enough for a team with championship aspirations. Liscow pointed to Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward finding routine answers in rhythm, including quick throws over the middle, screens and RPO concepts that repeatedly put Cincinnati’s back seven in difficult positions.
Locked On Bengals co-host Joe Goodberry argued that the Bengals should prioritize defensive help if they make a move. Goodberry’s case was straightforward: The defensive front created several game-changing plays, but the coverage and tackling behind it remained too inconsistent to rely on a bend-but-don’t-break approach every week.
The Tennessee tight ends combined for eight catches, 112 yards and a two-point conversion, according to the hosts’ game review, despite entering the matchup without much production over the middle. Tony Pollard also forced missed tackles on a long touchdown run. Those are not isolated frustrations when an opponent can identify the same coverage and tackling problems throughout an afternoon.
Burrow delivered the plays needed to overcome it. Liscow and Goodberry credited him for a clinical overtime drive after criticizing two costly interceptions, including an underthrow intended for wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The hosts also noted that Cincinnati’s turnover issues turned a game that should have been controlled comfortably into a volatile finish.
The Bengals do not need to overreact to one win, particularly after closing a game that previous Cincinnati teams might have lost. They do need to treat the warning seriously. Burrow can mask flaws with elite production, but a defense that lets a struggling offense dictate terms will eventually ask the quarterback to be perfect.
The next test comes against the Atlanta Falcons, another inconsistent opponent capable of punishing a slow start or a porous middle of the field. Cincinnati can appreciate the overtime escape while recognizing that its margin for error will shrink quickly if the defensive issues persist.
Bengals News and Notes
– Liscow singled out Cincinnati’s recurring slow starts after the Bengals again fell behind 13-0. Head coach Zac Taylor’s team recovered, but repeatedly spotting opponents an early advantage is becoming a trend that better teams can exploit.
– The passing game still produced at an extraordinary level. The hosts credited wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase with 21 catches, 296 yards and three touchdowns combined, evidence that the offense remains potent even when turnovers prevent a clean performance.
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