Bengals Fall to Jaguars as Joe Burrow’s Turnovers Prove Costly

The Cincinnati Bengals fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars 22-17 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati in a game that likely could have been a much bigger loss for the Bengals. 

Joe Burrow threw for 428 yards and a touchdown, but his two interceptions gave the Jaguars seven points off turnovers, which ended up being the difference when the clock hit zero. 

Zac Taylor said postgame that he has zero concerns about Burrow’s turnovers through the first four weeks of the season, as he’s thrown three interceptions, with Sunday being his first game with multiple interceptions since December of 2025. 

Burrow’s first interception came after he was hit while throwing the ball and couldn't get the full force behind it, leading to an easy pick that Jourdan Lewis nearly returned for a pick-six. Jacksonville scored shortly after. 

In the fourth quarter, with the Bengals trailing 16-10, Cincinnati entered the red zone and was on the verge of taking the lead. Burrow said he didn’t see the Jacksonville defender, Foyesade Oluokun, who undercut the drag route run by Mitchell Tinsley and picked off Burrow, halting the Bengals' drive and giving the ball back to the Jaguars. 

Burrow also got away with what would have been his first of three interceptions late in the first quarter on a bad ball intended for Tee Higgins, which Travis Hunter intercepted, leading to a long run back. However, Jacksonville was called for roughing the passer, which gave the ball back to the Bengals. 

The Bengals also gave up multiple touchdowns to Bhayshul Tuten, but the scores were called back for holding, as the Jaguars could have easily scored 30 or more points. Together, both teams committed 24 penalties for 233 yards. 

Nevertheless, the season isn’t over. Cincinnati is 2-2 and still not in a place where fans need to panic. Bad plays are a part of football, and it is still very early in the season. 

Is there cause for concern? Absolutely, especially with the injury situation. Bryan Cook was a game-time decision and didn’t play. Ja’Marr Chase left the game early with a concussion and didn’t return. Tee Higgins left the game late with an adductor strain and tried to return but couldn’t. 

Those are three of the five most important players on the Bengals, with Joe Burrow and Dexter Lawrence rounding it out. 

Cincinnati will have a chance to bounce back against a struggling and banged-up Miami Dolphins team in week five.