Bengals among Cincy’s worst teams at 0-9
These Cincinnati Bengals are on the verge of joining the ranks of the franchise’s worst teams — and that’s saying something.
As bad as the Dave Shula teams. As bad as Marvin Lewis’ worst team. In the same neighborhood as Dick LeBeau’s 2-14 team of 2002.
One more loss, and they qualify for the list.
A 49-13 drubbing by the Ravens left Cincinnati the only winless team in the NFL. At 0-9, the Bengals are one loss away from matching the worst start and the longest losing streak in franchise history during a single season. They can tie it Sunday at Oakland.
Already, the season is about looking to next year — will they stay in line for the No. 1 overall draft pick? — while trying to navigate depths seldom experienced in Bengals history.
“You just try to come to work every day with a positive attitude and encourage your teammates, keep their spirits up,” tight end Tyler Eifert said Monday.
ELSEWHERE
Redskins: Rookie ●
Dwayne Haskins was named starting quarterback for rest of season. Haskins, the 15th overall draft pick in 2019, is 27of-44 for 284 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions in three appearances, including a Nov. 3 start at Buffalo.
Jets: Tight end Chris
●
Herndon will be out indefinitely with a broken rib and guard Brian Winters
has a dislocated shoulder that will likely end his season. Herndon made his season debut Sunday, catching one pass for 7 yards in the Jets’ 34-27 win over the Giants.
Browns: Coach Freddie
● Kitchens said wide receiver Antonio Callaway’s benching was a one-game punishment. Callaway didn’t play in Sunday’s 19-16 victory over the Bills after being a surprising healthy scratch despite quarterback Baker Mayfield saying the receiver had been included in the game plan. Kitchens did not divulge his reasons for sitting Callaway, who was suspended four games earlier this season by the NFL for violating the league’s drug policy.
Broncos: Rookie quarterback ● Drew Lock will return to practice Tuesday in an attempt to determine if he’s going to be able to play this season. The second-round draft pick from Missouri went on IR to start the season after spraining his right thumb in an Aug. 19 preseason game against San Francisco.
Lions: Former wide
● receiver Charles Rogers died late Sunday at age 38. Rogers, the second pick of the 2003 NFL draft out of Michigan State, played for the Lions for three seasons, but logged just 15 games due to repeated injuries. He was cut by the Lions in 2006 and has since been arrested multiple times due to alcohol-related incidents.
Eagles: WR Jordan
●
Matthews signed with
Philadelphia to fill the void of DeSean Jackson, who went on injured reserve last week. This will be Matthews’ third stint with the Eagles. A third-round pick in 2014, he averaged 75 receptions and 891 yards receiving in his first three seasons with the Eagles and had 19 TD catches.
Steelers: Minkah
●
Fitzpatrick’s 43-yard interception return Sunday was the latest in a remarkable run of success since joining the Pittsburgh defense in a trade with the Dolphins for a 2020 firstround pick. In the seven games since his arrival,he has intercepted five passes, recovered a fumble, scored twice and developed a reputation as a player who never seems to be out of position.