CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Despite their 1-3 start, the Cincinnati Bengals are starting to play better with a big challenge set for next week.
Joe Burrow is making smart decisions, displaying poise in the pocket along with accuracy. Ja'Marr Chase again resembles one of the league's top playmakers after an offseason of contract dispute, and running mate Tee Higgins is rounding into form after missing the first two weeks with an injury. And then there's the Bengals running game.
Second-year back Chase Brown picked up 80 yards on 15 carries and ran for the first two touchdowns of his career in Sunday's 34-24 win over Carolina , while Zack Moss added 51 yards on the ground and caught four passes for 27 yards and a score helping to soften the blow from the trade of Joe Mixon. After being held to 11 yards rushing in the first half, the Bengals had 130 yards on the ground after intermission to take control of the game. “We’re explosive,” Brown said.
“I mean, we can put up 30 points against anybody. That’s our mindset.” Burrow finished 22 of 31 for 232 yards with two touchdowns and one interception coming on a miscommunication with Chase.
But over the past two games Burrow and Chase have mostly been on the same page, hooking up 13 times for 203 yards and three touchdowns. It's probably no coincidence that Chase's increased production have coincided with the return of Higgins, who takes added pressure off the team's No. 1 wideout.
“We’ve been moving around, making plays,.