2021 NFL Power Rankings, Week 4: Rams claim top spot, Steelers and Bears plummet

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a third quarter touchdown throw by Matthew Stafford #9 in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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Cincinnati Bengals (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

56. . . Previous: 24th. Cincinnati Bengals. 18. team

Given the struggles of the Bengals offensive line, it does feel safe to say that the team was fortunate to catch the Steelers in Week 3 when their AFC North rivals were playing without T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. That undoubtedly made things much easier for Cincinnati but, at the end of the day, the team is off to a 2-1 start to the year.

It was an impressive offensive performance for the Bengals, even if the box score didn’t get lit up. Joe Burrow was efficient going 14-of-18 for 172 yards with three scores, two to rookie Ja’Marr Chase and his since-departed drop issues, though he did throw a pick. Joe Mixon also kept up his strong start to the year with 90 yards on 18 carries.

But the unsung hero of this game was the Bengals defense. Not only did linebacker Logan Wilson get two interceptions on the day but he led the team in tackles. Meanwhile, the front four got after Roethlisberger throughout the day and made the statuesque veteran look troubled quite often. That’s a positive Cincinnati can build on.

I’m still not sure the Bengals will end up being a playoff team or even above .500. But they clearly have the building blocks for something with this franchise and it’ll be exciting to keep watching them put the pieces together.

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