The Bengals are trying to keep the season from slipping away as they focus on the Raiders

CINCINNATI. The Cincinnati Bengals thought they were in a good spot.

After starting the season 1-3, the Bengals won back-to-back games and had a chance to hit .500 at home against the Philadelphia Eagles.

In return which turned out to be the worst loss of the season, with losses and a continued absence of a run game that keeps Cincinnati (3-5) winless at home and still with plenty of issues to address.

The game was tied until the third quarter, but Philadelphia scored the final 20 points. The Bengals turned the ball over on downs, had an interception and a fumble on their final three possessions as the Eagles ran away with a 37-17 victory.

Quarterback Joe Burrow finished 26-for-37 for 234 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the fourth quarter.

“We just have to take responsibility for how we play individually,” Burrow said. – You just have to focus on what you can do better to help your team win. I don’t think anyone was good enough today.”

Burrow does not consider the season a lost one.

“I think 10 wins usually gets you (to the playoffs), so we have to win seven of nine. It’s doable, so we’ll move on,” he said. “We’ve done it before. I know the players we have. You just have to take it week by week. Any game can be won.”

What works

Cincinnati started fast, for a change. The opening drive went 70 yards, took more than 10 minutes off the clock and ended with a 2-yard TD pass from Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase. Cincinnati was 5-for-5 on third down on the drive and 10-for-13 for the game.

That needs help

Ground game continues to get stuck in the mud. Chase Brown, Zach Moss and Burrow rushed 20 times for 58 yards, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. The longest run was eight yards and it was by Burrow. It doesn’t help that Bengals leading rusher Orlando Brown Jr. left the game with a knee injury.

Stock up

Chase caught nine of his 11 targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. He had at least one touchdown catch in five of the team’s eight games. … Barrow’s 70.3 completion percentage was his best since a 41-38 overtime loss at Baltimore on Oct. 6.

Stocks have decreased

A defense that played well in the previous two games allowed the Eagles nearly 400 yards of offense. Jalen Hurts was 16-for-20 passing for 236 yards and a touchdown, and he rushed for three TDs. Led by Saquon Barkley’s 108 yards, the Eagles rushed for 161. … Evan McPherson missed another 50-plus-yarder. He missed just two from that range in his first two seasons. He has missed eight over the last two seasons. He is 11-of-15 on field goals this season and has missed one PAT.

Injuries

WR Tee Higgins missed the game with a quad injury. OT Brown was out with a right knee injury and was replaced by Cody Ford. There is no word yet on whether anyone will be able to play on Sunday.

Key number

89.8 is the average rushing yards per game for the Bengals this season.

Next steps

The Bengals will look to get back on track when they host the Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) on Sunday. The Raiders lost their fourth straight, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs 27-20.

“We’re better than what our record indicates, but your record is what your record is,” coach Zach Taylor said. “We deserved it. Again, we put ourselves in a bad position, but it’s not one we can’t get out of.”