We Believe We Can Win Against Them” – Cincinnati Bengals Offense Boosted by Success and Confidence Ahead of Baltimore
CINCINNATI– The Cincinnati Bengals have lost three out of four games this season and have also dropped three of their last four regular-season matchups against the Baltimore Ravens, who will bring the NFL’s top offense to Paycor Stadium on Sunday.
The Bengals are on a five-game losing streak against AFC North rivals and face the risk of starting the season 1-4, a record that no team has ever overcome to reach the playoffs under the current format.
It’s natural to feel anxious.
However, Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher expressed confidence. “Our record is what it is, but we’re a confident group,” he said. “We believe we can win against these guys if we perform at our best.”
The Bengals are accustomed to facing challenges in September, holding a 7-14-1 record in the season’s opening month under Zac Taylor. This year, they’re not waiting for the offense to catch up as they did in previous seasons due to injuries to quarterback Joe Burrow.
Having scored 33 and 34 points in their last two games, the team recognizes they could have done even better.
“We’re confident in our group,” Burrow said. “We’re on a roll offensively. Even scoring 33 and 34, we still left points out there, which is a good sign. We’re aiming for perfection and want to score on every drive. This is a great opportunity for us, and we thrive in these situations.”
The Bengals have shifted to utilizing more 12 personnel (two tight ends and one running back), allowing for new attacking strategies. In their first four games of 2023, they passed the ball 66.7% of the time, while this year it’s down to 51.2%.
Running back Chase Brown leads all players in rushing yards per attempt (6.34) and ranks fourth in rushing EPA (7.07). “I’m not surprised,” Pitcher commented. “He’s proving what we believed—he’s one of our most dangerous players with the ball, so we need to find ways to get it to him.”
The Bengals rank third in points per drive (2.91) and have scored on 12 of their last 17 possessions (eight touchdowns, four field goals). They are also fourth in expected points added per play (0.12), fifth in offensive success rate (51.5%), seventh in adjusted yards per pass attempt (7.08), and ninth in red zone efficiency (61.5%).
The offensive line is performing at its best during Taylor’s tenure. “We have solid plans, but it’s all about execution,” Pitcher said. “We’re presenting challenges for opponents, forcing them to decide where to focus their defense. That’s our objective.”
“I like the direction we’re heading,” he added, “but it’s crucial we maintain that momentum.”
