Things cooled off after a hot start by the Cincinnati Bengals offense and quarterback Joe Burrow, much like the weather in Southwest Ohio did over the weekend.
However, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his defense heated up the Paycor Stadium turf, helping the Bengals to a needed 17-13 victory with multiple defensive stands in the red zone.
With the Bengals getting pressure from Sam Hubbard, B.J. Hill, DJ Reader, and Trey Hendrickson and solid secondary play from Cam Taylor-Britt, Mike Hilton, and others, the defense was the MVP, along with the over 66,000 screaming fans, making it hard for the Seattle Seahawks offense to score the winning touchdown and keeping the Bengals with a losing record heading into their bye week.
Now, Zac Taylor and company have dug themselves out of their early hole for a second straight season with their sight set on having another strong stretch run in the AFC North with a goal of making another run in the playoffs.
In this In The Trenches with Dave Lapham Postgame Call with Dave Berk, presented by First Star Logistics, Lap discusses the events of the game, looks ahead at what the bye week can provide the Bengals, and what is facing them when they return to action against the San Francisco 49ers when they return.
Remember to participate each week the Bengals play in the "GIANT" First Star Logistics giveaway. Visit First Star Logistics on Twitter / X at @FirstStarLog for weekly details.  https://twitter.com/Firststarlog