The Cincinnati Bengals remain one of the most interesting subjects in the NFL for news, rumors and speculation.
That 1-3 start to the season and questions around the health of Joe Burrow have created an unexpected environment for the contender.
Buy Bengals TicketsNot only is head coach Zac Taylor facing questions about whether Burrow will play at all, there is now a very notable injury to star wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Keep in mind we’re also right in the fallout zone in the aftermath of the very concerning 27-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans, too.
Here’s the must-know news, notes and quotes for October 3.
Zac Taylor says Joe Burrow will start -- Bengals Wire
Given the obvious struggles and limitations of Joe Burrow and the way it’s tanking the offense, reporters naturally asked Zac Taylor about the quarterback’s status for Week 5. Taylor seemed a little bemused it was even a question, so Burrow will go against the Cardinals.
Tee Higgins talks injury -- Bengals Wire
Some good news on the Tee Higgins front, as the star wideout says he suffered a rib fracture that might only keep him out one game, if that. It sounds like it will come down to pain tolerance, so it will be interesting to see if he’s out there with Burrow against the Cardinals.
Zac Taylor angry after loss -- Bengals Wire
The Bengals coach had some harsh words for his team’s performance after that terrible showing in Tennessee.
2024 NFL draft order -- Bengals Wire
Yes, it’s to this point. While it’s early in the season, the Bengals suddenly boasting a high pick in the next draft’s order shows just how off the rails things have gone.
Bengals earn the rare "F" grade -- CBS Sports
John Breech doles out an “f” grade for the Bengals due to their showing against the Titans, rightfully pointing out that Burrow aside, the offensive line stunk and the defense was bad.
Bengals make roster move -- Bengals.com
The Bengals waived quarterback Reid Sinnett from the practice squad not long after the team added AJ McCarron. Interestingly, they can still make another move, as they have only 15 of the 16 spots filled.
Zac Taylor details issues -- Bengals.com
Beyond Joe Burrow, Taylor points to third downs as a big part of the issues for the offense, which sees the offensive line and simple execution across the board at fault: “We just have to do a better job of finding a rhythm early. There are a lot of things you can point to. We were oh for five on third down (in the first three quarters). Our first and second down efficiency was really good to start the game. It’s just when you are oh and five on third down in the first half, you’re not taking any pressure off the defense. It was 3-3 halfway through the second quarter, and we have to do something offensively by converting those third downs and turning them into points to where we take pressure off the defense so the other team can’t run the ball as much as they do. That’s really the easiest starting point for us.”
Lou Anarumo says effort isn't the issue -- Bengals.com
Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo pushed back against the idea that effort was the issue for tackling woes and blown assignments against the Titans: “We’ve got to do a better job wrapping up and getting more guys to the ball, but certainly it’s not a lack of want-to or effort or any of that. It’s just sometimes that happens. It’s just unacceptable that many. We average four or five. We’ve been one of the best tackling teams in the league and it’s not where we’re at right now. So we’ve got to do better.”
