After stumbling out of the gate in 2023, the Cincinnati Bengals looked closer to the version we’ve become used to seeing on Sunday with Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase spearheading an explosive attack.
In the 34-20 win in Arizona, Chase set a franchise record with 15 catches, going for 192 yards and three touchdowns.
“We’ve taken a step closer to who we really are,” Chase said after the victory, via the team’s official website. “We keep facing adversity this year. It’s not going to be an easy season and right now we just keep taking it step by step into next week.”
Chase became only the fifth player since 1950 with 15-plus receptions and three receiving TDs in a game — joining HOF Steve Largent, HOF Jerry Rice, Jimmy Smith, and Tyler Lockett.
The Bengals offense hit their stride against Arizona, with Burrow appearing to have fully recovered from his longstanding calf injury from training camp. This included a 63-yard touchdown pass to Chase.
The star wide receiver believes that as Burrow gets into form, the Bengals can leave their early-season difficulties behind.
“The play on Sunday reveals our true selves,” Chase commented. “From the beginning, we were aware of our capabilities. We have certainly encountered challenges right from the start, and currently, we’re reigniting our momentum and proceeding forward.”
On Sunday, Burrow had his first 2023 game with over 300 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, or a passer rating above 100.
Burrow said that Sunday’s win felt similar to the 2022 victory in New Orleans, following a 2-3 start to the season for Cincy. The triumph over the Saints propelled Cincy into a successful 10-1 streak to finish the season.
“This kind of feels like last year in New Orleans a little bit,” the QB said. “It means nothing, like I said earlier, it means nothing if you don’t go out there and build on it. We’re going to celebrate tonight, but get back out there and work tomorrow.”
The road gets more treacherous for the Bengals moving forward with a Week 6 game against Seattle. Cincy then comes out of a Week 7 bye with games against San Francisco, Buffalo, Houston and Baltimore.
