Bengals Crumble in 28-3 Loss to Broncos, Zac Taylor Urges Accountability: “We All Got to Do a Better Job”

DENVER — Monday Night Football was supposed to be an opportunity for the Cincinnati Bengals to rebound from last week’s disappointing showing in Minnesota. Instead, it turned into a primetime nightmare. The Bengals fell 28–3 to the Denver Broncos in front of a raucous Mile High crowd, in a game that highlighted offensive stagnation, mounting frustration, and growing questions about where this team is headed.

A Promising Start That Fizzled Out

On their opening possession, Cincinnati looked sharp. Quarterback Jake Browning, starting again in place of the injured Joe Burrow, connected with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for short gains to move the offense into Broncos territory. Evan McPherson capped the drive with a 26-yard field goal, giving the Bengals an early 3–0 lead.

But that was it. That was the only time the Bengals would cross midfield all night. As ESPN’s Troy Aikman noted during the broadcast, Ccinnati failed to register a single drive in Broncos territory after the first quarter. The once-promising offense sputtered, stalled, and eventually collapsed under the weight of Denver’s relentless pass rush and Cincinnati’s self-inflicted mistakes.

The Defensive Effort — and Missed Opportunities

It wasn’t all bleak. The Bengals’ defense, despite being left on the field for long stretches, delivered a few critical moments. The biggest highlight came midway through the second quarter when linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. intercepted Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix in the end zone, denying what looked like a surefire touchdown.

Yet the momentum was fleeting. The Bengals offense, backed up deep in their own territory after the turnover, failed to move the ball and punted after a quick three-and-out. Denver responded on the next possession with a touchdown drive, effectively neutralizing the boost Knight’s interception had provided.

By the fourth quarter, fatigue set in. Nix settled into a rhythm, carving up the Bengals secondary with quick passes while Denver’s ground game controlled the clock. The Broncos scored 21 unanswered points in the second half, while Cincinnati never mounted a serious challenge.

Zac Taylor: “We All Got to Do a Better Job”

Head coach Zac Taylor did not sugarcoat his frustration after the game.

“The most frustrating thing about the last two weeks is not getting points,” Taylor said in his postgame press conference. “We’ve had opportunities, but whether it’s penalties, execution, or communication, we’re not finishing drives. We all got to do a better job — coaches, players, everyone.”

Taylor’s words echoed the frustration of a fanbase that has seen the Bengals score just one touchdown in their last two games combined. Once considered one of the league’s most explosive units, Cincinnati has suddenly become predictable, ineffective, and alarmingly conservative.

Jake Browning’s Growing Pains

Filling in for Burrow is no easy task, but Browning’s numbers underscored just how far the Bengals offense has fallen without their franchise quarterback. He finished 14-of-25 for 125 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. The stat line wasn’t disastrous, but it was painfully inefficient.

“I don’t think it’s a play-calling issue,” Browning said in the locker room. “It’s all of us. We’ve got to execute better. We left our defense out to dry tonight. That can’t happen.”

Browning’s lack of rhythm was evident throughout the game. He often checked down quickly rather than testing Denver’s secondary, and when he did attempt deeper throws, his timing with receivers seemed off.

Ja’Marr Chase Shows Visible Frustration

Perhaps the most telling moment of the night came late in the third quarter when cameras caught Ja’Marr Chase in a heated sideline exchange with Taylor. The star wideout, held to just four receptions for 24 yards, has grown increasingly frustrated as defenses key on him and the Bengals fail to find creative ways to get him open.

“I’m always frustrated if I’m losing,” Chase admitted afterward. “But it’s part of the game. You got to keep pushing, got to overcome adversity. We’ll find a way.”

Chase’s comments were measured, but his body language during the game spoke volumes. He looked every bit the superstar trapped in an offense that can’t maximize his talents without Burrow at the helm.

AFC North Implications

The loss dropped the Bengals to 2–2, missing a chance to start 3–1 for the first time since 2021. Instead, they now find themselves chasing the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers, who sit atop the AFC North.

The offense’s struggles are magnified by the stakes. In a tightly contested division where every game matters, back-to-back losses could be the difference between a playoff berth and another long offseason.

Fan Reactions and Growing Pressure

Bengals fans voiced their displeasure on social media throughout the game, with criticism ranging from the play-calling to Browning’s decision-making to Taylor’s leadership. While many sympathize with the challenge of losing Burrow, patience is wearing thin as Cincinnati’s talent-rich roster fails to deliver.

Looking Ahead

The Bengals will return home in Week 5 to face the Detroit Lions — a team known for its aggressive defense and balanced offense. For Cincinnati, it represents both a chance at redemption and a potential disaster if they fail to regroup.

Taylor, for his part, insists the team’s morale remains intact. “We’ll get back to work. We know what we’re capable of when we play our brand of football. It’s on us to fix it.”

But with each passing week, the urgency grows. The Bengals’ season isn’t over, but unless they find answers — and fast — Monday night’s embarrassment in Denver could be remembered as the first warning sign of a season unraveling.