The misery continues for the Cincinnati Bengals as they suffered their third consecutive loss, this time at the hands of the Detroit Lions 37-24. Jake Browning was abysmal again, going 26/40 with three interceptions and three touchdowns that were essentially in garbage time. The defense played admirably, considering how difficult a position Browning was putting them in with short fields for the Lions in the first half. Head coach Zac Taylor’s seat is warming up with each week his side of the ball flounders. It doesn’t get any easier for the men in stripes as they go up north to play the Green Bay Packers in Week 6. If Taylor and his coaches don’t put together better game plans, it will continue to look like Sunday against Detroit.
The Cincinnati Bengals Continue to Slide in the Wrong Direction
Trey Time
The lone defensive player for the Bengals who impressed was Trey Hendrickson, as he played like a man possessed and recorded two sacks and a TFL.
TREY HENDRICKSON STRIP SACK! BENGALS BALL pic.twitter.com/StWD8qexb4
— Cincinnati
(@CincyProblems) October 5, 2025
He continues his solid pace with four sacks on the season and consistently brings the intensity that his teammates can learn from. Hendrickson badly needs more help around him if the defense is going to get any better. He remains steadfast and noted after the game, “There’s a lot to correct on film. It’s just one of those things — we have a resilient group, so we’re finding that team identity. There’s a lot to be proud of on defense and there’s a lot we need to correct on defense. Keep chopping wood, it’ll break. It’s the National Football League. Hard work works. I’m a firm believer in that.”
It’s fair to wonder if an EDGE-needy team like the San Francisco 49ers will make a serious offer to retain the rights to Hendrickson. While Mac Jones would be an intriguing trade chip, it’s doubtful San Fran will want to part with him even when Brock Purdy returns.
Joyful Ja’Marr
Another fantastic player was All-Pro Ja’Marr Chase, who is a thrill to watch. He started October in his typical fashion with 110 yards receiving and two touchdowns on six receptions, including an absurd catch in the back of the end zone.
Jake Browning’s 15-yard TD pass to Ja’Marr Chase had a completion probability of 12.5%, the most improbable TD pass of the season.
Chase had 0.6 yards of separation and was 0.2 yards from the sideline when the pass arrived.#DETvsCIN | #WhoDey
pic.twitter.com/MtTdAWVFkJ— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 5, 2025
The Bengals still aren’t throwing the ball to him enough, and they better start if they want to salvage their season. Hopefully, this can give Browning confidence to help the offense get into a better rhythm on a drive-by-drive basis.
One Direction
With twelve games still left in the season, and a wide-open AFC North, the Bengals have one direction to go, and that’s up. Taylor remains confident he can steer the ship through these rough waters with a slim chance that Burrow can return in December. Truth be told, if he fails, it may be his last season at the helm.
Main Photo: Sam Greene/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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