Bengals reemerging as contender thanks to Burrow recapturing elite form

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bengals reemerging as AFC contender thanks to Joe Burrow recapturing elite form

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 10/15/23

It appears Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow feels like himself again.

Through the first four games of the season, Burrow only threw for 728 yards and the same amount of TDs and interceptions (two).

Over the past two games, however, he has thrown for 502 yards and five TDs. Also, the Bengals have earned back-to-back victories after a 1-3 start.

Mr. Levels himself #SEAvsCIN | CBS pic.twitter.com/d49FnEOHwt
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 15, 2023

Burrow suffered a calf injury in the offseason, which hindered him early in the season. His recent play signals he's starting to recover and could be ready to lead the Bengals on a run.

"We stubbed our toe to start [this season]," Cinncinati head coach Zac Taylor said following a 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, via Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. "Race off, and we are going to find steam. Good teams just find ways to do it."

Yet the Bengals offense must be more consistent to rebound into the playoff hunt. Against Seattle, they went 3-for-11 on third down and had no TDs in the second half.

"We played horrible on offense in the second half. We got a lot to fix," Burrow told CBS Sports' Evan Washburn following the victory.

The Bengals have a bye this week, so they'll have plenty of time to fix problems and recuperate. Despite Burrow's frustrations, their two-game win streak inspires confidence.

Slow starts have become a trend for Burrow and the Bengals. Last season, they started 0-2 but finished 12-4 and made a second consecutive trip to the AFC championship game. If Burrow keeps progressing, the team could do it again.

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