### Three Key Things We’ve Learned About the Cincinnati Bengals Entering Week 10
As the Cincinnati Bengals head into Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season, several storylines have emerged that have defined their season thus far. The Bengals have made their mark as a competitive team in the AFC, though they’ve also shown some vulnerabilities. At the midway point of the season, we can take a deeper look at three things we’ve learned about this team: the resurgence of quarterback Joe Burrow, the defense’s growth and consistency, and the impact of injuries on their season.
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### 1. **Joe Burrow’s Resurgence is Real — and It’s the Engine Driving the Offense**
When the 2024 season kicked off, Joe Burrow’s health was a big question mark. The star quarterback had been dealing with a calf injury during training camp, and many speculated whether it would affect his performance early in the season. Through the first few games, Burrow didn’t look like the MVP-caliber quarterback Bengals fans had grown accustomed to. The offense sputtered, and Cincinnati found itself struggling to keep pace with some of the top teams in the AFC.
However, starting in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans, Burrow began to resemble the elite quarterback we saw in the previous seasons. His accuracy, velocity on throws, and decision-making improved dramatically. In his first few games after recovering from the calf injury, Burrow displayed a clear command of the offense, showcasing the deep ball accuracy and quick release that made him one of the NFL’s brightest young stars.
Burrow’s chemistry with his receiving corps — led by the ever-dangerous Ja’Marr Chase — has also taken a step forward. While the first part of the season saw Burrow struggling with timing and placement, by Week 9, it was evident that the connection with his top targets was back to its explosive level. This was exemplified in Burrow’s 350-yard, 3-touchdown performance against a tough San Francisco 49ers defense in Week 8.
The key to Burrow’s resurgence has been his ability to stay healthy and settle into the rhythm of the offense. The Bengals’ offensive line, while still a work in progress, has given him more time in the pocket, allowing him to read defenses more effectively. The return of Joe Mixon to form in the backfield has also helped, providing a balanced attack that takes pressure off Burrow to do it all himself. But make no mistake, Burrow is the driving force behind this offense. If his health holds up, he has the tools and weapons around him to put the Bengals right back in contention for the AFC title.
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### 2. **The Bengals Defense Has Turned a Corner Under Lou Anarumo**
Another key takeaway from Cincinnati’s season thus far is the notable improvement and consistency of their defense. Under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Bengals’ defense has quietly become one of the more formidable units in the NFL. While the offense has had its ups and downs, the defense has kept the team in games even when the offense struggled to find a rhythm early in the season.
One of the most impressive aspects of Cincinnati’s defense in 2024 has been its ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks while still playing disciplined football in the secondary. The Bengals are averaging 3.5 sacks per game, which ranks among the league’s top 10, with defensive end Trey Hendrickson leading the charge. Hendrickson has been a consistent force on the edge, while the interior pass rush, led by DJ Reader and Sam Hubbard, has also contributed significantly. This pass rush has given Cincinnati the ability to close out games and get critical stops in high-leverage moments.
The secondary, which has often been a point of concern in the past, has stepped up as well. The cornerback duo of Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton, along with safeties Jessie Bates (now with Atlanta) and Vonn Bell (now with Carolina) being replaced by the promising duo of Dax Hill and Nick Scott, has developed strong coverage skills. Dax Hill in particular has emerged as a playmaker in his second season, earning praise for his ability to read quarterbacks and create turnovers.
In Week 7, against a talented Seattle Seahawks offense, the Bengals defense held Seattle to just 20 points, a remarkable feat considering the high-powered nature of the Seahawks’ attack. With a combination of pass rush, solid coverage, and an ability to force turnovers, Cincinnati’s defense has proven itself as a unit capable of complementing Burrow’s offensive firepower. This makes the Bengals a balanced team that can go toe-to-toe with the top squads in the AFC.
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### 3. **Injuries Have Played a Significant Role, but Depth Has Helped Weather the Storm**
Injuries have been another major storyline for the Bengals in 2024. While Burrow’s early-season calf issue was the most prominent, the team has also dealt with other key injuries that have tested its depth. The offensive line, for example, has been reshuffled multiple times due to various injuries. Star left tackle Jonah Williams has missed time, as has guard Alex Cappa, which forced some young players into bigger roles. While this has sometimes led to struggles in pass protection, the Bengals’ coaching staff has managed to adjust, moving some players around and relying on the depth of their roster.
The running back position has also faced some challenges. Joe Mixon has been banged up at times, and the team has had to rely on backup running backs like Chris Evans and rookie Chase Brown. Fortunately, the Bengals have had the luxury of having a strong defense and a high-level passing game to mitigate the lack of consistent production from the running game. However, if Mixon can stay healthy in the second half of the season, this will give Cincinnati the ability to play more balanced football, reducing the burden on Burrow and keeping opposing defenses guessing.
In addition to injuries on offense, the Bengals have also had to deal with some setbacks on the defensive side of the ball. Despite missing some players, including linebacker Logan Wilson for a brief period, the Bengals’ depth has been one of the team’s unsung strengths. Players like rookie linebacker DJ Turner and veteran defensive tackle B.J. Hill have stepped up in key moments.
As Cincinnati heads into Week 10, it’s clear that while injuries have posed challenges, the depth of the roster has allowed the team to stay competitive. If the Bengals can continue to get contributions from their role players and maintain a level of health in the second half of the season, they’ll be a dangerous team down the stretch.
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### Conclusion
As we approach the midpoint of the 2024 season, the Cincinnati Bengals are positioning themselves to be a legitimate contender in the AFC. Joe Burrow’s health and playmaking ability have been critical in the team’s offensive resurgence. Meanwhile, Lou Anarumo’s defense continues to evolve and provides the Bengals with a solid foundation. Finally, while injuries have tested their depth, the team has shown it has enough talent across the roster to overcome adversity.
Heading into Week 10, the Bengals look poised to be a team that can compete with the NFL’s best, and if they can continue to build on these positive trends, they’ll be a force to reckon with for the rest of the season.
