The Cincinnati Bengals’ path to the playoffs got even more difficult after a blowout 37-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
His ground game struggled greatly, amassing only 58 yards at a rate of 2.9 yards per carry – a worrisome pattern that has plagued him this season.
Despite the setback, Joe Burrow remains focused on the bigger picture.
Speaking to reporters after the game, the quarterback explained the math clearly:
“I think usually 10 wins gets you a win. We have to win seven out of nine. It’s doable. It’s possible, so we’ll go from there.”
#Bengal QB Joe Burrow on 3-5 start: “I think normally 10 wins gets you in. We have to win 7 of 9. It’s possible.”pic.twitter.com/z8vXz2E9Bv
– Ari Mirov (@MySportsUpdate) 27 October 2024
History supports Borough’s calculations. Since the NFL’s change to a 17-game schedule in 2021, every team that has hit the 10-win mark — all 33 of them — has made the playoffs.
If the Bengals (3-5) had won Sunday, they would have moved to .500 with nine games remaining.
Instead, the Eagles (5-2) turned a 10-10 halftime stalemate into a loss, scoring on each second-half possession, while the Bengals’ offense stalled, failing to cross midfield on its final four drives.
The road ahead looks tough for Cincinnati. They are still looking for their first home win after losing all four games at the Pecor Stadium this season.
This 20-point shellacking by the Eagles is just one of their losses – their previous four losses were tight contests decided by margins of six points or less.
Burrow hasn’t suffered such a lopsided loss since Week 4 of last season, when the Tennessee Titans beat them 27-3.
While Burrow believes the playoff path is achievable, the Bengals need to find another gear to secure those seven important wins. The margin for error is essentially eliminated.
next:
Insider reveals Tee Higgins’ status for Sunday’s game