The Bengals seemed to be suffering from a Super Bowl hangover through the first five weeks. But they’ve been able to turn their season around ever since, and it’s mostly because of one player.
The evolution of Cincinnati’s offense has been centered around quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals gave him “more control to make adjustments” with the help of QB coach Dan Pitcher and offensive coordinator Brian Callahan.
I’m told the #Bengals changed their offense Week 5 to give Joe Burrow more control to make adjustments. QB coach Dan Pitcher and OC Brian Callahan have helped this offensive evolution since then and after Week 5, Cincinnati has won 6 of 7 and Burrow is in the MVP race.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 11, 2022
Since Week 5, the Bengals have been red hot, and with Cincinnati’s 23-10 win over the Browns in Week 14, the team has now won seven of the last eight games and five straight.
It’s Burrow’s first career win against Cleveland, and he did it down a couple of his best playmakers. Wide receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd both left the matchup and didn’t return.
The Bengals continue to show they are not a one-trick pony.
Cincinnati beat a team they’ve struggled against without Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Joe Burrow continues to play at an elite level, as does Ja’Marr Chase.
Bengals defense held Nick Chubb to 34 rushing yards.
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) December 11, 2022
Burrow’s talent and leadership have been on full display this year, and now the Bengals’ turnaround makes all the more sense.
The third-year quarterback elevates everyone around him, and new players continue to step up each week.
“We got other guys to come in and step up,” RB Joe Mixon said after the game. “Everybody was making plays.”
Cincinnati has become a team nobody wants to face. The Bengals head to Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers in Week 15 where they are favored.
