The Bengals aren’t quite back, but Sunday felt like a potential turning point for many.
The Cincinnati Bengals went 1-3 through the first four weeks of the season.
Not only did they lose three games, they lost five. They lost two by 20-plus points and two to division foes. The Bengals didn’t look like themselves either.
That changed with their Week 5 win against the Arizona Cardinals. Although there were some bumps in the road, the Bengals put on a strong performance on both sides of the ball and ended up winning 34-20.
The Bengals host the Seahawks at home in Week 6 and the potential is .500. However, let’s dive into where the national media places Cincinnati after their second win of the season.
Pro Soccer Network – No. 19 – Up from No. 22
The Ja’Marr Chase Breakout Game is never too far away. He broke the franchise record with 15 receptions against Arizona, and the elite tourist managed just 200 yards and added three touchdowns. Once they took the lead, the Bengals’ patterned excellence on defense made it incredibly difficult for Josh Dobbs, and their talented pass rush took its toll as well. Joe Burrow is still not his usual self. He still can’t move well, but he found the explosiveness of his arm for the first time in 2023.
Contact wire – #13
Sportsnaut – #11 – Up from #16
Joe Burrow still wasn’t 100 percent on Sunday, but he looked a lot closer to it than at any other time this season. Remember, Arizona’s defense (5-3 TD-INT allowed entering Week 5) has done a respectable job so far. Cincinnati desperately needed this win, but we’ll hold off on overreacting until we see the Bengals against the Seahawks (Week 6), 49ers (October 29) and Bills (November). 5).
Sports News – #17 – Up from #24
The Bengals saw a real, mostly healthy Joe Burrow in Arizona and turned the defense into a pass rush for their offense. Their defense also stepped up with big plays. This is the Bengals we know, and they’re back in a tight race in the AFC North.
AZ Central – No. 20 – Up from No. 24
Beat the Cardinals 34-20 to improve to 2-3. Joe Burrow now has five touchdown passes, three interceptions and a 62.4% completion percentage. He threw for 1,045 yards.
ClutchPoints – #19 – Up from #26
While the Cincinnati Bengals are still without a winning streak, they have shown that they are starting to get things together – and that starts with the health of Joe Burrow. Ja’Marr Chase’s three-touchdown day shows he’s back and ready to help this team win, and if Burrow’s health continues to bounce back after each game, which he seems to have been after the Cardinals win, this team could be very close. . hits his stride.
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