The Bengals boast horses to ride back into contention. Losing two division tilts makes life difficult, but hey, they lost their first three in-division games last year and still won the title. The offense has lacked explosive plays and took about six quarters to look anything like what we're used to seeing. Through two weeks, Cincinnati is off to a wobbly start on offense, partially due to Joe Burrow's calf injury. Last year, the Bengals yo-yoed their way through the start of the schedule before getting hot in mid-November and ultimately reaching the AFC title game. The only time they avoided such a start was in 2021, when they squeaked out an overtime win against Minnesota. In five seasons with Taylor in charge, the Bengals have started 0-2 four times. Slow starts have become old hat for Zac Taylor's teams. Remember last year, when things were crumbling after an 0-2 start that included a loss to the Cooper Rush-led Cowboys? We're back at it again after two division losses to open up the 2023 campaign. Reason for hope: They've been here before.
