On Sunday, the Bengals made history. As Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer points out, they are the first team in NFL history has led by 17 or more at halftime and loss by 18 or more.
The 35-0 second half score in favor of Buffalo was the Bengals’ single worst second half result in 43 seasons.
Amazingly, this 2-8 team hasn’t hit bottom yet. Consider what’s happening in the secondary, which was the one strength of the team.
Safety Cris Crocker looks to be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Excellent starting cornerback Johnathan Joseph (knee) is “out for the foreseeable future.” Safety Roy Williams (concussion) and Brandon Ghee (groin) also left the game early.
If the season ended today, the Bengals would have the third pick in the draft. Their next head coach can enjoy that decision.
In the meantime, we’re stuck watching the Bengals on the nightcap to Thanksgiving’s trifecta of mismatches. All three games feature a team 3-7 or worse facing a team 7-3 or better.