Once Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals offense got rolling in Madrid, Spain, they were never really uncomfortable during the 34-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Ja’Marr Chase played a big role in that, obviously, flirting with the 150-yard mark by halftime. Only a slow defensive start really had things interesting in the first quarter.
Otherwise, the Bengals put on a show, which was one heck of a way to promote the NFL around the world.
Here are some quick notes, stats to know and takeaways from the game.
Bengals vs. Falcons notes
- Al Golden’s defense looking inept to start games continues to be a problem. The unit evens out over games sometimes, but the slow starts need to be addressed.
- Ja’Marr Chase was sort of just toying with his food out there, boasting eight catches for 142 yards and a score in the second quarter.
- Chase Brown finally had a few explosive runs of 15-plus yards, which should silence some critics ahead of next week’s NFL trade deadline.
- Chase had the big highlights, but it was Tee Higgins who quietly scored two touchdowns.
- How about Evan McPherson hitting one from 57 yards out?
- Nice to see old friend Jessie Bates playing well despite the so-so stuff around him. Not going to happen…but the trade deadline is next week.
- Speaking of safety, Bryan Cook looked healthy and made some nice open-field tackles. Jordan Battle...dropped a pick-six in the fourth quarter.
- At running back, Samaje Perine out-carried Chase Brown, 11 to nine. Could be a sign of things to come.
Key Stat
30: The Bengals haven't lost when they've scored 30-plus this year. Sounds obvious, but it's a benchmark to know for a 6-2 club with an erratic defense.
Top takeaway
Electric: Talk about a statement overseas. This is perhaps the best Bengals offense to date. It
isn’t always pretty (see the win over the Titans last week), but the Bengals are taking care of business against teams they’re supposed to beat. That’s a very good sign at 6-2.
What’s next?
The Bengals return home for a Sunday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium, a battle of 6-2 teams with major seeding up for grabs in the AFC North.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Instant analysis after Bengals put on a show in Madrid vs. Falcons
