The Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals have each won two games in a row against the same two struggling teams.
Due to a twist in the schedules, both teams have played and defeated the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns in the last two weeks. This has brought Philadelphia’s record to 4-2, putting them behind the 5-2 Washington Commanders at the top of the NFC East, while the Bengals (3-4) are now just one game away from .500 after losing their first three games.
While these wins may not be the best way to measure their progress, both teams will learn more about themselves when the Eagles visit Cincinnati on Sunday.
Saquon Barkley is performing like the franchise running back that Philadelphia really needed, quarterback Jalen Hurts is taking care of the ball, and the defense is improving.
“Jalen has made some excellent decisions in the last couple weeks,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “He’s done a really, really good job with that, and it’s put us in some very favorable positions.”
Cincinnati’s defense has been strong since getting back to full strength after some early-season injuries. Quarterback Joe Burrow and the offense have done just enough to win against the Giants 17-7 and the Browns 21-14 last week. Charlie Jones even returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for the Bengals’ first touchdown against the Browns.
Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor is not viewing this game as a chance to get back to .500 or gain momentum. He said he doesn’t focus on the team’s record.
“I haven’t phrased it like that. It’s just important to find a win week to week,” he said. “Again, that’s just our sole focus, doing everything we can to make this (game) plan come to life to where our players believe in it, we’re making the right adjustments and finding a way to get a win. And whatever happens after that, happens.”
