As unfortunate as it is, 0-2 is not unfamiliar territory for Zac Taylor, Joe Burrow, and the Cincinnati Bengals. However, despite the three straight 0-2 starts, the Bengals have not dropped to 0-3 since 2019. Over the last four seasons, Cincinnati is 3-0-1 in Week 3, winning each of the last three.
In an interview this week, Burrow reassured reporters, “We’re not panicking, two games in, we’ve got 15 games left. It’s all just take a deep breath and relax. We’re going to be fine. We’re not worried about it.”
The Bengals get to face off against the Washington Commanders in Week 3 this year. This is the first time the two have faced off since that infamous Week 10 game at FedEx Field that ended Burrow’s rookie season. This is also the first time these two face off in Cincinnati since 2008. Cincinnati is 3-1-1 over the last five meetings dating back to 2004.
The 0-2 Cincinnati Bengals Not Panicking Ahead of MNF Matchup
Back Up That Talk
One area the Bengals are more than adept this year is in the realm of talking a little smack. Last week, Ja’Marr Chase asserted that Cincinnati was the “team to beat” in the AFC. Sure, an 0-2 team probably doesn’t have much claim but that same team did play the back-to-back Super Bowl champions within an inch of a victory for the sixth straight time dating back to Week 17 of 2021. After winning the first three (regular season 2021, AFC Championship 2021, regular season 2022), the Kansas City Chiefs have gotten the better of the Bengals in three straight (AFC Championship 2022, regular season 2023 [no Burrow], regular season 2024).
In addition, star corner Cam Taylor-Britt joined in on the fun and let it be known that rookie receiver for the Chiefs, Xavier Worthy, was just fast, claiming, “Speed. That’s about it,” Taylor-Britt said, via The Kansas City Star. “He can run straight. Run jet sweeps and just run straight. He can’t do too much else, so that’s about it. I feel like if you put your hands on him, he’s only a 100-some pounds, so if you put hands on him, you’re gonna stop his speed, so basically get your hands on him.”
He was able to back up that talk as Worthy only managed two catches for 17 yards. The biggest play, however, was Taylor-Britt hauling in a ridiculous interception on a ball intended for Worthy that has the potential to be the play of the year in the NFL.
Now, Taylor-Britt is unimpressed with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. In an interview this week, he said, “They don’t make him do a lot. They keep it really simple for him. Nice college offense. (Kliff) Kingsbury’s the OC.”
As CB1 for the Bengals, Taylor-Britt has backed up his talk thus far. He’s played 60 coverage snaps and has the highest rating in coverage in the NFL among corners. With Terry McLaurin coming to town, he’ll need to keep up his elite play.
Cam Taylor-Britt this season:
🟠 88.6 coverage grade (1st among CBs)
⚫ 60 coverage snaps
🟠 3 receptions allowed
⚫ 1 interception
🟠 1 forced incompletion pic.twitter.com/gJieVpBSA8— PFF CIN Bengals (@PFF_Bengals) September 17, 2024
Getting Healthy…ish
Aside from the 0-2 start, the biggest storyline from the Bengals is how beat-up the team is. While Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) is out for Monday Night and B.J. Hill is essentially a game-time decision (hamstring), the team is set to get back a couple of big pieces.
On offense, Tee Higgins‘ absence has been felt. The Bengals have struggled to find a reliable second option as defenses continue to focus on taking away the play-making abilities of Chase. Last week, the tight end room stepped up and was responsible for 151 of Burrow’s 258 yards. Higgins will be a welcome addition to the offense against a defense that has allowed 227.5 yards and three touchdowns per game through the air. Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers decimated the Commanders’ defense in Week 1.
Additionally, a pair of rookies who have not yet played are expected to make their appearances.
Amarius Mims was the Bengals’ first-round pick of this year’s draft and actually looked like he won the starting right tackle job during Training Camp before his injury. While Trent Brown hasn’t been terrible as the starter, Mims could be an upgrade already. The 18th-overall pick was lauded as an incredible athlete at his size despite the lack of experience while at Georgia.
On defense, Kris Jenkins is set to make his debut as well after dealing with a thumb injury. With the lack of depth at defensive tackle, this is massive for the Bengals. Jenkins, even with a wrapped-up club, is expected to make an impact with the brand-new signing, Lawrence Guy.
Of course, it should be noted that Vonn Bell appeared on the injury report late in the week and his status for Monday Night is up in the air. If he doesn’t go, Jordan Battle should be expected to make his first real impact on the season.
It may just be Week 3, but this feels almost as “must win” as a Week 3 matchup can be.
Main Image: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
