In another thrilling duel of the 2024 NFL season, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson clashed on Thursday Night Football, only for the Cincinnati Bengals to suffer a narrow 35-34 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
This heartbreaking loss leaves the Bengals at 4-6, and Burrow, who delivered a stellar 428-yard and four-touchdown performance, didn’t hold back on his disappointment in the post-game conference.
Reflecting on the defeat, Burrow voiced the frustration that’s been plaguing the team all season. “We just have to capitalize on the opportunities that are there,” he said. “We made plays in some moments but fell short in others, and that’s been our story.
I’m doing everything I can to stay ready for the chances that come and to seize them fully.” His words struck a chord with fans who have watched the Bengals come up short in spite of standout performances.
Despite Burrow’s league-leading stats, Ja’Marr Chase’s dominance in receiving yards, and Trey Hendrickson’s defensive impact, Cincinnati finds itself two games under .500. When asked if this underwhelming season was especially painful considering these All-Pro performances, Burrow didn’t hide his feelings. “Yeah, it’s frustrating,” he admitted. “You look at how Ja’Marr, Trey, and I are playing—this loss stings. We’re playing well enough to win, but we haven’t managed to seal it, and that’s a tough pill to swallow.”
The Bengals now face a steep climb to keep their playoff hopes alive. According to the New York Times playoff simulator, their postseason chances have slipped to 30%. However, if they can win all their remaining seven games, a playoff spot is almost guaranteed.
Fortunately, Cincinnati’s remaining schedule offers some hope. With upcoming games against the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Denver Broncos, they’re set to start as favorites. They also have a pair of games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and will face the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Week 11.
While all seven games are theoretically winnable, the Bengals’ inconsistency has been their Achilles’ heel. Still, if Burrow and Chase continue to perform at their current level and the defense tightens up even marginally, Cincinnati’s playoff dreams could still be within reach.
