Elephant in the Room

[Fan_in_Kettering]

The defense is my primary concern, not Joe Burrow. For seven weeks Lou Anarumo had his men allowing only 17 points per game and for two straight games the Bengals have allowed 34 points. That’s Teryl Austin territory.

Is Burrow’s recent penchant for throwing interceptions a concern? Yes. But the lack of defense is throwing the offensive game plan off by a light year. Against the Steelers and Ravens the Bengals ran way more than they threw and won big. That’s the benefit of playing with a lead. Today Burrow threw over 40 passes against only 23 run plays because he had to — but both Cincinnati touchdowns were scored on the ground.