Many Bengals fans have been left disappointed after a rough 1-4 start to the season.

On Sunday October 6, the Bengals had an important game at home against the Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals needed the win to keep their season alive but came up short in overtime.

Before the game, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had stated that he would need to play a near perfect game in order to beat the Ravens, which is already a bad sign because even he knows the Bengals defense doesn’t stand a chance.

Burrow did end up playing a near perfect game, and the Bengals had the lead because of it, but that was until one crucial moment with 3 minutes and 5 seconds left in the game where the ball was snapped and Burrow threw an interception.

The Bengals has been working their way down the field with a 3 point lead, trying to take time off the clock and maybe even extend their lead, but the interception allowed the Ravens to work their way down the field and tie the game for OT.

Bengals fans gained hope once again after a costly fumbled snap by Ravens QB Lamar Jackson which was recovered by the Bengals. The Bengals then got into field goal range so surely now they’d win, but instead the holder messed up the hold and the kick was wide left, giving the Ravens the ball back where right away running back Derrick Henry ripped off a big run and set the Ravens up for a game winning field goal.

Following the game, Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase took the blame for Burrows interception, stating that he and Burrow aren’t on the same page, so he didn’t run his best route and that caused the interception.

Burrow had more harsh but probably needed words in his press conference, stating “We’re not a championship-level team right now. We’re not.” He also added that he wants to think they will improve and get to that point.

It is clear that the Bengals are not a championship contender right now, they can try to make a push for playoffs but at this point they would need to win almost all the rest of their games and it would be very difficult, only 14 teams in NFL history have made the playoffs after a 1-4 start, and none of them have won the Super Bowl.

The Bengals could very well see changes coming soon, it could start with some trades for guys on defense or even free agent signings, because the defense has been the worst part of the team by far, allowing 28 points per game and 359 yards per game. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase cannot bring this team to a win every week when the defense plays like this.

Another thing that could change is the head coach, many Bengals fans want head coach Zac Taylor fired due to the seasons since the Super Bowl appearance not being nearly as good.

Burrow and Chase are the cornerstones of this team and are going to do their best to win week in and week out, but as far as the rest of the team goes, something needs to change.