By Spencer Tracy, Staff Writer

The Bengals’ first four weeks of the season have followed the dismal trend of their previous years since their unpredictable Super Bowl run two seasons ago. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, college teammates at Louisiana State University and key pieces to arguably the most dominant offense in the history of college football, have reignited football in Cincinnati. However, recent struggles have resulted in a lot of fingers pointing blame in their direction. 

The Bengals have dug themselves into a hole with a 1-3 record after the first four weeks. Only six teams have made the playoffs after starting 0-3 since 1979, and just one since 2000. A strong AFC North Division will make that uphill climb even harder. 

There’s a few players with targets on their back after a second straight season starting 1-3. The first victim is none other than the franchise guy – the most beloved man in Cincinnati, Joe Burrow. If any team looks terrible, the blame goes right to the quarterback. 

Despite his track record for sluggish starts to his seasons, Burrow is better than what he’s been given credit for. He is top six in the league in passing yards with 978. He also has seven passing touchdowns and a 70.9% completion rate. He’s also conducting the fourth-best passing offense in the league. They may be in a hole right now, but fortunately for Bengals fans, this $275 million player does not seem to be the problem. 

It is often said that the offense are the ones who sell the tickets while the defense is what leads to wins. For fans who have been to a Bengals game, it is likely that they watch Burrow dice up defenses with Chase, not to watch the Bengals defense get bullied up and down the field. Allowing 26 points per game ranks their defense the fifth worst in the NFL.  

A costly pass interference penalty leading to a game winning field goal by the Kansas City Chiefs back in week two was the difference between a 1-1 and 0-2 record. Surrendering six straight scoring drives on Monday night football at home against the Washington Commanders was a bad look. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels performed a flawless game that the Bengals defense made look easy. If this team has any hope of turning their season around, it starts by forcing turnovers and getting the ball into your best players’ hands on the offensive side of the ball. 

Complaining about his contract and holding out all training camp, Chase has received criticism for this that is continuing into the season. This has since been resolved and Chase is a Bengal through the 2029 season. 

Like Burrow, Chase’s performance thus far has been strong with three touchdowns and 300 receiving yards. There’s no doubt more will be needed from Chase down the stretch if the Bengals hope to get back on track. 

A tough task is at hand as the red-hot Baltimore Ravens are in town on Sunday, fresh off a beating of the formerly-undefeated Buffalo Bills Sunday night. A win this weekend could put the Bengals back on the map, generating some much-needed momentum. A loss may be the final nail in the coffin for the 2024-25 season.