The Cincinnati Bengals struggled in shocking fashion during the Week 8 43-36 win over the Tennessee Titans.
Talk all week about avoiding a trade game was just that: Talk.
The Bengals fell behind 13-0, bounced back by halftime, then let the Titans stick around deep into the fourth quarter while struggling through four Joe Burrow turnovers at home.
Here are some quick notes, stats to know and takeaways from the game.
Titans vs. Bengals notes
- Another miserable first quarter for the Bengals, falling behind 13-0. Joe Burrow’s early interception, at least, was more of a punt, essentially. Silver linings, folks.
- Bad tackling issues on a Titans touchdown rush of 40 yards. Just unacceptable early lapses again for Al Golden’s defense, this time against a 1-6 team while at home.
- Burrow’s second interception almost looked like a missed assignment in front of him led to a hit while throwing. Not a major ordeal, considering the Dexter Lawrence turnover right after.
- Burrow’s third interception was horrendous, a strange underthrow to Ja’Marr Chase on what should have probably been a touchdown. Lawrence bailed him out again though, recording a safety for two points.
- Burrow’s fourth turnover, a fumble, came while trying to protect the two-point lead in the fourth quarter.
- No bailout that time, either, as DJ Turner suffered an injury just before the Bengals defense let up a Cam Ward passing touchdown to fall behind in the fourth.
- Cornerback depth is a major concern. Dax Hill had to move inside with Jalen Davis on IR. Now DJ Turner is out on the boundary too.
- Burrow's redemption tour continued in overtime with a nine-yard rushing score.
Key Stat
4: Does this one really need an explanation? Burrow turned it over four times. Whether it’s the offensive line struggling, issues with moving away from the under-center stuff or something else, Burrow was careless with the ball on some of the turnovers and didn’t elevate above the muck like he usually does.
Top takeaway
Inexcusable: The Titans just
traded away one of the best outright players in the NFL in Jeffery Simmons. It’s a full-blown rebuild and they entered the game 1-6. This game being close at all is a black eye on Zac Taylor and the Bengals coaching staff. After a certain point, the actual win or loss didn't matter as much as the baffling preparation that led to this disaster.
What’s next?
The Bengals head for Madrid, Spain, for next week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. That is, as a reminder, a 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Instant analysis after Bengals escape Titans with OT win
