The Cincinnati Bengals are eagerly seeking their first win of the 2025 NFL season as they face off against the Denver Broncos in Week 4. With star quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined due to a turf toe injury, the team finds themselves under immense scrutiny as they prepare for the highly anticipated Monday Night Football matchup.
The Bengals have encountered significant challenges, particularly with their offense, which has struggled to establish an effective run game and has faced unprecedented issues with run blocking. A heavy defeat against the Minnesota Vikings last week, where they lost 48-10, does little to bolster confidence as they head into this crucial encounter.
However, there’s a sense of optimism within the team, symbolized by rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. Knight is a second-round pick hailing from South Carolina and has shown potential despite ranking low among his defensive peers. Throughout the first three games, Knight has managed to record 21 tackles and, with improved gap discipline, could emerge as a key player moving forward.
In a gesture that has resonated well within the team, Knight made a statement when he arrived at Empower Field wearing Joe Burrow’s No. 9 jersey. This move not only demonstrates his admiration for Burrow but also serves as a rallying cry for the team to persevere through their current adversities and not give up on the season.
The Bengals’ recent loss to the Vikings was marred by two defensive touchdowns conceded, an anomaly that the team hopes will not repeat. Despite the setbacks, there remains an internal belief that Cincinnati can still compete in the AFC playoff race, even without their star quarterback.
As the Bengals prepare to take on the Broncos, the team and its fans remain hopeful that they can rise above their challenges and deliver a strong performance. While the road to recovery may be steep, the spirit and determination shown by players like Demetrius Knight Jr. offer a glimmer of hope for better days ahead.