The 2025 Cincinnati Bengals: Fast Start Turns to Crisis Mode Going Into Week 5
From Hope to a Harsh Reality
We are officially four weeks into the NFL season, and the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a spot no fan wanted to imagine. After a 2-0 start that brought hope this team could survive without Joe Burrow, back-to-back blowout losses have left them at 2-2, and looking for answers.
If you’re new to the NFL and considering which team to follow, I can assure you that the Bengals will bring a true rollercoaster of highs and lows. This is a team loaded with talent and backed by a highly passionate fanbase. But with their franchise quarterback sidelined, the rest of the roster is fighting to keep their season afloat.
Draft to Now: A Team Built for Burrow
Cincinnati came into 2025 knowing its Super Bowl window is open as long as Joe Burrow is under center. They entered the draft and free agency with the intention of improving depth at tight end, linebacker, and the secondary. Training camp storylines centered on Burrow’s chemistry with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and the expectations were clear as they were ready to compete for the division.
That plan, unfortunately, went out the window in Week 2 when Burrow went down with a Grade 3 turf toe injury that required surgery. Per ESPN, he’s expected to miss at least three months, and without him, everything looks different.
Browning’s Struggles
Backup QB Jake Browning gave fans early hope as he threw for 241 yards and led a gritty game-winning drive over Jacksonville in week 2. Since then, the wheels have come off. In Week 3 vs Minnesota, there were four turnovers and just 10 points. Then last night against Denver, 105 passing yards, three sacks, and an offense that only gained 159 yards.
According to Pro Football Reference, the Bengals rank 30th in total yards per game ( 247.8) and 31st in points per game (13.8). Browning isn’t solely to blame, but his inability to push the ball down the field consistently has left notable players, such as Ja’Marr Chase, visibly upset on the sideline.
Discipline Issues
What has made these last two weeks even more frustrating for fans is the lack of discipline. Against Denver, Cincinnati had more penalties (11) than first downs (9). Per StatMuse, the Bengals have committed 27 penalties in their past two games, the most in the NFL over that span.
Joe Buck said it best on the MNF Broadcast: “ If you’ve got Jake Browning at quarterback, you cannot play a game like this around him with all the mistakes and expect to compete.”
Defense Shows Flashes, But Not Enough
Al Golden’s defense has shown fight, but the cracks are obvious. Over the past two games, the Bengals have been outscored 76-13. That’s not just an offensive problem, but a complete collapse of the whole team.
The run defense has been specifically concerning. In Week 4, Denver's J.K. Dobbins became the first player in Sean Payton's tenure to rush for 100+ yards (NFL.com). Rookie RJ Harvey also had quite the game, adding 98 scrimmage yards and his first career touchdown.
Through this, positives still remain with rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. getting his first interception, and Myles Murphy has done well in the pass rush. But unless this whole unit tightens up, the Bengals will continue to struggle to grind out wins in Burrow’s absence.
Where Do the Bengals Go From Here?
The truth is, the Bengals are down, but not completely out. At 2-2, they sit second in the AFC North, but with the Lions and Packers coming up, this season could spiral quickly if adjustments aren’t made.
The front office faces some tough questions:
Should they explore the possibility of a veteran QB trade to steady the offense?
Can Zac Taylor adapt his scheme to protect Browning and rely more on quick passes and the run game?
Does this coaching staff have what it takes to get things back on track, or is this heading towards a reset?
According to PFF, Cincinnati’s offensive line ranks 29th in pass-blocking efficiency through Week 4. That has to be changed immediately, as no quarterback can thrive under this much pressure.
Bottom Line
The Bengals' season isn’t declared dead, but it’s hanging by a thread. The offense has quickly lost its identity without Burrow, the penalties are crushing, and the defense cannot carry the load by itself.
Still, this is the NFL, and it’s no secret that crazy things can happen. If the Bengals step back and clean up their discipline, lean on Chase and Higgins, and find ways to grind out a few wins before December, they could have a chance for a late playoff push.
It sounds like a long shot, but hope is a hard thing to kill in Cincinnati.