The Cincinnati Bengals are grappling with a tumultuous start to their 2025 NFL season, which was exacerbated by a disheartening 28-3 loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday night. Quarterback Jake Browning, filling in for the injured Joe Burrow, struggled to ignite the Bengals’ offense, completing just 14 of 25 passes for 125 yards without a touchdown. The team’s performance was starkly contrasted by Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who threw for two touchdowns and added another on the ground, showcasing the significant gap in offensive execution.
With their recent defeat, the Bengals find themselves reeling, having lost their last two games by a staggering combined score of 76-13. Their defense has faced intense criticism, allowing 512 yards to the Broncos while managing to gain only 159 themselves. This lack of production has led to calls from fans and analysts alike for the team to explore quarterback options, although head coach Zac Taylor has stated his commitment to Browning for now.
Compounding the Bengals' woes is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Burrow’s recovery from injury. After going down in Week 2, Burrow's absence has left a significant void in the Bengals' offensive strategy and execution. As the season progresses, the team must find ways to address these challenges, particularly as they prepare to face the Detroit Lions this Sunday.
Despite the bleak outlook, the Bengals remain just one game out of first place in the AFC North and hold a sixth seed in the conference. Players like Tee Higgins have noted the need for the offense to step up, emphasizing the importance of increased practice intensity to regain momentum. As Cincinnati looks to rebound, the upcoming matchup against Detroit will be crucial in determining whether they can turn their season around or if they will continue to struggle amid injuries and underperformance.