Cincinnati started hot with an opening drive deep shot from Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase for a 41-yard score. However, a missed field goal, two more stalled drives and a defense that couldn’t get off the field put Burrow & Co. in a hole they would never fully recover from.

“We had our chances and didn’t capitalize on them,” Burrow said. “We got stuck a couple of times in the first half. That’s been the common denominator in these first three weeks.”

The Bengals started the season optimistically, as Burrow was a full participant in the offseason for the first time. The offense has gotten going, with a healthy Tee Higgins and Chase coming into form, but the club as a whole continues to be uneven.

On Monday night, Burrow completed 29 of 38 passes for 324 yards, three passing touchdowns and zero interceptions for a 127.5 passer rating. He became just the second QB in 2024 with 300-plus passing yards and three-plus passing TDs in a game (Andy Dalton). Burrow is the only QB this season with 100-plus pass attempts and zero INTs.

Monday’s loss marks an all-time low for the Bengals’ season. Since 1990, of the 162 teams that started 0-3, four have reached the postseason (2.5%), one has won its division (1.2%), and none have won the Super Bowl.

After the loss, reporters saw Burrow and Taylor walk to the coach’s office instead of the locker room. The QB acknowledged the conversation after the game.

“It was a very positive conversation,” Burrow said. “We’re not happy with where we are right now, but the season is far from over. I’m going to have to think critically and see what kind of leader I want to be going forward, what I think the team needs from me.”

History shows that the Bengals season is hanging by a thread. But hey, at least there’s a chance.