2023 NFL Power Rankings: Cincinnati Bengals

Biggest issue on offense: Early-down offense

A very small sample size and two major factors (bad weather, QB Joe Burrow's bad right calf) should be considered when discussing the Cincinnati offense. But the lack of production on first and second downs are something that could be a long-term issue. Through the first two weeks of the season, the Bengals were last in several categories in early downs: yards gained, first downs, QBR, yards per passing attempt. In Week 2, Cincinnati relied on third-down success to extend drives. Being better on early downs could help flip the Bengals' fortunes the rest of the season. -- Ben Baby

Joe Burrow gutted out Monday's (must?-)win over the Rams, working through a slow start to lead a massive touchdown drive on the Bengals' first possession of the third quarter. Ja'Marr Chase provided his first transcendent performance of the season (12 catches for 141 yards), but this Cincinnati victory was spearheaded by a defense that, frankly, got a little undressed by the Ravens in Week 2. The Rams made some noise on big pass plays, but the story of the game was the pressure applied by Trey Hendrickson and a really good Cincy front. If that group can take over games while the Bengals round into form offensively (and let Burrow heal), they might just be OK in the long run.

That was a season-saving victory against the Rams. Give Joe Burrow credit for toughing it out with the injured calf. He had to do so.

Wasn't pretty for injured QB Joe Burrow (calf) on Monday night, but Cincinnati secured a desperately needed victory in its bid to reach the playoffs in successive seasons despite starting 0-2.

QB confidence rating: 7

They still love Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, but it's been a stressful week, starting with Burrow getting a cryptic golf cart ride from owner Mike Brown and going right on through Monday night when he threw the ball 49 times. It wasn't an efficient night (259 yards, no touchdowns, one interception), but that's kind of how it has gone this season. Burrow is 32nd in the league in yards per attempt (4.7) and 31st in completion percentage (55.4).

Worry about statement wins later; at least the Bengals got into the win column. Lots of ugly in this field goal-heavy win, but Joe Burrow started to show flashes of his usual self in the second half. And when the Bengals offense couldn't pull the weight, their pass rush destroyed an injured Rams O-Line.

It still doesn't look good for the Bengals, but 0-3 would have been a really big hole to dig out of. The Bengals still have to figure out how to get something going in the downfield passing game. Even while taking Joe Burrow's calf injury into consideration, it shouldn't be this much of a struggle.

They took one hell of a risk in playing Joe Burrow. And it took plenty of work to get the reward.

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