"Bengals defense is atrocious" - NFL fans react as Zac Taylor's team struggles massively vs. Eagles in preseason game

The Cincinnati Bengals may be facing a rough 2025 season if their defensive performance against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles in the first half on Thursday is any indication.

Zac Taylor's squad allowed 24 points, including two touchdowns from third-string quarterback Tanner McKee, who completed 14-for-17 passing attempts and also rushed for a touchdown. Overall, they allowed 273 total yards of offense (186 in the air and 87 on the ground).

By trailing 14-24, they marred a strong performance by Joe Burrow, who completed all but one of his 10 passing attempts for two touchdowns of his own:

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

This led to much mockery by fans:

The Eagles' two receiving touchdowns were caught by Darius Cooper and Ainias Smith. For the Bengals, it was Ja'Marr Chase and Tanner Hudson doing the damage.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles preseason: Second-half recap

To begin the second half, the Eagles went on a long drive from their 35 but were stifled at the 10, eventually having to settle for Jake Elliott’s second field goal of the night.

Both teams traded punts on the next two drives before Evan McPherson scored a field goal. No other points would be scored in the third quarter, as the Eagles lost the ball on downs on their next drive but rebounded by intercepting Jake Browning with 35 seconds left.

That pick turned into a rushing touchdown by ShunDerrick Powell around one and a half minutes into the fourth quarter.

The Bengals then had to punt on the next drive, but rebounded by intercepting Kyle McCord, then scoring a field goal. They then forced a punt on the next opposing drive, which Desmond Ridder turned into a touchdown to Hudson.

The Eagles were then forced to punt again, but sealed the game by forcing a turnover on downs at the two-minute warning.

About the author

Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.

Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.

Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.

Know More

Bengals Nation! Check out the latest Cincinnati Bengals Schedule and dive into the Bengals Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Edited by Andre Castillo