The Cincinnati Bengals finally got of the schneid in Carolina nearly a month into the 2024 season. The offense was in large part the biggest factor in week 4. Key contributions from Ja’Marr Chase, Chase Brown, and Tee Higgins aided in an all-around solid performance from Joe Burrow. The offensive line accomplished a rare feat in Cincinnati nowadays as they paved the way on the ground and allowed the air attack to operate smoothly. The Bengals look to lean on their best players as they did today and hopefully start to stack up more wins.

1. Joe Burrow

Despite a 1-3 start, Joe Burrow is not sharing the same lack of success as his team. In fact, he may be having the best start to a season in his career. Over the last three weeks, Burrow has passed for 814 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception while completing 70% of his passes.

During the Bengals win against the Panthers on Sunday Burrow tossed two touchdowns and 232 yards on 22 completions. There was nothing extraordinary about his stats, but Burrow managed the game well, leading six scoring drives en route to a victory.

2. Chase Brown

Bengals 2nd year running back Chase Brown had a career day in week four with career highs in carries, yards, and touchdowns in a single game. Brown’s two touchdowns in the red zone made the difference for the Bengals who a week ago struggled to capitalize in the red zone. His 80 yards helped salt away the Panthers late in the game as the team focused heavily on chewing clock and getting into field goal range.

Brown’s 5.3 yards per carry helped the Bengals offense move efficiently and consistently as the Bengals put up 33+ points for a second week in a row.

3. The Offensive Line

A rarity in the Joe Burrow era, the Bengals offensive line did not allow a single sack in week 4. Not only did the Bengals keep Joe Burrow clean, the line paved the way for 141 rushing yards on the day. Including a put-away drive with 4 minutes left in the game. The offense heavily leaned to the run game to chew clock and get into field goal range to go up by 10 points late in the game.

Four out of five of the Bengals offensive linemen received a PFF grade above 75.0 and were among the top 5 highest graded Bengals on offense from week 4. If the Bengals offensive line can continue this level of play that could go a long way in trying to climb out of this 0-3 hole.

4. Ja’Marr Chase

Ja’Marr Chase only touched the ball three times but that didn’t stop his presence from being felt. His 85 receiving yards, with 63 of them coming on one play was enough to make a difference. Chase made the most of his limited opportunities by taking the aforementioned 63 yard play all the way to the house in the 2nd quarter to give the Bengals the lead which they never squandered for the rest of the game.

Chase’s big play ability never ceases to amaze. Which is why you’d like to see the playmaker get more than just three touches all game.

5. Tee Higgins

Joe Burrow was looking to Tee Higgins early and often in week 4. Recording six catches for 60 yards and a couple third down conversions, Tee was a big part in the Bengals first half production. Cincinnati’s offense is clearly better when Tee is on the field. Having another top end receiver to throw the ball to was huge for Joe Burrow as Ja’Marr Chase was seeing heavy coverage for most of the game.

Honorable Mention: Erick All

Rookie Tight End Erick All has been a welcomed addition to the Bengals offense. While his 4 catch, 28-yard stat line in week 4 won’t turn heads, his contribution in the run game has not gone unnoticed. The Bengals’ run game has been much improved early in the season partly due to the blocking that All has provided.

All five of the Bengals top players this week came on offense while the defense still struggles to get by with injuries up front on the defensive line. While the unit wasn’t as bad as last Monday night’s historically bad performance, the defense still let up more than they should have against Carolina. The Bengals offense may have to continue to carry the team throughout the 2024 season.