CINCINNATI (WKRC) — The Bengals’ message after a disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers is simple: Move on, trust the depth already in the building and clean up the details that separate a close game from a win.
Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and coach Zac Taylor each returned to that theme as Cincinnati began preparing for its next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Burrow said the response to a loss cannot carry into the following week.
“One week certainly doesn’t affect the next week,” Burrow said. “When you have a loss like that, obviously it sucks. But it sucks for a day and then you move on. That’s life.”
The quarterback remains confident in the offense, even as he acknowledged it has not produced enough explosive plays through three games. He said Cincinnati has run the ball and passed efficiently but must turn shorter gains into bigger plays.
“We’ve been running it good; we could be a lot better,” Burrow said. “We’ve been efficient, not explosive. And we need to try some things to try to find those explosive plays.”
Burrow also did not waver when asked about late-game situations.
“There’s no place I’d rather be,” he said. “I want it in my hands with the game on the line. I trust myself in those spots. I trust our guys in those spots.”
Chase said the Bengals’ focus on finishing is not limited to one week.
“We’re gonna talk about finishing throughout the whole season,” Chase said. “It’s the NFL, so games don’t go the best way for us.”
For Chase, discipline is part of that formula. He pointed to penalties, contested catches, blocking and the running game as areas that will determine whether the Bengals make the most of their opportunities.
“The biggest thing is just eliminating the penalties,” Chase said. “I think that’s what’s gonna set us in a good position to where we want to be.”
Injuries have also forced Cincinnati to lean on its depth in the secondary and at wide receiver. Cornerback Jalen Davis was placed on injured reserve. Safeties Bryan Cook, with an ankle injury, and Jordan Battle, with a hamstring injury, were limited in practice. Kyle Dugger did not practice because of a quad injury, while wide receiver Colbie Young was sidelined with a knee injury.
Taylor said the organization deliberately values players capable of contributing at multiple spots.
“That’s what makes guys valuable,” Taylor said. “When they can cover you at two spots or have starting experience inside-out, flex as a corner, that’s always ideal.”
Taylor said the same confidence applies to the skill-position group, even with roles changing week to week.
“We pride ourselves in being problem solvers,” Taylor said. “We have guys that we really believe in. The good news is we’re not just playing with guys that we don’t think we can find a role for.”
Chase agreed that the replacement players have shown they can handle expanded responsibilities.
“They just have to be ready to step up,” Chase said. “Whoever else may get bumped up you’ve got to be ready when your number’s called.”
The Bengals’ leaders see a long season ahead. Their immediate goal is to produce a better response than their last result.