Jets Stun Bengals 39-38 in a Wild Finish at Paycor Stadium

Sunday at Paycor Stadium was supposed to be the game that reset the Bengals’ season, but it turned into a complete nightmare instead. Cincinnati fell 39-38 to the previously winless New York Jets, blowing a 15-point fourth-quarter lead and allowing 502 total yards in the process. 

The offense performed well during the first three quarters because Joe Flacco maintained control while the run game succeeded, and the team established its offensive flow. Flacco went 21 of 34 for 223 yards and posted a 100.5 passer rating per Pro Football Reference.  Cincinnati’s run game was equally as impressive, earning 181 rushing yards. Samaje Perine led with nine carries for 94 yards and a 32-yard touchdown, and Chase Brown added 73 yards on 12 carries with a touchdown as well. 

But when the fourth quarter hit, everything began to unravel. The defense struggled immensely, which led to the Jets storming back with 23 unanswered points.  Breece Hall secured the victory for his team by completing a trick play touchdown pass in the game's final minutes, while he rushed for 133 yards and scored two touchdowns.

What We Learned

Offense Looked Good, but Couldn’t Finish

The offense showed balance throughout the game as Flacco spread the ball around, the run game clicked, and the offensive line stepped up. But when the game became close, the rhythm began to disappear. The Bengals scored only once in the fourth quarter, which shows this team needs to improve its ability to complete drives and finish strong.

Defense Fell Apart

Giving up 23 points in one quarter is pure bad execution. Missed tackles and soft coverage cost the Bengals greatly. According to PFF, Cincinnati’s defense allowed over 7.2 yards per play in the fourth, their worst single-quarter performance of the season. They now rank in the bottom five in both rushing defense and red-zone efficiency (NFL.com).

Momentum Shift Changed Everything 

This game showed what happens when urgency disappears: a 31-16 lead evaporated in a matter of minutes. The Jets played with determination, while the Bengals played like a team expecting the game to end early. The difference in energy was noticeable, and it came at a big price. 

Same Old Problems 

While Flacco avoided turnovers, the Bengals faltered in critical moments. They struggled on third downs, under pressure, and in open field tackling. Once the Jets adjusted their game plan, Cincinnati had no answer. 

Fan Perspective

For Bengals fans, these past two weeks have felt like one step forward, two steps back. This team had an opportunity to reach .500 while building momentum in their fight for the AFC North. Instead, the Bengals handed a winless team their first victory. 

There were some positives on the offensive side, but until the defense tightens up and this team learns to close games, it won’t matter.

At 3-5, the uphill battle continues. For now, this one hurts. What should’ve been a statement win slipped through their fingers.