By Ben Jenkins, Guest Writer
The Cincinnati Bengals opened the 2025 season with a gritty 17-16 win in Cleveland. It wasn’t as pretty as the Bengals would’ve liked. After a 12-play, 68 yard touchdown drive to open the game the Cleveland Browns defense was smothering. The Bengals were held to just seven yards of offense in the second half.
Browns kicker Andre Szymt missed a chip shot 35-yard field goal and an extra point. Cincy was also gifted two interceptions when Browns receivers bobbling passes right into the hands of Bengal corners.
“We were very lucky to win the game, it felt more like the Browns lost the game then us winning it,” Xavier student and lifelong Bengals fan, Brayden Spriggs said.
Although it didn’t feel great, Joe Burrow and the Bengals are happy to finally get a season started off on the right foot. The Bengals were 1-4 in week one in the last five seasons, so a victory to start the season is welcomed by fans with open arms.
The Bengals pulled off yet another close victory in week two versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. After being down 17-10 at the half, Cincinnati put up 21 second half points to come away with the 31-27 victory, but there won’t be much celebration in the city.
Burrow suffered a toe injury and is expected to miss a significant amount of time for the third time in his six year NFL career. Burrow has suffered grade three turf toe. With surgery looming, the Bengals will be without their man for three months.
Despite the devastating Burrow injury, there is still hope for the Bengals. This is the first 2-0 start for the Bengals since 2018. They also have a solid backup quarterback, Jake Browning.
After Burrow went down in 2023 Browning stepped up and threw for 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 9 games. Cincinnati also got their $160 million dollar man, Ja’marr Chase, involved. After a slow start in week one where Chase only came away with two receptions and 26 yards he reminded the league and why he’s the highest paid receiver in league history. Chase caught nine passes for 165 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. They also have a favorable matchup in week three.
Ja’Marr Chase looks to lead the Bengals to the playoffs after a monster performance Sunday.
The Bengals face a reeling Minnesota Vikings team in week three. Minnesota is coming off an embarrassing performance on Sunday Night Football.
They lost 22-6 at home to the Atlanta Falcons, with their second year QB, J.J. McCarthy, struggling. He threw for just 158 yards, two interceptions and fumbled three times with one ending in a turnover. This could be an opportunity for the Bengals to fight and claw for another win to get to 3-0.
Although week two left fans heartbroken over another injury to their franchise player, the season is not a throwaway yet for the Bengals. They have a relatively favorable schedule the rest of the season, with it being ranked 15th in terms of strength of schedule.
If Browning is able find his highly-skilled weapons and keep the team afloat til Burrow returns it could still be a great year in Cincinnati.