So, this is a close one. Without offensive weapons, this is how we're going to lose all year. Couldn't make plays when we had so many turnovers. This kind of loss is on Beane. That's why it is a half tank.
The defense failed us on the last two drives by Cincinnati. The supposed strength of our team got outmuscled by a weak Bengals offensive line. Emotionally and mentally they did not get up for the Bengals. That's how you get out played physically. That's on McDermott.
McDermott couldn't prepare his team to get up mentally and emotionally to face and beat a beatable Bengals team. Whereas a Belicheat would have. That's the difference between good coaching and great coaching. It isn't just X and Os.
And folks, beating whom you're supposed to beat is what very good teams do. Winning games after emotional victories is what very good teams do. This is the next step this team, including the coaches, have to take. That's the progression we as fans need to be looking for. (Jaguars for instance, keep losing to bad teams this season, after having big wins vs strong opponents. And we're coincidentally, with identical records.).
We'll get more opportunities for this in the coming weeks to see if they take the next step.
(edit - copypasta from other thread as this post is more relevant for post-game).