Cincinnati Bengals: Dalton erupts for three interceptions, helps Jags win 27-17

The Cincinnati Bengals lose a seventh straight to open the 2019 NFL season, this time at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-17.

The Cincinnati Bengals may have let their best chance for a win slip through their hands, as they lost a seventh straight to the Jacksonville Jaguars, 27-17. The loss is yet another under first-year head coach Zac Taylor.

Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton was particularly bad on Sunday. He coughed up three interceptions to the Jaguars defense. His 22 of 43 for 276 yards and a touchdown was all for not as another rookie quarterback was better than he was. Cincinnati has now faced rookies Kyler Murray and Gardner Minshew as well as second-year players Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph. All have dealt the Bengals a loss.

Perhaps most disappointing is the timing of this defeat. With a game in London next Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, their best chance for a first win was probably against Jacksonville.

Minshew did a good job holding his own today. The rookie from Washington State was 15 of 32 for 255 yards and one touchdown. Most important for the Jaguars was his protection of the football. He nor the Jacksonville offense turned the ball over.

As for Cincinnati, the same problems continue. The rushing game via Joe Mixon did not exist. Mixon had 10 carries for two yards. The leading rusher for the Bengals was Dalton. He had four carries for 33 yards and one touchdown.

Things won’t be easier for the Bengals in Week 8. They get a Rams team who won easily in Atlanta 37-10. For Cincinnati, it’s again back to the drawing board as Taylor looks for answers to a season spiraling out of control.

The Bengals get a much-needed bye week after Week 8. It will be interesting to see if Cincinnati continues to tow a predictable line with veterans like Dalton and receiver A.J. Green, long-rumored on the trading block.