The Good
Flacco’s Resilience & Second-Half Surge
In his Bengals debut, Joe Flacco showed grit. He finished 29-of-45 for 219 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. After a stagnant first half (Cincinnati totaled only 65 yards), he orchestrated a season-long 17-play, 78-yard drive to open the second half, connecting on a fourth-and-goal pass to Tanner Hudson from 2 yards out. Later, he also delivered a clutch 19-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase, followed by a two-point conversion pass to Chase Brown, cutting the deficit to six.
That stretch, giving the Bengals life, was perhaps the best stretch the offense had all day. It showed that even under duress, with a new starter, Cincinnati could move the ball and threaten opponents.
Hudson Steps Up (When Asked) and Ja’Marr Chase doing “Uno” Things
With Mike Gesicki exiting early due to a pectoral injury, Hudson became a necessary target. His touchdown catch on fourth down was a gutsy call and execution. He finished with just 4 receptions for 10 yards, but had that critical score. In a situation where the tight end room was tested, Hudson delivered when called upon.
Ja’Marr Chase was outstanding once again. With his third quarterback this season (this one with five days in the building), Uno and Flacco found a rhythm, particularly in the final two quarters, often utilizing back-shoulder throws against tight Green Bay coverage. Chase finished with 10 catches for 94 yards and a highlight-reel touchdown grab.
Defense’s Early Resistance
Though the second half proved costly (more on that later), the Bengals’ defense held strong early. The Packers were held to 10 points at halftime. On Green Bay’s opening drive, Geno Stone made an interception, returning it 25 yards after a tipped pass—creating a promising early swing.
Additionally, DJ Turner once again looked like a budding star at cornerback. He had five passes defended and posted a 91.8 PFF score for the evening.
All in all, Cincinnati committed just three penalties, avoided turnovers, and forced one on defense—usually hallmarks of what one hopes for in a road win.
The Bad
First-Half Offense Was All But Nonexistent
The Bengals’ offense was essentially dormant in the first half, totaling just 65 yards. With that little production, Green Bay’s defense could tee up and play with a comfortable cushion. Time of possession heavily favored the Packers early, further constraining Cincinnati’s options.
This sort of slow start is nearly fatal in hostile environments—especially when your pass game is being tested under a new QB.
No Real Running Game
Cincinnati rushed for just 55 yards, spread among Chase Brown (42 yards on 9 carries) and Samaje Perine (16 yards on 6 carries). That lack of ground effectiveness prevented the Bengals from leaning on balance or controlling the clock, placing more burden on Flacco and the passing game.
Injuries Creep In
Both Gesicki (pectoral) and Trey Hendrickson (back) departed before or during the game, weakening both the tight end group and edge pass rush options. The latter was already dinged up with first round pick Shemar Stewart sitting out once again last Sunday. These setbacks limited flexibility and hampered depth.
The Ugly
Defensive Meltdown in Fourth Quarter
The sting of this loss lies largely in what the defense allowed in the final period: 17 points. After holding the Packers to just 10 in the first half, Cincinnati wilted late. Green Bay’s second half was methodical and unforgiving.
Rookie Barrett Carter was on the field for every defensive snap, showing promise in run support but struggling in coverage and missing key tackles, including one on Josh Jacobs that turned into a touchdown.
Veterans like Jordan Battle also had rough moments, with blown open-field tackles and coverage lapses when the Packers needed them most. Meanwhile, Turner was a bright spot—credited with the aforementioned five pass breakups, one of which directly led to Stone’s interception.
This collapse in the fourth undermined everything the Bengals built in the second half.
Habitual Inability to Close
The Bengals’ tendency to find life too late is a theme in 2025. They rallied, they threatened, but they couldn’t finish. Even after cutting the Packers’ lead to six, Green Bay responded with a field goal and then held firm down the stretch. It’s a painful pattern: getting back into the fight, only to watch the opponent snuff it out.
Familiar Problems, Familiar Result
Taking all factors together—slow start, lack of run game, missed kicks (albeit ridiculously long ones), defensive breakdowns—the result is a loss that feels reminiscent of losses in seasons past. Against a good team in a tough environment, inconsistencies kill you. Cincinnati did many things “well enough,” but not consistently across all four quarters.
Outlook
This loss drops Cincinnati to 2–4 as their four-game losing streak continues. Flacco’s performance gives hope that the offense can move forward, but the defense must shore up its late-game failures if this team wants to stay competitive. Injuries and depth issues further complicate the outlook.
Next up is a short-week Thursday night clash with Pittsburgh in Cincinnati. That game will be an early measuring stick: Can the Bengals take what they learned in Green Bay, tighten the margins, and stop repeating what’s cost them too many games already this season?
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