Why Bengals' Week 16 woes are worrisome
The Bengals secured their seventh straight win vs. the Patriots. However, are Cincinnati's second-half struggles worrisome with just two weeks left in the regular season?
NFL Network's Peter Schrager says he didn't recognize the Bengals team he watched in Week 16.
"They're a different team than they were last year down the stretch. They're not playing the same way," Schrager said on "Good Morning Football."
Cincinnati led 22-0 at halftime, but New England was able to storm back 22-18 as QB Joe Burrow threw two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and WR Ja'Marr Chase fumbled late.
When it rains, it pours. Tackle La'el Collins was lost for season with torn ACL and MCL as well.
"La'el Collins goes down with an injury. That's their starting tackle. He's been awesome this year," Schrager added. "Now I'm concerned. Is this going to be the Week 1 and Week 2 Bengals again?"
Burrow was sacked 13 times and threw four interceptions in Cincinnati's first two games and losses this season when the team's offensive line was still finding its cohesion.
If there's any positive takeaway, the Bengals defense stepped up once again, preventing a full Patriots comeback but the state of Cincinnati has many worried with the Bills (12-3) and Ravens (10-5) up next to close out the season.
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