Cincinnati Bengals Disappoint Against Browns, 17-6

Coming off a huge win against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 the Cincinnati Bengals rolled into Week 4 playing a Cleveland

Sep 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) calls out a play during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Browns beat the Bengals 17-6. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Browns team that looked to be in the middle of a transition. Two weeks after trading away running back Trent Richardson the Browns won in week 3 surprising everyone. This Sunday the Browns shocked everyone again by beating the Bengals 17-6.

An absolutely awful game in every aspect by the Bengals resulted in their ugly loss, a loss that has many Bengals fans waking up this morning angry. This was supposed to be the year for Cincinnati. Now at 2-2 there are more questions than certainties with this current team.

Offensively Cincinnati struggled, the Cleveland defense was entirely overwhelming for Cincinnati. Andy Dalton went 23/42 for 206 yards, and 1 INT. An absolutely dismal game from the player the Bengals have made their quarterback of the future. Dalton overthrew and under threw targets all day leading in part to their loss.

The Bengals defense was a big talking point at the beginning of the season. All this hype about how great the defense was. With a 2-2 record now how great are they? Does one good game against the Packers on their final drive make up for Sundays dismal loss?

Cleveland had two drives of 91+ yards to score on Sunday. When is the last time a Mike Zimmer defense allowed that? Not only allowed that but to allow it to a back up quarterback in Brian Hoyer. Cleveland’s offense has been re born at the hands of Hoyer, McGahee and Jordan Cameron.

Cincinnati’s offense has been buried essentially. No running, no passing has led to some frustration. AJ Green appeared to give up on routes while showing his frustration with the lack of offense and poor play by Dalton.

Vontaze Burfict and Rey Maualuga led the defense in tackles Sunday. The two USC products have quietly been rising to the top of the defensive ranks for the Bengals. James Harrison seems lost and confused in his role with the defense. Something that definitely needs to be addressed.

This week the Bengals need to have a long look at the Andy Dalton. Is he the quarterback of the future? In his third season with the team he is looking to go to the playoffs for a third straight season, is that enough to keep him around though? Hard to tell at this point.

A team that a week ago appeared to be one of the best in the league is now left with a litany of questions surround them. A game against the Patriots next week should be a telling point for this season.