Bengals News (9/13): Finding a way

Bengals Notebook: Paul Brown Stadium enjoyed an electric atmosphere in Cincinnati's win over the Vikings
Back in the day, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer used the PBS din to break the back of many a Pro Bowl quarterback when he was the Bengals defensive coordinator. But on Sunday he saw his club commit false starts on the first two plays, three on the first five and five the rest of the way as the crowd roared.

Bengals Take The Long View On Fourth-And-Short: 'Holding Back Nothing"
"I think everyone's more aggressive," said linebacker Germaine Pratt after forcing the game's only turnover that ended up winning it. "I mean, Coach called going for it on fourth-and-one on the 30-yard line. That's aggressive. That's the head coach making decisions, and telling us that we came to win. We're letting our bullets go this year. We ain't holding back nothing."

The Burrow Legend Grows With Stunning Fourth Down Conversion In 70th Minute Of Opener
The Bengals stole Sunday's opener right out from under old friend Mike Zimmer's Double A Gap in the broad daylight of deafening Paul Brown Stadium as 56,525 gaped while Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow put the finishing touches on his nine-month comeback from knee reconstruction the only way he knew how. A career-best 128.8 passer rating on 20 of 27 yards for 261 yards and two touchdowns.

Postgame Quotes: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Minnesota Vikings, September 12, 2021
"Found a way to win — found a way to win in all three phases. I told the team, there were times today it looked pretty dark, and I think you guys would probably agree with me there. But, we created the turnover to win the turnover battle in Week 1. I don't know who did it but somebody did — Germaine (Pratt) I think was involved in that. On offense, we made the play when we needed to on fourth-and-one. Probably the play I should have called on fourth-and-one the first time. You know, they made it work. Trust me that play was not perfect but Joe (Burrow) and C.J. (Uzomah) found a way to make it work and the protection held up and then a rookie kicker (Evan McPherson), special teams stepped up. First game, I don't care how far that field goal is, that's an intense situation and he was nails as we expected him to be. I remember that coming up on draft night, somebody stood up on the table for him and said this guy is going to win us games and here we are, 1-0."

Joe Burrow on Cincinnati Bengals' Growth: 'I Don’t Think We Win That Game Last Year'
CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had a grueling offseason. Not only did he have to rehab his surgically repaired left knee, but he was also busy working on ways to improve his game.

Vikings vs. Bengals: Stock up and stock down following Week 1 win
That has the team’s stock soaring across the board, as they’ve announced themselves to both fans and the national onlookers alike.

NFL Week 1 grades: Bengals get an 'A-' for wild OT win over Vikings, Packers get an 'F' for embarrassing loss
After a preseason where Joe Burrow only took three snaps, the big question in Cincinnati was whether he was mentally ready to play, and if Sunday's performance was any indication, the answer is a resounding yes. Although Burrow's numbers won't blow anyone away (20 of 27 for 261 yards and two touchdowns), he came up with clutch throw after clutch throw.

Cincinnati Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase puts drops in past with big NFL debut in victory over Minnesota Vikings
CINCINNATI -- Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's first words after the team's victory over the Minnesota Vikings were aimed squarely at the discourse surrounding rookie wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

Zac Taylor on Ja'Marr Chase's big debut: 'I tried to tell everybody there was no concern on our end'
For weeks, the conversation around Ja'Marr Chase has been about practice. Well, and games. Practice games, really. The No. 5 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft was struggling to hang onto the ball this summer.

Around the league

2021 NFL season, Week 1: What we learned from Sunday's games
Stafford can sling it. In an unfamiliar setting, Matthew Stafford faced a familiar foe. Starting against the Bears for the 21st time, the former Lions QB debuted as the Rams' signal-caller. From the onset, it was clear there is more punch and possibility to the L.A. offense upon his arrival. Stafford (321 yards, three touchdowns) has clearly developed a quick chemistry with Cooper Kupp (seven catches for 108 yards), whose 56-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter showed what this Rams offense already is and can become. Under the bright L.A. lights of SoFi Stadium, Stafford offered up a stellar season premiere.

Matthew Stafford leads Rams to resounding victory over Bears in Los Angeles debut
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- After throwing for 321 yards and three touchdowns in his Los Angeles Rams debut Sunday night in SoFi Stadium, Matthew Stafford walked into his postgame press conference wearing a gray sweater with a bright, yellow smiley face on the front. It could not have been more uncool, and yet it was incredibly cool because it reflected someone unconcerned with what anyone else might think.

Urban Meyer on blowout loss to Houston: 'We've all got our (expletive) kicked before'
"I don't really know that word [shell-shocked] other than we've all got our a-- kicked before," Meyer said, via ESPN. "Let's tighten up and go. I believe in that team. I believe in our staff. Come back to work. Going to earn your captain's stripes and leadership stripes as a coach and leaders on the team. But I believe in those guys."

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts 'in complete control' in blowout win over Falcons
Hurts was marvelous, tossing for 264 yards, completing 77.1 percent of his passes with three TD tosses and no interceptions for a 126.4 passer rating. The QB also proved dangerous with his legs, scampering for 62 yards on seven carries as the Eagles leaned on run-pass options.