In this week’s review, the Cincinnati Bengals are still winless. While Cincinnati Football continues their ascent in the AP Top 25. In the same week one of their program’s most prominent alums retired.

Three takeaways from the Cincinnati Bengals Week 7 loss

The Cincinnati Bengals are now two losses away from a losing season. Dropping to 0-7 on Sunday, with a 27-17 home loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Three things stood out on the Bengals beat from Sunday’s loss. First, the Bengals squandered a stong start to the game from their defense. Starting with Cincinnati’s Preston Brown forcing a Jaguars turnover on downs. On 4th and goal at Cincinnati’s one yard line in the game’s first drive. Cincinnati ultimately followed that up with a three and out offensive drive.

Cincinnati’s offensive failures to follow up defensives success continued throughout the first quarter. Geno Atkins had some big sacks in the first quarter for Cincinnati. One nearly resulted in Jaguars rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew giving up a safety. Alex Erickson and Stanley Morgan grounded Bengal punts in optimal positions. Despite these moments, Cincinnati didn’t score in the drives that followed those plays.

Another issue of note from Sunday was interceptions-a-plenty from Andy Dalton. The Bengals quarterback threw three interceptions on Sunday. One resulted in a pick six from Yannick Ngakoue; squandering a potential game-tying drive in the process. Interceptions aside, Dalton’s day did feature a few highlights. From a touchdown pass to Joe Mixon in the second quarter; to his rushing touchdown late in the fourth.

Third, there were many empty seats at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday. Ironically marking what was dubbed “fantennial weekend” for the Bengals. The official paid attendance was roughly 42,000 people. Practically mirroring the attendance the Bengals had towards the end of last season. Next up for the Bengals, a trip to Great Britain to face the Los Angeles Rams. In Zac Taylor’s first game against the team he left to become Cincinnati’s head coach. Kickoff from London is set for 1 PM Eastern time on CBS.

Cincinnati Football: Another big conference win and a retirement

The Cincinnati Bearcats are still unbeaten in American Athletic Conference play. After beating Tulsa Football 24-13 at home on Saturday afternoon. Cincinnati’s win helps them improve to 3-0 in AAC play and 6-1 overall. Along with bumping them up from No.21 to No.18 in the latest AP Top 25 poll. Temple Football’s loss also gives Cincinnati sole possession of first place in the AAC East.

Elsewhere last week, a Bearcat alum retired from the National Football League. Connor Barwin spent ten seasons in the NFL with several teams. Eight combined with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Texans in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Barwin also spent one season each with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams.

Barwin was with UC’s football team through some of their best seasons in the mid to late 2000’s. Helping the Bearcats win the Big East Conference title in 2008. Advancing to their historic Orange Bowl appearance in 2009 as a result. UC’s first Bowl Championship Series/New Year’s six bowl game in school history. Along with a distinguished football career; Barwin played for UC’s men’s basketball team for two seasons.