Joe Burrow's Bold Solution: 'Let's Throw It More' as Bengals' Run Game Hits Rock Bottom

As the Cincinnati Bengals stare down a critical Week 5 matchup against the winless Miami Dolphins on October 6, 2026, the team finds itself at a crossroads. After a promising 2-0 start, back-to-back losses have dropped them to .500, and the pressure is mounting. With star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins potentially sidelined, the Bengals' offense faces a glaring issue: a nonexistent running game. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the situation is dire, and quarterback Joe Burrow's recent comments have only added fuel to the fire.

A Run Game in Ruins

In Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals managed a mere 23 rushing yards on 15 attempts—a performance that was nothing short of embarrassing. Chase Brown, expected to be a key contributor, mustered just 10 yards on 9 carries, while Samaje Perine added 7 yards on 3 attempts. Even Burrow chipped in 6 yards on 3 scrambles. This ineptitude forced Burrow to air it out 54 times against a ferocious Jaguars defense, a recipe for disaster that ultimately led to a loss. The numbers are staggering: the Bengals rank dead last in rushing yards per game, and their 2.8 yards per carry is the worst in the league.

Burrow's Blunt Assessment

When asked about the struggling run game after the loss, Burrow didn't mince words. "My response to that would be, let's throw it more," he said, per the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk. While Burrow's confidence in his arm is admirable, relying solely on the passing attack is unsustainable in the NFL. It exposes him to unnecessary hits, leads to turnovers, and puts immense pressure on a depleted receiving corps. As highlighted on Vulius, the Bengals spent the offseason emphasizing play-action and under-center concepts to create balance, but those efforts have yielded negligible results. The coaching staff, led by Zac Taylor, is now on the hot seat to fix this before it derails the season.

The Road Ahead

Sunday's game in Miami represents a make-or-break opportunity for the Bengals' offense. If Chase and Higgins are unable to suit up, the running game must step up to take pressure off Burrow. Otherwise, the Dolphins' defense—though winless—will pin their ears back and tee off on the franchise quarterback. The Bengals could revert to a shotgun-heavy attack, but that would only exacerbate their predictability. As Vulius Sports analysts note, a viable run game is essential for playoff success, and time is running out for Cincinnati to find one.

"We have to be able to run the ball when everyone knows we're going to run it," Taylor said earlier this week. "It's about execution and attitude."

For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the Bengals' inability to run the ball is a glaring flaw. Burrow's suggestion to throw more might be a temporary fix, but it's not a long-term solution. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will be closely monitoring whether Cincinnati can salvage its ground game before it's too late.