Forgetting the Jets: The Bengals Face The Pressures of Week Nine
The excitement and momentum generated in Week Seven over the Steelers evaporated with a disappointing loss to the previously winless New York Jets in Week Eight’s game. What seemed like a glimmer of hope headed into Week Eight was quickly dismissed in the final minutes of the game, with a final score of 39-38. Now standing at an unfortunate 3-5 record, the Cincinnati Bengals enter their third straight home game against the Chicago Bears with intense pressure from their supporters. It is more pertinent now than ever to validate their mid-season quarterback change and prove that the team has the potential to remain relevant in the AFC North.
The Bengals’ first priority this week heading into the game is clarity at quarterback, Joe Flacco, is currently listed as questionable suffering with a shoulder injury during Week Eight’s matchup. If Flacco is unable to go on, the Bengals will be forced to turn back to Jake Browning, who struggled earlier in the season. The unpredictability of his performance might jeopardize the team’s ability to score, placing the team back at square one. Regardless of who starts, the offense needs to perform; Flacco, in particular, must overcome his injury and show that the victory in Week Seven was sustainable, not an isolated high point driven by emotions. A loss in Week Nine would not only drop the Bengals to a 3-6 record, but also completely extinguish hopes in the “Flacco Era” narrative.
That being said, although the final 39-38 score against the Jets felt validly demoralizing, the Bengals’ offense played outstandingly for three quarters. The team charged out holding a 24-13 halftime lead and held a commanding 31-16 advantage entering the fourth quarter. Flacco continued his efficient play, throwing two touchdowns and rushing for a one-yard score, while avoiding interceptions for the second straight week. Most importantly, the running game showed elite capability, with running backs Chase Brown and Samaje Perine exploding for 167 yards on 21 carries, the team’s biggest ground performance in years. The offense was on a roll, scoring on six possessions and giving the team a seemingly insurmountable 38-24 lead with just ten minutes remaining, before the defense lost their steam in the final minutes.
However demoralizing the matchup against the Jets seemed, the Bengals’ offense does have a favorable matchup against the Bears defense that had previously shown significant weaknesses. Chicago’s struggle against the run, giving up the sixth-most rushing yards per game in NFL history. This presents a prime opportunity for the Bengals to replicate their Week Seven success on the ground, utilizing running back Chase Brown to control the game and protect the quarterback. Furthermore, the Bears are poor in the sacks, suggesting Flacco should have ample time to operate and target Ja’Marr Chase, who remains the league’s top receiver in catches.
A victory would send the Bengals into a break at a respectable 4-5 record, ultimately providing a foundation to build on and continue to build their chemistry with Flacco. However, a loss would result in a dismal 3-6 record, effectively labelling the season a disaster before their season even hits the halfway mark. The AFC North is still technically within striking range, but only if the whole team can find a way to stay consistent during the game. Going into Week Nine, the Bengals must shake off their losses and focus their attention and energy to maintain composure to fight for a spot in the playoffs or to just play out the clock until next season.
