With just one game left in their 2025 season, the Cincinnati Bengals gave their fans a rare treat: a dominant 37-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. But here’s the bittersweet truth: this team, despite flashes of brilliance, isn’t contending for anything meaningful this year. Still, a win is a win, and Sunday’s performance offered plenty of reasons for optimism—and a few head-scratching moments. Let’s break down the standout performers and the areas that still need work.
Winners
Ja’Marr Chase: The star wide receiver continues to cement his legacy as one of the NFL’s all-time greats. With his performance on Sunday—7 receptions, 60 yards, and 2 touchdowns—Chase became the only player in NFL history to record over 80 receptions, 1,000 yards, and 7+ touchdowns in each of his first five seasons. Think about that: not Randy Moss, not Jerry Rice—just Ja’Marr. And this is the part most people miss: he’s doing it with a team that’s struggled to stay relevant. Imagine what he could achieve with consistent playoff runs.
Chase Brown: Stepping into the RB1 role in 2025, Brown has been a revelation. Against the Cardinals, he rushed for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 carries, adding 40 receiving yards for good measure. Oh, and he broke the franchise record for consecutive 100-scrimmage-yard games by a running back. Not bad for a player who was expected to be a rotational piece.
Myles Murphy: The former first-round pick has finally found his stride. With Trey Hendrickson on IR, Murphy has thrived, recording his sixth sack of the season on Sunday. His ability to consistently pressure the quarterback has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing year. Could this be the turning point in his career?
Cody Ford: Offensive linemen rarely get the spotlight, but Ford’s birthday performance deserves a shoutout. His contributions in the trenches helped pave the way for Brown’s big day and kept Joe Burrow upright. It’s a reminder that football is the ultimate team sport—even the unsung heroes play a critical role.
Shemar Stewart: While his first career sack might not seem like much, it’s a milestone worth celebrating. Stewart’s development could be a key factor in the Bengals’ defensive future.
Al Golden’s Defense: Sure, the Cardinals’ offense isn’t exactly a juggernaut, but holding them to under three yards per carry and forcing Jacoby Brissett into a sub-50% completion rate is still impressive. Golden’s unit has shown steady improvement, even if the competition hasn’t always been top-tier.
Bengals Fans: After three grueling seasons, Sunday was a much-needed morale boost. The unseasonably warm weather, a blowout win, and even a rare Cody Ford reception made for a memorable day. While 2026 feels like a long way off, moments like these remind fans why they keep the faith.
Joe Burrow: Burrow’s day was short but sweet. In just three quarters, he completed 24 of 31 passes for 305 yards and 2 touchdowns. It’s a reminder of what the Bengals could be if they built a contender around him. Instead, his talent feels wasted in a season that’s already lost. But here’s the controversial question: Is it fair to Burrow—or the fans—to let this level of talent go unused in January and February?
Losers
Geno Stone: Signed to bolster the secondary after a seven-interception season with the Ravens, Stone has struggled to make an impact. His missed tackle on Michael Wilson’s 38-yard touchdown was a low point in an otherwise solid defensive performance. Tackling has been a recurring issue, and it’s fair to wonder if he’s the long-term solution.
Tight End Coverage: Yes, the Bengals won big, but their struggles against tight ends continued. Trey McBride set a single-season reception record for tight ends, hauling in 10 catches, including an 18-yard touchdown. While many were check-downs, it’s a weakness opponents will exploit if not addressed by 2026. And this is the part most people miss: in today’s NFL, where tight ends are often mismatch nightmares, this could be the difference between a playoff run and another early exit.
As the Bengals look ahead to 2026, Sunday’s game offered a mix of hope and caution. The talent is there—Chase, Brown, and Burrow are proof of that. But the gaps in the roster and coaching decisions are hard to ignore. What do you think? Are the Bengals on the right track, or is another rebuild looming? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
