This team is in trouble.

The Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) are in about the worst possible position they could be in, all things considered.

Their big stars are healthy, but they lack consistency from game to game and can’t beat good teams, like the Philadelphia Eagles (5-2), who defeated the Bengals at Paycor, 37-17.

They’ve had a fairly easy schedule so far, and they have a number of veterans who know what it takes to win. But something is off. Whether it’s the coaching, the roster upheaval, or just bad fortune, the bad is catching up with them, and time is almost up.

So, what did we learn from what could end up being the nail in the coffin for the Bengals’ playoff hopes?

Jermaine Burton can contribute

Whether he knows the playbook or not can’t be an excuse at this point.

The rookie receiver can fly, as evidenced by his 41-yard catch against the Eagles.

Burrow to Jermaine Burton deep. Burton frames separation with Darius Slay #Bengals pic.twitter.com/dWAecflOVI

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) October 27, 2024

He also almost had a touchdown in the second quarter before it was knocked out of his hands on a brilliant defensive play.

With a lifeless run game, this offense needs to get as much productivity out of the passing game as it can. And Burton’s speed is rivaled only by that of Ja’Marr Chase. So having him on the field in some capacity just to open up the offense is (and probably was) a no-brainer.

The defense is, indeed, very bad

Strong defensive outings against the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns gave fans some hope. For a second, it appeared Lou Anarumo’s unit was getting healthy and more cohesive.

And then the Bengals went out and gave up big plays after big plays against the Eagles, at home, with the season hanging by a thread.

Saquon hurdled the cameraman 😂 pic.twitter.com/IJdUTUkT5W

— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024

There is absolutely no reason to believe that this defense, with an underwhelming secondary and the inability to stop a good run game for four quarters, will get it together this year.

This team needs a new voice

There are far too many missed tackles, failed runs, uninventive or predictable plays called, and errors at the worst possible times for this team to be called “well-coached.” The brunt of the blame has to fall on Zac Taylor, especially since he won’t let go of play-calling.

Even quarterback Joe Burrow recognizes that there are patterns to the Bengals’ lack of success on offense.

Joe Burrow said it’s frustrating that year after year the Bengals have short-yardage issues

Make of that what you please pic.twitter.com/WeogB32qHN

— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) October 27, 2024

Taylor did a great job of changing Cincinnati’s culture and getting the team to buy into his vision in the 2021-22 season when Burrow and Chase saved the offense.

But it no longer seems Taylor is the guy who gets the most out of his players. Rather, to most, the Bengals are an underachieving team with immense talent at certain positions.