Even though the Cincinnati Bengals have a 1-3 record, they are starting to improve with a tough game ahead.
Joe Burrow is making smart choices, showing confidence in the pocket and throwing accurately. Ja’Marr Chase is back to being one of the top playmakers in the league after dealing with a contract dispute in the offseason, and Tee Higgins is getting back to form after missing the first two weeks due to injury.
The Bengals’ running game is also making strides. Second-year player Chase Brown gained 80 yards on 15 carries and scored his first two career touchdowns in Sunday’s 34-24 victory over Carolina.
Zack Moss contributed with 51 rushing yards and caught four passes for 27 yards and a touchdown, helping ease the impact of Joe Mixon’s trade.
After managing just 11 rushing yards in the first half, the Bengals picked up 130 yards on the ground in the second half to take control of the game.
“We’re explosive,” Brown said. “I mean, we can put up 30 points against anybody. That’s our mindset.”
Burrow completed 22 of 31 passes for 232 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception that resulted from a miscommunication with Chase. In the last two games, Burrow and Chase have connected 13 times for 203 yards and three touchdowns.
It’s likely not a coincidence that Chase’s improved performance aligns with Higgins’ return, which relieves some pressure from the team’s top wide receiver.
“We’ve been moving around, making plays,” Chase said. “The team looked pretty good starting out the first half, which is what we needed, someone to keep the momentum up for us, and all around everybody is making plays.”
