The Cincinnati Bengals offense looks out of sync in Week 1 against the New England Patriots.
With 5:19 remaining in the second quarter, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw a short pass to tight end Tanner Hudson on a third-and-11 at New England’s 15-yard line.
It appeared Hudson would stroll into the end zone, but safety Kyle Dugger punched the ball out, and the Patriots recovered the fumble.
On the previous play, officials overturned a 15-yard TD after determining Bengals TE Mike Gesicki failed to maintain control.
At halftime, Cincinnati trailed the Patriots 10-0. The Bengals logged 77 just yards in the first half.
The issues probably stem from rust. Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase — who has two years remaining on his rookie deal — held out of training camp and preseason, and it wasn’t clear if he would play in Week 1. Fellow WR Tee Higgins is out with a hamstring issue, per the team’s website.
Burrow, meanwhile, is coming off a season-ending right wrist injury. In 10 games last season, the fifth-year passer posted a 52.4 QBR, the second-lowest figure of his career.
The Bengals offense could eventually find its rhythm. Still, it’s surprising Cincinnati is struggling vs. the Patriots. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, New England is the league’s second-worst team (-5.6).
