Top Takeaways: The Bengals Offense Is Back
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle BJ Hill (92) celebrates after an incomplete pass on third down in the second quarter of the NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct 29, 2023.
The Bengals made a statement today. They played on the road against a legit playoff team and dominated from start to finish. Joe Burrow was beyond efficient in the passing game, the offense played like they had something to prove, and the defense held its own as they limited Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and co. to 17 points. After losing to the 49ers in four of their previous five matchups, the Bengals came in and not only ended that streak, but ended the 49ers streak of 11 consecutive home wins.
It was the first game all year that the Bengals never faced a deficit in the game.
Even with the Bengals’ offensive prowess on Sunday, San Francisco was still able to move the ball down the field. Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey all had at least 109 all-purpose yards apiece (Aiyuk and Kittle’s yards all came via receptions). Those yards, however, only translated to three scoring drives and two touchdowns, both of which went to CMC.
Here are our biggest takeaways from the huge win.
The Offense We Came To Know And Love Is Back
The health issues are gone.
Joe Burrow did everything that was asked of him and more. He only had four incompletions, two of which came on the first drive of the game. He had a stretch with 19 consecutive completions. He spread the ball around, with Ja’Marr Chase hitting the century mark and catching a late touchdown, Tee Higgins having 5 receptions for 69 yards (nice) and Tyler Boyd and Andrei Iosivas contributing with TDs in the red zone.
The Bengals always play their best when they play like they have something to prove. Joe Mixon ran with power, Ja’Marr Chase made catches that showcased his savviness and physicality, and Joe Burrow showed the escapability that was nonexistent when his calf was bothering him.
JOE BURROW MAGIC IS BACK ✨ #SHIESTY pic.twitter.com/DZ63v7qBvp
— Cincinnati 💔 (@CincyProblems) October 29, 2023
Burrow’s 87.5% completion percentage in the game was a welcome number for a quarterback who came into this season as the NFL’s all time leader in completion percentage among qualified QBs. He had his massive struggles early in the year, but his excellent performance on Sunday trickled down to the rest of the team.
Penalty-free football is a huge asset
Any game where your team only gets a single penalty in four quarters, it is a huge asset. The lone penalty was a questionable one, as DJ Reader was called for roughing the passer on Brock Purdy.
This was called roughing the passer on 98 DJ Reader 😂😂😂@BadSportsRefs @_MLFootball pic.twitter.com/ozRaOxHzCH
— Joe Jordan (@joejordan8) October 29, 2023
The penalty on Reader came late in the game when the game was all but out of reach. On the play after the penalty, Trey Hendrickson sacked Brock Purdy and forced a fumble that was recovered by BJ Hill, which sealed the game.
The 49ers, on the other hand, had five penalties for 54 yards, in addition to another five penalties that were all declined.
Cincinnati’s system operated about as well as it could have, and the lack of penalties were a huge part of it. They used the 49ers’ penalties to their advantage in terms of establishing and maintaining momentum.
The offensive line is finally coming together
“They were awesome” Joe Burrow on his offensive line pic.twitter.com/1BBMT5gp1O
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) October 30, 2023
The offensive system running well starts with the offensive line. They had a tall task in front of them, as the 49ers have one of the better front sevens in the entire NFL. Yes, Arik Armstead had two sacks today and Nick Bosa and Clelin Ferrell had a half of a sack apiece. Outside of that, though, the offensive line opened up holes for Mixon and gave Burrow enough time to operate and make the throws he needed to make.
Save for one half sack given up, Orlando Brown held his own against three-time Pro Bowler Nick Bosa, despite the fact that Brown was coming off of a groin injury.
Lap to Orlando Brown Jr. on the postgame radio show: "As an alumni of the Cincinnati Bengals who lost in the Super Bowl to the 49ers, thank you my man."
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) October 30, 2023
It wasn’t just Brown. In 38 pass blocking snaps, Ted Karras did not allow a single sack or pressure. Even Cordell Volson, who has struggled mightily this season, improved his game after the bye despite a handful of tough plays. Jonah Williams, who many Bengals fans had previously written off after struggling to become a franchise LT, may have finally found a role on the right side of the line, and people are taking notice.
Time for some to admit Jonah Williams is really that dude
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) October 30, 2023
With the biggest game of the season coming to Cincinnati next Sunday night, it’s relieving to know the offense, and the team as a whole, is headed in the right direction.
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