Joe Burrow Says Bengals Aren't 'Championship-Level Team Right Now' After Ravens Loss

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was blunt when giving an assessment of his team following a 41-38 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

"We are not a championship-level team right now," Burrow said after the game, per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic.

With the loss, the Bengals dropped to 1-4 on the season and are now 0-3 against AFC opponents.

Burrow nearly led Cincinnati to a victory, finishing 30-of-39 for 392 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes. He was also picked off in the fourth quarter.

The Bengals led 38-28 with roughly six minutes remaining in regulation. Their defense wouldn't be able to hold up down the stretch of the game, though.

Baltimore sent the contest to overtime due to an incredible touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson as well as a 56-yard field goal from Justin Tucker following Burrow's interception.

Cincinnati had another chance to win due to a fumble by Jackson at the start of overtime, giving the team the ball at the Ravens' 38-yard line. However, Bengals kicker Evan McPherson missed a 53-yard field goal after a mishandled snap following three consecutive run plays.

Tucker nailed a 26-yard field goal on Baltimore's ensuing possession, cementing the victory.

The Bengals entered the year with high expectations. While they missed the playoffs in 2023 after Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury, they made it to the AFC Championship Game in each of the two prior seasons. This included a Super Bowl 56 appearance.

"We're the team to beat in the AFC," star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase said on Sept. 12, via Pro Football Network's Jay Morrison.

After five weeks, the Bengals don't appear to be among the teams in contention for a championship. They'll need to start a winning streak just to compete for a playoff spot, which will be difficult given their poor record against AFC opponents.

Cincinnati will attempt to bounce back in a Week 6 matchup with the New York Giants.