Ethical Sports Takes

November 8, 2026 | Ethical Sports Takes

Joe Burrow continues to make his case as one of the leading candidates for NFL MVP, and Ja’Marr Chase is making a strong argument of his own as the league’s best wide receiver.

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34–17 in Madrid on Sunday, delivering another impressive offensive performance behind their superstar quarterback and receiving duo.

Burrow accounted for four touchdowns, including three through the air, while Chase repeatedly tormented Atlanta’s secondary with explosive receptions and outstanding catches on third down. Tee Higgins added two touchdown receptions, giving Cincinnati another reliable weapon whenever the Falcons focused their attention on Chase.

Atlanta had its moments, particularly through Bijan Robinson, but penalties and missed opportunities prevented the Falcons from keeping pace.

First Quarter: Atlanta Starts Strong, Burrow Answers Immediately

The Falcons opened the game with an impressive drive built around Bijan Robinson.

Robinson broke free for a 15-yard gain behind Atlanta’s offensive line before adding a 21-yard run on third-and-one. The Falcons quickly moved into scoring position, and Drake London drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone.

Michael Penix Jr. capitalized by finding Charlie Woerner in the flat for a touchdown, giving Atlanta a 7–0 lead.

Cincinnati wasted little time responding.

Burrow connected with Chase for a spectacular 47-yard touchdown, immediately showing the explosiveness that makes the Bengals’ passing attack so difficult to defend.

Atlanta continued moving the ball on its next possession. Penix found London for a 15-yard completion before taking matters into his own hands on third-and-five, scrambling for 25 yards.

However, penalties disrupted the drive, and Cincinnati’s pressure on third down forced the Falcons to settle for a field goal.

Atlanta led 10–7 after the opening quarter, but the Bengals were already moving downfield again.

Second Quarter: Burrow and Chase Take Control

Cincinnati’s offense began the second quarter exactly where it left off.

Burrow found Chase cutting across the middle, bringing the Bengals down to Atlanta’s one-yard line. After Chase Brown was stopped short, Burrow finished the drive himself with a quarterback sneak.

Cincinnati had its first lead, 14–10.

The Bengals’ defense then forced a three-and-out, giving Burrow another opportunity to attack Atlanta’s secondary.

Chase immediately delivered another big play, turning a reception into a 31-yard gain. He had already surpassed 100 receiving yards with plenty of time remaining in the first half.

But his most impressive work came on third down.

Facing third-and-one, Burrow delivered a pass under pressure, and Chase worked back toward the football, reaching down to secure a difficult catch just above the turf.

Atlanta challenged the ruling, but the completion stood.

Later, facing third-and-nine against a blitz, Burrow found Chase again. This time, the receiver made a brilliant toe-tap catch near the sideline for another first down.

Those were the plays that separated Cincinnati’s offense from Atlanta’s defense. Even when the Falcons created difficult situations, Burrow and Chase found ways to extend drives.

Atlanta appeared to have another opportunity to stop Cincinnati when Gervon Dexter sacked Burrow, but defensive holding wiped out the play.

The Bengals took advantage.

Burrow found Higgins on a well-executed curl route for a four-yard touchdown, extending Cincinnati’s lead to 21–10.

Atlanta attempted to respond before halftime, with Robinson converting third-and-13 on a 15-yard screen reception, but the Falcons eventually gave the ball back.

With less than a minute remaining and two timeouts, Burrow went back to work.

He stepped up in the pocket and delivered a 42-yard completion to Dohnte Meyers, immediately putting Cincinnati in field-goal range.

The Bengals couldn’t finish the possession with a touchdown, but Evan McPherson connected from 57 yards to extend the advantage.

Halftime: Cincinnati 24, Atlanta 10.

Burrow had already accounted for three touchdowns, while Chase entered halftime with eight receptions, 142 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Third Quarter: Bijan Responds, but Cincinnati Has the Answer

Atlanta’s defense opened the second half with a much-needed three-and-out, briefly slowing an offense that had dominated the previous two quarters.

The Falcons then put together their best sustained drive since the opening quarter.

