The Cincinnati Bengals have had gradual begins the previous few years, however that is the primary season they’ve began 0-3 within the Joe Burrow period.
On Monday night time, the Bengals fell to the Washington Commanders 38-33 and have been despatched house with many questions.
Nonetheless, the most important one is: Can Cincinnati nonetheless make the playoffs?
Whereas Burrow says he’s not desirous about the postseason three video games into the season, he’s nonetheless assured it’s inside attain.
“It is an thrilling alternative, identical to each season is,” Burrow mentioned by way of the group’s web site. “There’s going to be some massive video games down the stretch that we will need to step up for. We have not performed any division opponents but. The Steelers are 3-0, different groups are 1-2, we’re 0-3. We play all six of these video games arising. We’re certainly not out of it. Playoffs and successful the division is the furthest factor from my thoughts. We have now bought to get higher this week.”
The Bengals will want that sort of confidence in the event that they hope to show their season round and make the playoffs, however that does not make the problem of doing so any much less daunting.
Since 1990, of the 162 groups that began 0-3, 4 have made the postseason (2.5%), one gained its division (1.2%) and none have gained the Tremendous Bowl, in line with Kevin Patra of NFL.com.
It is protected to say it is not the place head coach Zac Taylor imagined his group can be three weeks into the season.
“We did not envision ourselves on this spot however right here we’re,” Taylor mentioned, per the Related Press. “It is a kick within the intestine while you really feel actually good concerning the group and also you begin off 0-3. However once more, that’s the place we’re proper now. We have to discover a solution to win subsequent Sunday and get this factor shifting in the fitting path.”
Cincinnati goes on the highway to face the Carolina Panthers (1-2) in Week 4.
It’s going to seemingly be favored, however this is not the identical Panthers group of the season’s first two weeks. After benching quarterback Bryce Younger, Carolina put up 36 factors in its first win of the yr.
Burrow acknowledges it should take a group effort to show the Bengals season round, and it begins with him.
“We’re not proud of the place we’re at, however certainly not is the season over,” Burrow continued. “There might be some crucial pondering that I must do, to see what sort of chief I need to be going ahead, no matter I really feel the group wants from me.”
