The Cincinnati Bengals are distributing gobs of money to Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. They traded the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for Dexter Lawrence and subsequently signed the star defensive tackle to a one-year, $28 million contract extension. Anxiousness permeated the fan base following another unsuccessful campaign, and although no significant organizational changes were made, management responded to the public unrest with a heightened sense of urgency.

Though, until the second half of Sunday's divisional battle versus the Baltimore Ravens, Cincy's proactive approach had yet to truly reveal itself through the on-field results. Narrow losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars halted the offseason hype train and forced people to question if this squad had the killer instinct to reestablish itself as an AFC contender. A 13-0 deficit to the Lamar Jackson-less Ravens only enhanced those concerns.

Then the Bengals decided enough was enough. They came out of halftime with newfound life and dropped 35 unanswered points inside M&T Bank Stadium.

Burrow finished with 292 yards and four touchdowns. Higgins racked up 148 receiving yards on just six catches. Lawrence and fellow acquisition Boye Mafe combined for two and a half sacks and three tackles for loss. One can only learn so much when a two-time MVP quarterback is inactive, but this emphatic turnaround reminded players and fans what this franchise is capable of achieving.

This was not just about keeping pace with the Cleveland Browns and Steelers in the AFC North or avenging past heartbreak suffered at the hands of the Ravens. The Bengals needed to reclaim their identity as a fierce competitor who could overwhelm an opponent in a matter of minutes. Mission accomplished.

The words “that's who we are” bled through the locker-room walls during the postgame press conference, and head coach Zac Taylor echoed the mantra, per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic.

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Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins comprised the star offensive trio that competed in Super Bowl 56. Coordinators Dan Pitcher and Al Golden served on that coaching staff under Taylor. The Bengals are less than five years removed from vying for a championship. They believe they still possess the requisite ability and nerve to meet that standard again.

This outcome may not sway NFL fans, but it certainly means a lot to a Cincinnati team (4-2) that was desperate to rediscover its mojo in Charm City.