The Cincinnati Bengals’ losing streak hit four after they couldn’t score on a late touchdown drive against the New England Patriots and fell 26-20. Defensively, this was the most complete game for Al Golden’s crew all season, and they had one of the best goal-line stands you’ll see. Joe Flacco and the offense, on the other hand, struggled to get into a rhythm and felt disjointed throughout the game. The one bright spot was running back Chase Brown, who was magnificent again, eclipsing the 100-yard rushing mark for the second time this season with 107 on the day, bringing his yearly total to 626. Brown, much like franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, is a notorious slow starter and ramps up as the calendar turns to November and December. Speaking of Burrow, it’s reported he’ll likely play on Thanksgiving against the Baltimore Ravens, and this should allow Brown to perform even better if QB1 is effective at spreading the ball around.
Chase Brown Continues to Run Wild for the Cincinnati Bengals
Double Trouble
What makes Brown so tough is his ability to hurt you, rushing the ball or catching it out of the backfield. Sunday marked the fifth-straight game of 100 or more yards from scrimmage for the third-year back. Brown is a dynamic player and fits the Bengals’ offense perfectly. Head coach Zac Taylor will continue this formula moving forward, so opponents are off balance and honest by respecting both facets of Brown’s game.
Trust Factor
The coaching staff and Burrow trust Brown, and he was set to be a more integral part of the offensive operation. OC Dan Pitcher noted before the season, “I think Chase Brown is going to, by the end of the season, be a household name. “He’s everything that Austin Ekeler was. I think that by the time the season’s over, [you’ll all] know who he is.”
This process was derailed somewhat when Burrow went down in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Brown seems to be full steam ahead now, just as Pitcher had envisioned in July.
Room for Improvement
Even though Brown is on pace for his best statistical season as a pro, it doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. He’s still maturing as an influential player in the locker room following some pointed comments directed at the defense after the meltdown versus the Chicago Bears. He also needs to improve his pass protection on third down, which has consistently been his kryptonite since being drafted. The one aspect you can’t fault Brown for his the passion with which he plays the game. He is a natural-born leader who is driven to succeed. It seems like many on this 2025 version of the Bengals should take note.
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