3 things we learned from the Bengals’ loss to the Steelers

Joe Burrow deserves so much better.

The Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) essentially ruined their playoff chances by getting torched by Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) at home, losing 44-38.

Bengals fans and players are no doubt frustrated and exhausted at this point. But with another loss comes even more wisdom. So what did we learn?

Orlando Brown Jr. still isn’t healthy

The big left tackle has been solid since coming to Cincinnati, especially to start this season.

But in his return from a knee/fibula injury, Brown Jr. looked stiff and slow.

Following the game, he ended up with one of the lowest grades given out by Pro Football Focus.

Once the Bengals are officially eliminated, you can expect Brown Jr. to start his offseason early and be back to form next year.

The coaching staff has no answers

Getting burned by a pedestrian offense out of the bye at home in a must-win game is not a good sign for Zac Taylor and company.

The defense had absolutely no chance. The tackling was as bad as it’s been at any point in the season. Meanwhile, the offensive line hung Joe Burrow out to dry way too many times.

Joe Burrow wants to ride the season out

We know the kid loves to play, and he suffered missing the ends of his rookie season and last year. So we shouldn’t be surprised that he fought until the bitter end in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated.

And then, in the postgame conference, Burrow highlighted the value of evaluating the roster in these final weeks.

Cincinnati has a QB who knows how to win and has a deep desire to do so. It’s upon the front office to give him the coaching and personnel he needs to be able to get the Bengals back into contention.