Analysis: What we learned from Cincinnati Bengals 41-16 loss to Cleveland Browns
The Cincinnati Bengals entered Sunday's game with the chance to go 3-0 in the AFC North and take control of the division. After a disappointing and surprising loss to the New York Jets in Week 8, the Bengals got blown out on their home turf. The Bengals fall to 5-4 on the year after losing to the Browns 41-16.
Here's what we learned from the Bengals' Week 9 loss to Browns:
Bengals pass protection not holding up well enough
One of the biggest storylines headlines into the season surrounded the Bengals ability to protect Joe Burrow. Nine games into the season, the Bengals appear to have the same problems they did in 2020 when it comes to protecting their franchise quarterback. The Browns exposed Cincinnati's pass protection woes as they hit Burrow 12 times and sacked him five times.
If the Bengals want to make a playoff push, they'll need to fix their protection for Burrow.
What happened to the Bengals' defense?
For seven consecutive weeks, the Bengals' defense was the strength of the team. Two weeks in a row, the tables have turned. Cincinnati's defense has given up 34 and 41 points over the last two weeks. The Bengals knew they needed to tackle well against running back Nick Chubb and the opposite happened. Chubb ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
Prior to the Week 8 and 9 losses, the Bengals' pass rush had been one of the league's best. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's group hasn't been able to impact games in the way we saw early on in the year. Cincinnati has recorded just four sacks in two weeks.
Too many turnovers for Joe Burrow, Cincinnati's offense
Joe Burrow now leads the NFL in interceptions with 11 on the year. Burrow tossed two picks against the Browns, one resulting in a pick-six for Cleveland. When asked about the number of Burrow's interceptions, offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said this week he wasn't concerned. Although most of his interceptions have been off tipped balls, at some point if this number continues to increase for Burrow, it will be a concern. Wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins also dropped too many passes from Burrow against the Browns.