Bengals optimistic, but OT loss reveals issues
The Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) clawed their way back from a 20-6 deficit to force overtime against the San Francisco 49ers (7-6) but ultimately came up short 26-23.
The loss is undoubtedly a blow to the team's playoff chances, but the Bengals could still win the division with wins over the Ravens (Dec. 26) and Browns (Jan 9).
“I don't think anybody wants to play us, quite frankly,” said coach Zac Taylor. “We haven't won all of the games we felt like we should have won. I think our guys have a ton of confidence, I think people see what we are about. They see the talent that we've got in all three phases. They know we are going to fight until the last second.”
Here's what we learned from the overtime loss:
Burrow can lead comebacks like a veteran
Cincinnati's franchise quarterback is only 25 years old, but you would never know it by the way he plays.
With 2:40 left in regulation, Burrow put together a surgical drive, going 4for-6 for 95 yards and throwing the game-tying touchdown to Ja'marr Chase. Burrow finished with 348 yards and two touchdowns on 25-for-34 passing.
“Yeah, that's Joe, I mean that's who he's always been,” defensive end Sam Hubbard said. “I love being on his team. I love having him as my quarterback. He's still a young player. I'm excited to be on the team with him for a very long time and win a lot of football games. I'm just proud of the way he battles, never bats an eye.”
The Bengals struggle against top tight ends
The Bengals' defense had no answer for tight end George Kittle, who
caught 13 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown. Safety Vonn Bell was matched up with Kittle for a majority of the game, but even when Cincinnati attempted different approaches, Kittle couldn't be stopped.
“We tried everything,” Taylor said. “He's one of the best tight ends, We've known that for a long time. It's not like he surprises people.”
The Bengals' inability to shut down top-tier tight ends is concerning because Cincinnati's defense will face Noah Fant, Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce over the course of the next three games.
Bengals have not solved their turnover issues
It was a tough night for cornerback Darius Phillips who muffed two punts, costing the Bengals 10 points.
“We've got to do a better job of protecting the football all around,” Taylor said. “We know that's unacceptable, and we have to be better at taking care of the football. Period.”