ESPN analysts question Bengals coach Zac Taylor's decision to keep Joe Burrow in Monday's game against Washington despite multiple sacks, including a dangerous horsecollar tackle.

A couple of receivers make strong cases while the starting defense is once again woeful in 31-17 win over the Commanders.

CINCINNATI — Joe Burrow is seemingly always confident, but that's never felt more true right now. He chatted with Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer at Bengals training camp this summer and detailed how sound his abilities as a passer are entering a sixth NFL season.

That said, Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson remains in the middle of what's become an ugly contract standoff. Hendrickson is in the final year of his existing deal, and the two sides seemingly aren't close to agreeing on the amount of guaranteed money that would be attached to an extension.

The 2025 NFL season is mere weeks away, which also means the road to the 2026 NFL Draft is about to get rolling. For many analysts, that road started earlier in the summer with summer scouting. The cycle takes another step with the start of the college football season this week with Week 0,

Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks from LSU, headlined the “Monday Night Football” matchup in the second preseason game for each team.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Get Up,” former Steelers safety and current ESPN NFL personality Ryan Clark said the Bengals are wasting Joe Burrow’s prime years as the team enters another season with what is expected to be a horrific run defense.

"Well Jake Browning, he comes in now," Troy Aikman said during the broadcast. "He takes over. Oh, excuse me. No Burrow, he's back in."