The Cincinnati Bengals begin the prep for Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals in earnest Wednesday, where outsiders will learn much about the injury statuses of Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins.
As that happens, names like Skip Bayless and Taylor Lewan have thrown their weight around with opinions about the Bengals — with Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor being central pieces of the discussion.
Buy Bengals TicketsWith the season in danger at 1-3 and the locker room focused on accountability and a big bounce back, the buzz around the team walks an interesting vibe between playoff chances…and long-term things like the 2024 NFL draft.
Here are the must-know Bengals news, notes and quotes for October 4.
Skip Bayless' Joe Burrow take -- Bengals Wire
It’s a short take, yet a notable one — Skip Bayless wants Joe Burrow doubters calling the star quarterback overpaid right now to understand that they will eventually come to regret it.
Blaming Zac Taylor, not Joe Burrow -- Bengals Wire
Retired lineman Taylor Lewan says the problems for the Bengals offense stems from Zac Taylor and his inability to gameplan and scheme around the Burrow injury, not anything else.
Bengals roster moves -- Bengals Wire
Two small moves for the Bengals on the practice squad, with the team bringing back another fan favorite.
Power rankings fallout -- Bengals Wire
The Bengals take a stunning nosedive in the power rankings this week. Not a surprise, but the drop is huge.
Joe Burrow's brutal stat -- Bengals Wire
It’s not wise to pile on Burrow too much, considering he’s trying to play through a calf injury impacting his plant leg. He’s immobile as it gets on top of not being able to put proper power behind certain types of throws. Still, this stat is brutal.
Percentage chance at top-10 2024 NFL draft pick -- Bengals Wire
ESPN has unveiled its projections that put a percentage chance on a team’s shot at top 10 picks in next year’s draft. Currently 1-3, the Bengals have a better shot at a top 10 pick in these projections than one might think — which will only increase if they keep losing.
Another power rankings perspective -- Yahoo Sports
Another set of power rankings doesn’t have the Bengals quite as far down the board. Yet the commentary about the offensive line hurts, to say the least.
The Bengals are a 'joke' -- SB Nation
A catchy headline with some truth to it, this one accurately blames the coaches and even requests the Bengals pull the plug on Burrow for now, with plenty of evidence to back it up.
Why the Bengals are sticking with Burrow -- The Athletic
A great breakdown with quotes on why the Bengals won’t turn to a backup such as Jake Browning, especially highlighting the emphasis of coaches on those third-down woes.
