After another defeat for the Cincinnati Bengals, this time at the hands of none other than Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, the team led by Zac Taylor is slowly drifting away from the title contention in the NFL. Regarding the current state and the team’s poor performance, it was none other than Joe Burrow who delivered a harsh message on the matter.

After losing 41-38 in overtime at Paycor Stadium against the Ravens, one of the leaders of the team was very critical of their current state and stated in a press conference: “We’re not a championship-level team right now,”

“We’re not. I like to think that we’ll come back and improve throughout the season to get to that point, but right now, we are not, and we have to get better.” Burrow finally concluded.

The Bengals came very close to winning the game, to the point that in overtime they forced a fumble from Lamar Jackson; however, they were unable to capitalize on this situation and lost once again. The team led by Taylor finished Week 5 with a disappointing record of 1-4.

Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens greets Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals after the game at Paycor Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Higgins’ self-criticism about the game

Things have not been going well for the Cincinnati Bengals this season, and the game against the Ravens last Sunday was no exception. Alongside Burrow’s criticisms, Tee Higgins added his thoughts, reflecting on the game once it concluded.

Personally, I think we should have gone a little bit more aggressive in the first and second downs just to try to get Evan in better field goal range,” Higgins said to the press.

The WR finally concluded: “You know he makes those from that deep. I’m not putting it on him at all, you know what I’m saying. So it’s a team effort, we lost as a team, but we could have did a better job at putting him in better field goal range to make it an easier kick.”

Tee Higgins #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

A significant loss for the rest of the season

Not only are the results not favoring the Bengals, but also, after the game against the Ravens, the Cincinnati team announced another loss in the roster, with what appears to be a serious injury that will sidelined the player for the rest of the season.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, via his X (formerly Twitter) account @RapSheet, the player in question is none other than CB Dax Hill.

Rapoport stated: “The #Bengals defense just suffered another loss: Sources say starting CB Dax Hill is feared to have torn his ACL and would be out for the season. Hill had found his stride in a move from safety. Now will refocus on recovery and the 2025 season.”