The Cincinnati Bengals fell 47-42 to the Chicago Bears in Week 9, marking a historic defensive collapse despite scoring 42 points. Cincinnati became the first team in 59 years to lose consecutive games while putting up at least 38 points. The Bears sealed the win with a 58-yard touchdown to Colston Loveland in the final minute.
The Bengals' defense surrendered 576 total yards, the most by any team this season, including 275-plus passing and rushing yards -- just the 10th time in NFL history for such a feat. Chicago's offense, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, capitalized on the porous unit, with rookie tight end Colston Loveland catching six of seven targets for 118 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner. Running back Kyle Monangai rushed for 176 yards, while wide receiver DJ Moore scored on a 17-yard rush after a failed Bengals challenge turned a potential fumble into a touchdown.
Cincinnati, now 3-6 and third in the AFC North, mounted a late comeback, recovering an onside kick and scoring twice to take a 42-41 lead with under a minute left, thanks to veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. However, the Bears responded with a 72-yard drive in four plays to snatch victory. This loss follows a 39-38 defeat to the Jets, where the Bengals blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead.
The Bengals have allowed 500-plus yards in two straight games and three times this season, the most in the league. They are permitting 33.3 points per game, the highest since the 1966 New York Giants, and have given up at least 27 points and 350 yards in eight consecutive games -- a single-season record. Through nine games, Cincinnati has allowed 300 points, a franchise high. Over the last two seasons, they have lost four games scoring 38-plus points, more than the rest of the NFL combined.
Offseason changes, including firing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and personnel losses like Sam Hubbard's retirement and Germaine Pratt's release, have exacerbated issues. Contract disputes with edge rushers Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart, plus limited defensive spending ($82 million in cap space versus $158 million on offense), have left the unit depleted.