After the Bengals’ 0-2 start last year, they returned with back-to-back wins to level their record at 2-2, ultimately winning the division title for the second consecutive year. Similarly, this year, the Bengals lost their first two games but the team stayed united. However, this time, the Bengals have continued to struggle, now placed at 1-3, and they are set to encounter the Arizona Cardinals in a game that has instantly become critical.
Joe Burrow, who has been struggling with a calf injury since the earlier season and worsened it in Week 2, seems to soldier on despite the setback. His calf injury has been a consistent problem, and the offense has struggled, ranking last in yards (1,457) and 31st in points scored (94). Burrow himself has not executed at his best, seeming eager to deliver the ball quickly and striving to make deep throws. While addressing the offensive struggles and his calf injury, Burrow emphasized the significance of avoiding frustration and adjusting to the circumstances. He recognized that things need to improve quickly, believing the team has only scored three touchdowns so far this season.
When questioned on Wednesday if he and the Bengals locker room view their upcoming game as a must-win, quarterback Joe Burrow instantly replied, “Yes,” without even waiting for the question to be ended. “Gotta win,” Burrow stressed. “Whatever it takes. It doesn’t have to be pretty, but we’ve got to come out with a victory.” “We have to be better,” he accepted. “Our performance so far isn’t anywhere near satisfactory. We have the talent in our locker room, the coaching staff, and we’re determined to get better in practice and give our best on Sunday.” “It’s been a tough couple of weeks, that’s for sure,” Burrow admitted. “But we’ll get through it. We have tough, resilient guys in the locker room who know how to handle these situations. It’s tough right now, but we’ll persevere.”
Burrow stated that his calf has been working well this week and expressed optimism about the upcoming game. He wasn’t listed on the injury report, and he believes the team is making progress. Burrow explained that his calf issue hasn’t significantly influenced his passing ability but has restricted his flexibility and playmaking skills. He clarified, “My ability to throw hasn’t been affected, mainly just my ability to move in the pocket, run for first downs, or extend plays by that extra second.”
However, optimism can only take them so far, specifically when facing a must-win game just four weeks before Halloween. Regardless of his calf injury, Burrow will lead the Bengals through this difficult period and secure a third consecutive playoff berth. Burrow said, “We haven’t had a road win yet. We pride ourselves on the road on playing perfect football, good defense, good scheme. We need it for morale, we need it for our ranking, we need it for everything.” Burrow expressed his disappointment, saying, “That’s not near good enough. We’ve got a ways to go. But we have the guys in that room to do it. We have the coaches to do it. So we’re going to continue to get better in practice and put our best foot forward.”
For the Bengals, the goal is clear, As Burrow stated: “Do whatever it takes to secure a postseason spot. it doesn’t have to be a pretty victory, but they must come out with a win. When asked about Burrow’s mobility and whether he needs to recover more of it to play efficiently, Bengals coach Zac Taylor deferred to his star quarterback, commenting, “I’m just going to trust Joe on how he feels with that stuff.”
The status of one of Cincinnati’s top receivers, Tee Higgins, remains doubtful. Higgins did not practice on Wednesday as he deals with a broken rib. regardless of the injury, Higgins expressed his wish to play, stressing that it’s a matter of pain tolerance. Coach Taylor believed that the team would make a careful decision as the week unfolds regarding Higgins’ availability.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow left no room for doubt when he addressed the upcoming Sunday matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at his weekly Wednesday news conference. Burrow, a climactic figure for the back-to-back AFC North champions, stressed that this game is a must-win for his team. The Bengals, who have struggled with a 1-3 record, are at risk of starting the season with four defeats in their first five games. Rebounding their fortunes begins with securing a road victory this weekend.
