Around the AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals: Sluggish Opener Leaves; Bengals Look to Regroup After Bad Loss; Ravens Next Offense and Joe Burrow Seeking Solutions
Last season, Cincinnati had a 0–2 start but managed to win the AFC North.
However, as they get ready to host Baltimore (1-0) in Week 2, the Bengals (0-1) run the risk of having another 0-2 start.
Joe Burrow, who was just days ago 0said to be the highest-paid player in the NFL, may not have had the best game of his career on Sunday as Cincinnati lost 24-3 to Cleveland. In wet conditions, Burrow completed just 14 of 31 passes for 82 yards, and none of Cincinnati’s receivers gained more than 40 yards.
Burrow made an effort to remain optimistic despite the loss, noting that 16 games remain.
According to Burrow, via the team website, “nobody’s panicking.” “Nobody’s season is defined by their first week. Anyone who watched could see that it was obviously not very good out there. Nevertheless, we’ve been here before and have bounced back stronger and had fantastic years, so that’s what we’re going to do.
Ja’Marr Chase, the star receiver for the Bengals (five receptions, 39 yards), called the Browns “elves” this week. After being shut down in Cleveland, Chase will now try to make a bigger impression against Baltimore.
According to ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe, Chase said, “It’s frustrating because I called their ass elves and we just lost to some elves.” “I’m pissed on my part.”
Cleveland Browns: Jack Conklin Suffers Knee Injury That Ends Season
Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Monday that starting right tackle Jack Conklin suffered a season-ending torn ACL and MCL as a result of the Browns’ convincing Week 1 victory over Cincinnati.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Stefanski stated, “I’m disappointed for him, but in classic football, you never know when these things happen and it’s going to be next man up type of thing.”
Following Conklin’s injury, rookie fourth-round selection Dewand Jones assumed the starting position. Deshaun Watson only threw for 154 yards in the rain, so the Browns’ offensive output against Cincinnati was not particularly impressive. On the other hand, Nick Chubb gained 106 yards on just 18 carries, and Watson also scored a touchdown on a run.
When the Browns visit Pittsburgh on “Monday Night Football” the following week, they will have an opportunity to start 2-0 in the division.
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Pittsburgh Steelers: One-sided loss to 49ers due to mounting injuries
In Week 1, the Steelers lost badly to San Francisco at home and lost several important players to injury. Three players left the game early due to injuries: defensive tackle Cam Heyward (groin), tight end Pat Freiermuth (chest), and wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring).
The Steelers might be shorthanded when they host the Browns the following week because head coach Mike Tomlin did not provide a timeline for any of them to return.
On the team’s website, Tomlin stated, “We’ll assess those things as we plan and move into next week.”
Tomlin acknowledged that the 49ers, who ran for 189 yards and controlled the line on both sides, had the better of the Steelers.
“We failed miserably in every way,” Tomlin declared. “We must improve as coaches. We must play more effectively.
“We return to work after absorbing the criticism that follows our performance today. We must better prepare them. They must play more effectively. That’s just the way things are. In many ways, we received a kick in the teeth today.”
