Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are officially in the win column. The Bengals' offense was clicking on all cylinders in what was easily its most impressive performance of the season. It could have been even better were it not for some early game red-zone struggles. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday marked their third straight loss after their surprise upset of the Colts in Week 1.
Editor's note: All of PFF's grades and advanced stats from this game will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle.
Story of the Game
The story of the game is undoubtedly what the Bengals have in quarterback Joe Burrow. They finally gave him a running game along with some semblance of pass protection, and the results speak for themselves. Burrow was under pressure on only 13 of his 40 dropbacks — his lowest rate of the season. He finished with three big-time throws and no turnover-worthy plays. While the grades are still pending review, it will likely be his highest-graded performance of the season.
It was also Joe Mixon’s best performance of the season, as he posted four broken tackles on 25 carries while racking up 85 yards after contact. He also hauled in six passes for 30 yards with three more broken tackles.
There weren’t too many performances to write home on the other side of the ball for the Jaguars, but Myles Jack put together a day before leaving with an ankle injury. He had three stops and a highlight-reel interception that robbed tight end Drew Sample of a score.
Rookie Watch
Burrow’s increased comfort level as of late has been accompanied by a quickly developing rapport with wideout Tee Higgins. He caught four passes on seven targets for 77 yards, although he dropped a nice opportunity for a first-down on a back-shoulder throw. Dubbed the heir apparent to A.J. Green, he’s starting to look the part.
On the other side, Laviska Shenault Jr. looked even better. He caught five passes on six targets for 86 yards and broke two tackles. His ability to drag defenders after the catch looks special already. James Robinson was his similar elusive self, as well. He broke seven tackles on 18 rushing attempts and added another on four catches.
Meanwhile, K’Lavon Chaisson continued to struggle off the edge. He didn’t register a single pressure on 20 pass-rushing snaps. Through four games, he’s managed only two pressures. Fellow first-rounder C.J. Henderson played only 11 snaps before leaving with a shoulder injury.
© 2024 PFF - all rights reserved.