WATCH: Ja'Marr Chase gets into heated argument with HC Zac Taylor, video goes viral after Bengals struggle mightily in embarrassing loss vs. Broncos

The Cincinnati Bengals had a horrid performance to end Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, suffering a 3-28 loss at the burgeoning Denver Broncos. And one scene captured the bitterness of it all.

In the third quarter, star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was seen on the sidelines arguing with Zac Taylor:

He would finish the game with a paltry 23 yards on five catches. The team's leading wideout turned out to be Tee Higgins, who was not much better with only 32 from three. Only running back Chase Brown provided some sort of glimpse of hope, having 71 scrimmage yards on ten carries and three receptions.

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The Bengals' offensive struggles meant that punter Ryan Rehkow had to work a lot. He would kick eight times for 403 yards, three landing within the 20.

The Broncos, meanwhile, got a strong performance from Bo Nix, who accounted for three total touchdowns (two passing and one rushing) against an interception. The defense also played a huge role, sacking Jake Browning thrice.

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman blast Bengals' “embarrassing effort” after 3-28 loss at Broncos

As the Bengals’ loss was being confirmed, ESPN play-by-play announcer Joe Buck started sharing his thoughts on what Zac Taylor should do in the next game:

"You're gonna have to find a way to hold this thing together… If you've got Jake Browning at quarterback, you cannot play a game like this around him with all the mistakes and expect to compete. And they just frankly, after their first possession, didn't compete."

Color commentator Troy Aikman, who had called Belgals' offense “a mess” ever since they chose a field goal instead of a touchdown for the game’s first points, seconded him, describing the loss in two harsh words:

"This has been an embarrassing effort by the Cincinnati Bengals. …This game was over essentially when Bo Nix threw the touchdown to make it 21-3. ... For an organization that's been so good offensively for so many years ... there's not a lot to get excited about right now."

The Bengals will next host the Detroit Lions, continuing a stretch of playing NFC North squads in three of four games. Kickoff is at 4:25 pm ET on Fox.

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