Cincinnati Bengals have a tough time running the ball in a 37-17 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles
Cincinnati boasts a potent passing attack with quarterback Joe Burrow and a potent bunch of receivers. But the Bengals are struggling when it comes to running the ball.
Cincinnati, who have struggled all season, only managed 58 running yards and an average of only 2.9 yards per carry in their 37–17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
“We ran it well for a couple weeks in a row there after the first game,” Burrow remarked. “The past two weeks haven’t been satisfactory.”
After defeating Cleveland and the New York Giants on the road in back-to-back games, the Bengals (3-5) looked to improve their record.
They only managed 59 yards on the ground in last week’s 21-14 victory over the Browns, despite rushing for 121 yards and two scores in their 17-7 triumph over New York. Against Philadelphia, nothing changed.
Chase Brown led the Bengals with 32 yards on 12 carries, including a 4-yard touchdown run that tied the game in the third quarter. Burrow added 15 rushing yards, while Zack Moss had 11 yards on five carries.
“It’s not like I called a lot of runs in the first half because we were moving the ball really well the way that we were attacking them,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “We threw the ball well. Sometimes when you’re not making a lot of damage there, you just keep the ball in the air.”
While Cincinnati struggled with their rushing game, Philadelphia had a strong performance with 161 rushing yards. Saquon Barkley contributed 108 yards on 22 carries, and quarterback Jalen Hurts rushed for 37 yards and three touchdowns on 10 attempts.
Burrow started the passing game strong, completing his first eight passes during a 70-yard opening drive. He connected with Ja’Marr Chase for a 2-yard touchdown, giving the Bengals a 7-0 lead with 4:56 left in the first quarter.
Cincinnati was missing their top receiver, Tee Higgins, due to a quad injury.
Whenever you don’t have some of your best players it always makes it tough,” Burrow said. “We go out there with the guys we have. That’s the NFL. You’re expected to go out and play well.”
A crucial fourth-down play at the end of the third quarter shifted the momentum to the Eagles.
On fourth-and-1 from their own 39-yard line, the Bengals chose to pass. Burrow threw to Chase in the flat, but rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean tackled him for a 2-yard loss.
“Guy made a good play,” Burrow said. “We didn’t get the fourth down, they kick the field goal and we’re down 10. Then I throw the pick. At that point, it was an uphill battle.”
Regarding the running game, Bengals center Ted Karras mentioned the team needs to improve how they execute their assignments.
“It creates more confidence to call more,” he said. “It’s kind of a volume thing. We need to get a head on a hat and get the ball downhill. I’m going to check the tape. We need to get that rolling.”
The Bengals had three 10-point leads in the second half of their October 6 overtime defeat to Baltimore, but they were unable to run the ball well enough to hold onto those leads.
Burrow stated, “You have to keep them off balance and be able to run the ball when you play good (pass) rushers like we have had the last few weeks.” If you don’t, you’ll have to drop back and make plays because play-action won’t be as good. Those teams are looking for that. It’s difficult.
The Bengals’ running game will be crucial as they try to secure an improbable postseason berth. This season, they have a 0–4 home record.
According to Burrow, “ten wins usually get you in (the playoffs).” Therefore, we must win seven of nine games. That is feasible. You can win any game. You have to go do it.”
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