What happened ? Turnovers & more SKOL the Bengals

September 23rd, 2025

Man Sunday was a brutal one to say the least, for the Bengals. The Vikings came in and just dismantled them, easily one of the worst losses in franchise history.

Isaiah Rodgers made it personal, with two defensive touchdowns, plus forcing multiple turnovers. Carson Wentz looked sharp in his debut

wearing purple and gold, while the Bengals offense couldn’t get anything going, turnovers killed them all game.

This game Sunday had hit me right in the gut. Watching it as a coach, as a father of boys. These players seem like they need to relearn the ropes.

The lessons, the warnings, and heartbreaks that came with the game.

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The final score was Minnesota Vikings 48, Cincinnati Bengals 10. Turnovers were so brutal for the bengals, that in fact the Vikings scored 31 points off of 5 turnovers.

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Defensive

standout: Isaiah Rodgers for the Vikings. He had a pick six, were he took it to the house on an 87 yard scamper. And that wasn’t all, as he had a 66 yard fumble recovery for six also.

But that wasn’t all because Rodgers made league history, in becoming the first person to force two fumbles, and score two defensive touchdowns in the same game.

Jordan Mason had 116 yards, on 16 carries with two touchdowns. Backup QB Jake Browning took the snaps with Burrow out, and let’s just say it was a rough one.

Browning may have completed some passes, but he also threw two interceptions, aswell was unable to get much traction.

Vikings kicker Will Reichard made a 62-yard field goal, which is now the longest in Vikings history.

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The Bengals are dealing with a major loss: Joe Burrow whom is out a minimum three months, with a turf toe injury.

For Minnesota, this win improves them to 2-1 on the season. For Cincinnati, they may also be 2-1 as well, but they have some questions that need answers.

This quote struck me, from the postgame:Chase Brown had this to say : “F*** whatever people say.”

Its a safe bet to say that, he was referencing the criticism of they’re performance.

Turnovers kill you at every level, we’ve all been taught that Sense the good ol youth days. Cincinnati showed, just how costly a few mishaps can be.

When you’re making the basic fundamental mistakes, lack of ball security, and lack luster decision making, welp pretty much you get what you saw from this past Sunday.

Momentum swings fast — once the defense scores, the kicker makes history, the offense feels confident, it builds.

For Bengals, once the turnovers stacked, it was over. As I tell my boys, once the other team smells blood (momentum), they go for the

jugular.

Psychology & pride — hearing Chase Brown’s reaction tells me the pride is

there. Even in losses, what matters is response. Do you come back next week, re-focus,

put in the work? That’s more than X’s and O’s.

Coaching adjustments — From Minnesota’s side, adjusting without their starters. From Cincinnati’s side, I saw protection breakdowns, coverage busts, inability to stop the run or generate pressure.

As a coach, you see where scheme, personnel, communication fell apart. Lessons & Moving Forward To my sons, and the boys I coach(ed), I would say:

Mistakes are okay — but own them. You’ve got to accept when you mess up (a fumble, a bad throw) and fix it. Learn, don’t excuse. Condition your mind as much as your body.

That Vikings defense played inspired. They weren’t just physical, they were mentally sharp. Knowing what your assignment is, following

through, not letting frustration get in the way.

Respect the moment, but don’t fear it. The Bengals had the chance to respond, but the pressure became too much. Every guy matters. Backup QBs, special teams, defensive substitutes — they can swing the game.

You never know when you’ll be the one to step up……

By : Darius Fogle