Matt’s Take – Bengals' panic button pressed in McAdow household

By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist

I’ve watched this movie before and the panic button is being pressed here at the McAdow household.  

Not closing games, penalties, missed tackles from the secondary, and injuries to the wideouts.  

I’ve watched it for a few years now and after two losses that shouldn’t have occurred, I am pressing the panic button. It’s not smashed, but it is certainly pressed. Luckily though, there is plenty of time for this Bengals team to turn this ship around and plenty of easy games remaining, including the Dolphins, Titans and Panthers (those all are must-win games).  

Is this a typical Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow-led slow start or is this team destined for another season without making the playoffs?

Positives from Sunday

Amarius Mims didn’t allow a single pressure once again and Burrow threw the ball 54 times (dropped back 58). It is the most pass blocks without a pressure in seven seasons. I’ve seen enough, he is the best in the league – the numbers speak for themselves.  

Dohnte Myers looked really good and might be the wide receiver No. 3 we’ve needed for a few seasons now. Seven receptions for 82 yards and filling in with Chase and Higgins was huge.  

Myles Murphy has continued to progress and racked up another sack.  

Cincinnati won the time of possession, had over 100 more yards of offense, had two fewer penalties, but still lost the game.  

Negatives from Sunday

Zac Taylor continues to be a terrible play caller. His decision not to go for it on 4th down early on, his three deep balls to try and finish the game, and his lack of commitment to the run game are killing this offense.  

Good quarterbacks find ways to win games. I love Joe Burrow, but two weeks in a row now he’s had a chance to lead the team down to win the game and turned the ball over (twice in this game). If Andy Dalton did that, we would be seeing so much hate right now.  

I won’t shy away from Burrow criticism; he hasn’t been good enough for a team that has to play in shotgun.

Run game is non-existent – 23 yards rushing will lose you most games and it isn’t a winning formula for Joe either.  

Jordan Battle missed tackles continue.  

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr are both day to day now with injuries. 

Why is Shemar Stewart not playing? 

I love the Bengals, but to describe this team right now, I think “stale” is the right word. And don’t get me started on the officiating to add to this mess. Win next week and I’ll feel a lot better about this team moving forward.