The Cincinnati Bengals fell to 3-5 in Week 8 with a deflating 37-17 loss to Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. It was a very poor performance from Cincy on home soil, getting outgained 397-280 by the Birds.

The Bengals’ poor defense was completely exposed and with the defeat, their playoff dreams are slowly fading away. It’s going to take quite the turnaround to make a run at a spot in the postseason, especially since they’re now third in the AFC North.

However, quarterback Joe Burrow is staying optimistic about Cincinnati’s chances of playing meaningful football early next year.

Via Ari Meirov:

“I think 10 wins usually gets you in,” Burrow said. “We gotta win 7 out of 9. I think that’s doable.”

Winning seven out of nine won’t be the easiest task by any means. They will face the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and the Pittsburgh Steelers twice. Those are probably the Bengals’ most difficult games.

Burrow finished Sunday’s contest 26 for 37 for 234 yards and a touchdown. The Bengals were held to just 58 rushing yards by Philly’s electric defense.

Now, it’s time to regroup and prepare for a must-win Week 10 clash with the Las Vegas Raiders.