CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals will try to snap out of yet another early-season slump when they host the Washington Commanders on "Monday Night Football." For the third straight year, the Bengals (0-2) have started the season by dropping their first two games. In 2022, they rebounded to win 14 of their next 16 games (including 10 straight) before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC Championship, keeping them from appearing in a second straight Super Bowl.
Last week, the Bengals were on the verge of a road upset before defensive pass interference was called on rookie safety Daijahn Anthony on fourth-and-16 from the Kansas City 35. Four plays later, Harrison Butker kicked the game-winning 51-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Chiefs to a 26-25 win. "I wouldn't say I'm frustrated right now," Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said.
"I was frustrated on Sunday. That was a tough loss, but we've just got to go out and get a win. We've got to focus on getting better every day through our practice, and go out and execute when we have to execute on Monday.
The rest will take care of itself." Burrow has completed 67.7 percent of his passes and has been sacked six times but has yet to throw an interception.
Burrow could get another passing weapon back for the game as Tee Higgins returned to practice Thursday after missing the first two games with a hamstring injury. The Bengals have been hit hard with injuries on the defensive line, losing starters B.J.
Hill and Shel.