In Week 8, the game was close for a while, but then the Philadelphia Eagles defense clamped down and allowed them to pull away from the Cincinnati Bengals 34-17.

The Bengals now sit at 3-5 and are moving towards a lost season. How much of a hit did the team take in the various power rankings? Here's the Week 9 roundup.

USA Today

Current rank: 21

Last week's rank: 16

What Nate Davis had to say: “They converted 77% of their third downs Sunday – best in the NFL this season – and lost by 20. Been that kind of year for Cincy, which is just about equally inept while attempting to defend on third down.”

Pro Football Talk

Current rank: 22

Last week's rank: 21

What Mike Florio had to say: “If the road to New Orleans goes through Detroit, Detroit will be going to New Orleans."

ESPN NFL Nation

Current rank: 2

Last week's rank: 3

What Ben Baby had to say: "While (offensive tackle Amarius) Mims' blocking numbers aren't great -- third-worst pass block win rate among rookies (81.7%) -- he has been a very capable starter at right tackle. According to ESPN Research, Mims has surrendered only three sacks, which is tied for the fourth-fewest among his fellow rookies. His presence has been highlighted, especially with the lack of depth at that position due to injuries." Each NFL writer was asked which player was the best offseason addition for their respective team.

NFL.com

Current rank: 22

Last week's rank: 20

What Eric Edholm had to say: “Wins over the Giants and Browns, along with a solid start against the Eagles, had us warming again to Cincinnati's cause. Then the offense stalled out after a missed field-goal try in the second quarter from the suddenly shaky Evan McPherson, scoring once in the Bengals' final five drives and turning it over three times, including once on fourth down. Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase had some moments, but with Tee Higgins out and the run game stuck in place again, there were only so many answers out there. The Bengals' defense, meanwhile, showed that maybe their previous two encouraging performances were more of the fool's-gold variety. The Eagles were only really stopped once all game, scoring on their other seven drives. Shortening the game is a good approach for a troubled defense, but the Bengals have to find a rushing attack, prevent turnovers and stop leaving points on the board for that to work next time.”

Yahoo Sports

Current rank: 19

Last week's rank: 15

What Frank Schwab had to say: “The Bengals looked like they were rallying, but a 20-point loss to the Eagles on Sunday is demoralizing. If they get upset by the Raiders next week and fall to 3-6, would they be trade deadline sellers?"

CBS Sports

Current rank: 25

Last week's rank: 23

What Pete Prisco had to say: “Losing the way they did to the Eagles at home really slows their momentum. The offense didn't look the same without Tee Higgins.”

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Where Bengals sit in power rankings entering Week 9