Robinson was at the center of nearly everything.

Penix found him for a 28-yard catch-and-run on third down, moving Atlanta deep into Cincinnati territory. Robinson continued picking up yards on the ground as the Falcons worked their way toward the goal line.

Another pass interference penalty drawn by London helped set up Robinson for a one-yard touchdown run.

Atlanta had cut Cincinnati’s lead to 24–17.

For the first time since the opening quarter, the Falcons had a realistic opportunity to put pressure on the Bengals.

But Burrow responded with another efficient scoring drive.

This time, Cincinnati leaned more heavily on its rushing attack.

Chase Brown produced consecutive runs of 11 and 19 yards, helping the Bengals move into goal-to-go territory.

Burrow then found Higgins for an eight-yard touchdown, their second scoring connection of the afternoon.

Cincinnati restored its two-touchdown advantage, leading 31–17.

Atlanta continued fighting, with London producing a 22-yard catch-and-run near the end of the quarter to set up another opportunity.

The Falcons entered the fourth needing points quickly.

Fourth Quarter: Atlanta’s Mistakes End Its Comeback Hopes

Atlanta began the final quarter with an opportunity to reduce Cincinnati’s lead to one possession.

Instead, another offensive holding penalty disrupted the drive.

The Falcons were forced to attempt a field goal, but the kick hooked left, leaving Atlanta empty-handed.

It was another frustrating sequence for a team that had repeatedly moved the football without turning enough of those possessions into points.

Cincinnati protected its advantage, and McPherson added a 43-yard field goal to push the Bengals’ lead to 34–17.

The Bengals had done enough offensively to put themselves in control, while Atlanta’s inability to finish drives left the Falcons with too much ground to recover.

Cincinnati closed out the victory and continued its winning streak.

Three Major Takeaways

1. Joe Burrow Is Building an MVP Case

Burrow’s performance against Atlanta was another reminder of how dangerous Cincinnati becomes when its quarterback is playing at this level.

His ability to step up against pressure, find receivers on difficult third downs and capitalize on defensive mistakes made the difference.

The Bengals didn’t need every possession to end with a spectacular play. Burrow was just as effective patiently moving the chains as he was attacking downfield.

With four total touchdowns, he delivered another performance worthy of serious MVP consideration.

2. Ja’Marr Chase Is Playing Like the Best Receiver in Football

There is a legitimate argument that Chase is the best wide receiver in the NFL right now.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having an outstanding season of his own, but Chase continues producing the kind of performances that make the debate fascinating.

His 47-yard touchdown showed his explosive ability. His 31-yard catch-and-run showed what he can do after the reception.

But the third-down catches were arguably even more impressive.

The contested reception near the turf and the sideline toe-tap against pressure demonstrated the trust between Burrow and Chase.

When Cincinnati needed a conversion, Burrow knew exactly where to look.

3. The Bengals Are Legitimate Contenders

Cincinnati is beginning to look like a team capable of making serious noise in the AFC.

Burrow is playing outstanding football, Chase is nearly impossible to contain, and Higgins gives opposing defenses another major problem.

The Bengals also showed they can use their running game effectively, with Brown helping put together an important touchdown drive in the third quarter.

There are still questions about the defense, particularly after Robinson repeatedly found success for Atlanta.

But Cincinnati has the offensive talent to challenge virtually anyone when its biggest stars are healthy and producing.

Final Thoughts

The Bengals traveled to Madrid and delivered another statement about their place in the AFC.

Burrow strengthened his MVP credentials, Chase continued building his case as football’s premier wide receiver, and Higgins provided the finishing touches with two touchdown catches.

Atlanta had opportunities to make this game considerably closer. Robinson was excellent, and Penix made several impressive plays, but penalties and missed scoring chances repeatedly undermined the Falcons’ efforts.

Cincinnati made fewer costly mistakes and consistently found answers whenever Atlanta threatened to close the gap.

Final Score: Cincinnati Bengals 34, Atlanta Falcons 17.

The Bengals are looking increasingly dangerous, and with Burrow and Chase playing this well, nobody should be taking Cincinnati lightly.