Joe Burrow is back, slinging five touchdowns and zero picks over his last two games. But the Cincinnati Bengals just gave up 30 points to the Steelers in Week 3, and that Week 4 rematch against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium is already looking like a problem. This game is shaping up to be a close, back-and-forth battle between two teams with playoff aspirations, and the Bengals’ defense is absolutely under the microscope.
Jags’ Defense Is Hunting for Turnovers
The Jacksonville Jaguars are rolling into Week 4 after a dominant 35-6 performance against the Patriots. Trevor Lawrence was on fire, tossing three touchdown passes. But honestly? The real story was that Jaguars defense. They absolutely suffocated 2025 MVP finalist Drake Maye, forcing him into three turnovers, including a crucial interception right in the end zone. That’s the kind of playmaking that wins games, and it’s something the Bengals’ offense needs to watch out for. Last year, Lawrence had three touchdowns against Cincinnati, but he also threw two picks, so he’s got history against this squad.
And don’t sleep on the Jags’ offense. Even with Travis Etienne gone, this unit continues to flourish. Bhayshul Tuten is stepping up as the lead back, and Parker Washington has picked up exactly where he left off as the team’s top receiving option. Washington has already racked up 221 yards and two scores through just three games this season. This is not the same Jaguars team the Bengals narrowly beat 31-27 in Week 2 last year, a game that cost them Joe Burrow for a while.
Bengals’ Defense Has to Lock It Down
On the other side of the ball, the Bengals’ defense is giving up points like it’s going out of style. Giving up 30 points to the Steelers in Week 3 is a huge red flag. This “new-look defense” everyone talked about? It hasn’t been a major upgrade from last year’s porous unit. That’s a brutal reality check, especially when you’re facing a hot Jaguars offense.
Sure, Joe Burrow is playing lights out, operating at a high level with five touchdowns and no interceptions over his last two outings. And Ja’Marr Chase is a beast. He went for 165 yards and a score against Jacksonville last year, and you know he’ll relish this opportunity again. But the Jags might throw double coverages at him this time around. If that happens, look for Tee Higgins to be much more involved. The talent is there on offense, but if the defense can’t get stops, it puts immense pressure on Burrow and the playmakers.
This isn’t just another Sunday afternoon game. It’s a real test for a Bengals defense that absolutely needs to show up, especially against a Jags team that’s clearly feeling itself right now. Can they contain a red-hot Trevor Lawrence and the new-look Jacksonville offense? We’ll find out when the ball kicks off at 1 p.m. ET.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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