Postgame Observations: Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon Lead the Way, Bengals Blowout Lions 34-11

Cincinnati is 4-2 for the first time since 2018.

DETROIT — The Bengals believe that they're a legitimate playoff contender. They played like one in the second half of Sunday's 34-11 win over the Lions. 

Cincinnati scored on their first four possessions of the second half to put the game out of reach and hand the winless Lions their sixth loss of the season. 

Joe Burrow completed 19-of-29 passes for 271 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. 

Cincinnati is 4-2 for the first time since 2018. Here are some postgame observations:

Second Half Surge 

The Bengals scored 24 points on their first four possessions of the second half. Not only did it put the game out of reach, but it gave everyone a glimpse of how special this offense can and should be week in and week out. 

Joe Mixon's legs were a big reason why they all three second half scoring drives were 8-plays or more. He finished with 18 carries for 94 yards. Mixon also had five receptions for 59 yards and a receiving touchdown. 

What a Silly Debate

Remember the "Team Chase" versus "Team Sewell" debate? It was silly then and it's sillier now. 

Ja'Marr Chase continues to shine for the Bengals, this time against the team that took Penei Sewell with the seventh pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Chase finished with four receptions for 97 yards, including a huge 34-yard reception that put the Bengals in field goal range at the end of the first half. 

Burrow also found Chase for a 53-yard gain that helped give the Bengals a 27-0 lead. 

The Bengals got it right with Chase and Sunday's game was just the latest example of how important the rookie is to their success. 

Opening Score

The Bengals' offense scored on their first possession of the game on Sunday for the first time this season. 

Burrow led them on an 8-play, 61-yard drive that ended with Chris Evans' first NFL touchdown. It was a beautiful 24-yard reception on a wheel route. Watch the play here. 

Slow Start

The Bengals' offense stalled after their opening drive. They finished with 32 total yards on their next four drives, which included an interception and three punts. 

Chase's 24-yard reception helped give them a spark and they never looked back. 

Second-Team TD

Brandon Allen led the Bengals' offense on a 5-play, 44-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that ended with a seven yard touchdown to Auden Tate. 

It was Allen's first drive of the season. Running back Trayveon Williams also saw his first playing time of the season. 

Brandon Allen to Auden Tate for another @Bengals TD. #RuleTheJungle

📺: #CINvsDET on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/5TStixbUYz

— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2021

Up Next

Cincinnati heads to Baltimore to play the Ravens in Week 7. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 24 at M&T Bank Stadium.

For more highlights and game coverage, go here.

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