Another week, another self-destructing loss for the Cincinnati Bengals. After leading the Buffalo Bills 21-11 at halftime and 28-18 halfway through the fourth quarter, the Bengals imploded, allowing three touchdowns, one via a Christian Benford pick-six, in the final eight minutes of the game.
The Bengals lost, 39-34, to fall to 4-9 and all but eliminate their playoff chances. Even if they go on a winning streak like they did last season, the Bengals can only max out at 8-9. Their only saving grace is the Steelers lead the AFC North at 7-6, but that’s still three games behind with four to play.
Following the heartbreaking loss in Buffalo, let’s take a look at how close to the bottom of the rankings the Bengals now sit entering Week 15’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
USA Today: No. 18 (Last Week: 20)
From Nate Davis:
Who would have thought DE Trey Hendrickson would be shut down before QB Joe Burrow? Whatever. Score 40 points a week, and they’ll be fine. Maybe.
ESPN: No. 22 (Last Week: 22)
From Ben Baby:
Most shocking statistical ranking: Tied for 31st in third-down defense
This is especially notable given how Bills quarterback Josh Allen sealed the win against the Bengals with a successful rush on third-and-15. The Bengals are allowing opponents to convert third downs on 47.8% of their attempts. That is 5.8% higher than it was a year ago, when the defense was the primary reason the team missed the playoffs and coordinator Lou Anarumo was fired in favor of Al Golden. Opponents have also had the shortest distance to gain on third-down attempts at 5.9 yards
RELATED: Bengals end Jermaine Burton era, release former third-round pick
The Athletic: No. 23 (Last Week: 21)
From Josh Kendall and Chad Graff:
Worst-case scenario: Signing Tee Higgins was a mistake
Higgins is great. He had six catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns, one of the spectacular variety (though as of Monday, he was headed back into the concussion protocol). Locking him up along with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase makes the Bengals one of the most fun teams in the league. And maybe one of the worst. That $115 million over four years might help a defense that is 31st in points allowed (28.2) and defensive EPA (minus-8.6 per 100 snaps) the last two years.
NFL.com: No. 25 (Last Week: 22)
From Eric Edholm:
We had fully bought into the Bengals’ absurd and improbable playoff dream, but it almost certainly required holding on for victory Sunday against the Bills. Up 10 with eight minutes left, Joe Burrow was picked twice (on two of the shorter, stranger INTs you’ll see on back-to-back passes), and Cincinnati allowed two quick TD drives to completely flip the game. The Bengals made their own bed with a disastrous string of games while Burrow was hurt, so blaming him after Sunday’s two rather unlucky plays feels like a giant stretch. For most of the game, he matched Josh Allen blow for blow. Eventually, the Bengals must figure out how to avoid an early-season meltdown, lest they might perpetually find themselves in “There’s always next year” mode.
FOX Sports: No. 20 (Last Week: 21)
From Ralph Vacchiano:
They pushed the Bills to the brink in Buffalo, proving they are a vastly different team with QB Joe Burrow in the lineup. Oh, what could have been for this team, this season.
NBC Sports: No. 23 (Last Week: 21)
From Mike Florio:
The curtain fell quickly.
CBS Sports: No. 22 (Last Week: 21)
From Pete Prisco:
The loss to the Bills all but ends their playoff hopes. It’s too bad — this would’ve been a fun postseason team.
RELATED: Bengals’ head coaching situation getting some attention around NFL
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals mourned in Week 15 NFL power rankings
Reporting by Billy Riccette, Lions Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
