When Ja'Marr Chase, wide receiver for Cincinnati Bengals posted a terse “I play with passion” on X after Monday night’s 28‑3 loss, the disappointment was palpable. The game unfolded on September 29, 2025 at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado, where the Denver Broncos painted a picture of dominance. With quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined after toe surgery, the Bengals’ offense sputtered to just 159 yards, a stark contrast to the 300‑plus they’ve previously produced.
- Final score: Broncos 28, Bengals 3
- Ja'Marr Chase: 5 receptions, 23 yards
- Team total offense: 159 yards
- Penalties: 11 for 65 yards
- First team since 2009 Raiders to stay under 200 yards in three of first four games
Game Recap and Immediate Fallout
The opening drive gave Cincinnati a fleeting 3‑0 lead after a field goal, but the momentum vanished the moment the Broncos’ defense forced a three‑and‑out. Denver answered with a 10‑point first quarter, exploiting mismatches in the secondary and never looking back. By halftime the scoreboard read 14‑3, and the Bengals had managed just 45 yards. The second half turned into a demolition derby for Denver while Cincinnati’s offense fumbled, stalled, and turned the ball over on three separate occasions. The final whistle signaled a 28‑3 rout – the first time the Bengals have been held to three points since 2011.
Why the Bengals' Offense Has Fallen Apart
Since Burrow’s toe injury on September 13, the Bengals have been a shadow of their former selves. Without his precision, the timing between receivers and the offensive line has deteriorated. Chase’s 23 yards on five catches this week extend a concerning trend: just 73 yards on ten targets over the past two games.
Analytics firm ESPN Research highlighted that the Bengals are the first team since the 2009 Oakland Raiders to register 200 or fewer yards in three of their first four games. In addition, the penalty count – 11 infractions costing 65 yards – has erased any chance of sustained drives. Many of those flags came in “dead‑ball” situations, a sign that frustration is seeping into every snap.
Voices from the Sidelines: Chase, Taylor, and Burrow
During the third quarter, observers caught Chase walking toward head coach Zac Taylor with a furrowed brow. The exchange was brief but intense; Chase’s body language screamed “enough”. When reporters later huddled for post‑game comments, Chase didn’t mince words: “Urgency is there, man. We gotta want it. At the end of the day, we gotta want it. Today, it didn’t look like we wanted it.” He added that “just giving up” was the most glaring issue.
Taylor, visibly rattled, tried to defuse the tension by emphasizing “process over panic”. He noted that the offensive line is still adjusting to new protection schemes without Burrow’s cadence, and that “we’re learning, we’re fixing, we’ll get back”. As for Burrow, the quarterback’s spokesperson confirmed that his recovery is “on track” but warned that “he’ll miss at least the next two weeks”. The team hopes the star can return before the upcoming clash with the Detroit Lions.
What’s Next on the Schedule
The Bengals now face a gauntlet of road games: a September 30 showdown with the Detroit Lions, a November 7 visit to the Green Bay Packers, and a late‑November duel with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Each opponent boasts a stout defense, meaning the Bengals must rediscover rhythm fast. Analysts at Bleacher Report project that even a modest 200‑yard outing could keep Cincinnati competitive, but anything less will likely be a loss.
Historical Context: Rare Low‑Yardage Starts
The last time a franchise posted three sub‑200‑yard games in the opening stretch was the 2009 Raiders, a team that finished 5‑11 and never recovered. The parallel is unsettling because the Raiders’ lack of early production contributed to a coaching carousel and a front‑office overhaul. For Cincinnati, the stakes are higher: a franchise that reached the Super Bowl just two seasons ago can’t afford a repeat of those missteps.
In short, the Bengals stand at a crossroads. The passion Chase shouted about on social media needs to translate into crisp routes, disciplined blocks, and a willingness to fight for every yard. If they manage that, the season might still hold a surprise package. If not, the early‑season embarrassment could become a lingering narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Joe Burrow’s injury affect the Bengals’ offense?
Burrow’s toe surgery has removed the team’s primary decision‑maker in the pocket. Without his pre‑snap reads, timing between receivers and the line has slipped, leading to reduced yardage and more penalties.
What did Ja'Marr Chase say about the team’s effort?
Chase told reporters, “Urgency is there, man. We gotta want it… Today, it didn’t look like we wanted it,” and added that the squad was “just giving up” on crucial plays.
When could Joe Burrow return to the field?
Team officials say Burrow’s recovery is on schedule, but he is expected to miss at least the next two weeks, putting him out for the games against Denver and Detroit.
Why is the penalty count a concern for Cincinnati?
Eleven penalties cost the Bengals 65 yards, often killing drives before they could gain momentum. Many were preventable “dead‑ball” fouls, indicating frustration and lack of discipline.
What are the Bengals’ biggest challenges in the upcoming games?
Facing stout defenses in Detroit, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh, Cincinnati must improve protection schemes, limit penalties, and find ways to move the ball without Burrow’s leadership if they hope to stay competitive.
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