Bengals Fly to Spain Two Days Early for 43-36 Win Streak

The Cincinnati Bengals will leave for Madrid on Tuesday, two days earlier than their previous international trip, to prepare for a Sunday game against the Atlanta Falcons. This schedule change allows players to adjust to the time difference and arrive fresh for kickoff.

Head coach Zac Taylor said the team is treating the week as a six-day cycle. He noted that completing tasks in Cincinnati before boarding a plane is preferable to handling details while traveling. "You treat it as a six-day week," Taylor said.

The Bengals entered the week with a 5-2 record, their best start since 2021. They secured their fifth win by defeating the Tennessee Titans 43-36 in overtime. This victory snapped a trend of slow starts, as the team had overcome 13-point first-half deficits in the prior two weeks.

According to Sportradar, overcoming 13-point first-half deficits in consecutive games is the third time in franchise history, following instances in 1981 and 2001. The Bengals are now the first team to do so since the New Orleans Saints in 2020. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence said the focus is on improving to 6-2 and tying the Pittsburgh Steelers at the top of the AFC North.

Lawrence emphasized the need for a stronger start to play. "We are there to work and prepare to start fast, which is something we have not done," Lawrence said. The team faces a high-stakes rematch against Pittsburgh in Cincinnati on November 15.

Taylor also highlighted the opportunity to grow the fanbase in Europe. He expects many Spanish fans to attend the game and hopes they will buy merchandise and become lifelong supporters. "I am sure we have a lot of people in Spain who will come see us play," Taylor said. He added that the early arrival gives players a chance to acclimate to the culture.

Quarterback Joe Burrow continues a strong stretch, becoming the fourth player in league history to throw at least four touchdown passes with a passer rating of at least 115 in three consecutive games. He joins Peyton Manning in 2004, Russell Wilson in 2020, and Matthew Stafford in 2025 on that list.

The Bengals have allowed touchdowns on the first possession in three straight games. Opponents have scored on their own first drive in five of the last seven games. The team has given up 27 points in early offensive series, a figure tied for fourth-highest in the league.