Bengals-Talk

All the latest news and talk about the Cincinnati Bengals

Run Gio

Leave a Comment

How will the Bengals react with Joe Mixon out for 2-4 weeks?

When news of Joe Mixon’s surgery broke you could hear Bengals fans everywhere start to worry about what this means for the season. While we learned slightly optimistic news that the surgery could sideline him as little as one game, the news still stung. Mixon, who was on pace to rush for over 1,400 yards this year, has been a key piece to the Bengals offense. He has been the Bengal’s three down back. Now, suddenly, all eyes turn to a familiar face, Giovani Bernard.

Gio is no stranger, now in his sixth NFL season, all with the Bengals. Gio has never been a typical three down between the tackle runner, but instead has found his success doing both running and receiving. In his first three seasons as a pro, Gio totalled over 1,000 scrimmage yards per season, as well as a combined 17 touchdowns from 2013 through 2015. Production dipped in 2016 and 2017, due to Gio seeing less touches, but he has remained just as effective when given the chance. Now with Mixon out, Gio will again prove his worth and show just why the Bengals have kept him around.

In his six seasons, Gio has averaged over four yards a carry and around nine yards per catch. At just 5’9”, Gio is electric and very elusive. Last year through a four game stretch when Mixon was injured, we saw four games in which Gio had at least 10 carries. In those 4 games he averaged over 70 rushing yards per game, which would put him on pace for over 1,140 yards rushing over a 16 game season. He also added 18 receptions in those 4 games. Gio is one of the most underrated backs in the league and has proven he can carry the load for an offense. The offense will no doubt be a different team with Gio in versus Mixon. However, this is not to say that they will regress. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor will have had 10 days to prepare for an offense featuring Bernard when the Bengals take the field on Sunday in Carolina. Joe Mixon will be missed no doubt, but we will again see what ole’ reliable can do for this new look 2018 offense.

Run Gio, Run!

Be sure to follow me on twitter @Pierson242FF, Who Dey!

Bengals Week 2 Preview – Baltimore at Cincinnati

Leave a Comment

Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)

Wow, was it nice to have football back, not just for the Bengals but for the NFL as a whole. It was of course especially good for Bengals fans as they not only won but they also saw the Steelers not win. They of course tied with the Browns which ties the Bengals for first place in the AFC North and a chance to take it over against the team they are tied with, the Baltimore Ravens.

Before we move on to week 2, there’s a few things I want to mention from what I saw at the game Sunday. First things first, Joe Mixon is good at football. After a disappointing rookie year, Joe Mixon looks as good as advertised, tallying nearly 150 total yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. Mixon was the difference maker in Sunday’s game. Next, is the offensive line, while they were not perfect they were MUCH better than last year. Mixon saw more success running, and Dalton got more time to throw. It is still early in the year and they should continue to develop. A.J. Green had a case of the fumbles on Sunday, fumbling twice. It was not good to see from the veteran but not something to worry about. Green has been in the game long enough, he will fix it and move on. Overall it was a great performance for the Bengals who started slow, going into halftime down 10-16. However, in the second half they clicked and played like a much better team, outscoring the Colts 24-7.

Now onto week 2, where the Bengals host the Ravens on Thursday Night Football. The Ravens are fresh off of a blowout win against the Bills, and as I mentioned, both teams will be playing for the AFC North division lead.

Matchups to watch for…

Joe Mixon vs. Baltimore’s front seven – Baltimore held the Bills to just 83 yards rushing as a team, with no one exceeding 31 yards total. They played well, however the Bills offensive line is significantly worse than the Bengals. The Bengals were able to rush for over 100 yards as a team, with Mixon going for 95 himself. Mixon was a difference maker in the game Sunday, without him they don’t win. Mixon will be a huge piece if the Bengals want to win Thursday night. They need to get him going early and often so he can find his rhythm and repeat his week 1 performance.

John Ross vs. Brandon Carr – Carr gets his second start due to the suspension of Jimmy Smith. Carr had an exceptional week one allowing two catches for 24 yards on seven targets. However, the competition Carr faced last week is not quit what he will get in week 2. Carr should be lined up against John Ross most the game and it will be interesting to see what Ross can do. With Marlon Humphrey and either Eric Weddle or Tony Jefferson on Green. Ross should see man coverage. Aside from a short touchdown reception, Ross was quiet in week 1. If the Bengals are to win this, they will need some big plays from Ross. He has the skill to win this matchup, all eyes will be on the speedy second year man vs. this Baltimore defense.

Geno Atkins vs. Marshall Yanda – Geno made his presence known on Sunday sacking Andrew Luck once and recording 4 tackles. He did it against their rookie first round pick.  This week he will not be as lucky. He faces one of the league’s best in Marshall Yanda. In week 1, Yando received a 87.9 Pass Block grade and allowed no pressures. It’s the league’s best versus the leagues best. Hopefully Geno can out muscle him in the trenches and put Flacco in the dirt.

Other things to watch for…

Based on last Sunday’s game in Indy it appears that many think the Bengals defensive line underperformed because of their lack of sacks, to which I disagree. They may not have recorded many sacks but it was because of Andrew Luck’s elite sense of pressure. Multiple times it looked as if the Bengals would drag him down and he would step up and avoid it. He also was getting the ball away very quickly to avoid the pass rush. I don’t think Joe Flacco will be able to escape the way Luck did.

My Prediction: It will be fun to watch and to see what Bill Lazor’s offense can do in week 2 against a very good Ravens defense. The Ravens do not have big tight end threats which the Bengals tend to struggle against, like the Colts do. This will leave more pressure on the secondary than the linebackers, which is a better place to depend on for this defense. All eyes will be on the defensive line to see if they can turn there pressures into sacks on Joe Flacco. I am excited for the first home game of the year. With the confidence of a week 1 victory, the Bengals have the talent to show this Ravens team what they are made of. The last time Dalton faced the Ravens he threw for three touchdowns and knocked them out of the playoffs. The Bengals are 7-2 in their last nine meetings with Baltimore. With confidence, and a new found run game, the Bengals win this one 27-24.

My Bengals Predictions on the year: 1-0

Be sure to follow me on twitter @Pierson242FF, and if you are at the game, be sure to tweet at me as I will also be in attendance on Thursday. Who Dey!

Game: Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)

Date/Time: September 13, 2018 at 8:20 p.m. EST

Location: Paul Brown Stadium Stadium

Uniforms: Black Jersey

Last Matchup: 12/31/17 – Bengals 31, Ravens 27

Odds: Bengals, +1.5

Bengals Week 1 Preview – Cincinnati at Indianapolis

Leave a Comment

Cincinnati Bengals (0-0) at Indianapolis Colts (0-0)

In what can almost be considered a home game for the Bengals, they travel to Indianapolis on Sunday to take on the Colts in Andrew Luck’s return to football. Both teams will be looking to bounce back from poor 2017 seasons.

For the Colts it will be Andrew Luck showing he is still capable of playing football and that he can do it at a high level. The Colts defense looks like it may be one of the worst in the league, so they will need everything they can get from Luck. For the Bengals it will be all eyes on Andy Dalton. Loaded with talent around him it depends on what Dalton can do against a poor Indy defense to prove he is still a guy capable of winning a championship with.

Matchups to watch for…

Geno Atkins vs. Quenton Nelson – Nelson was the highest picked offensive lineman in the 2018 NFL Draft, and it was no surprise to see the Colts take him. The Colts have one of the worst lines in the league and need everything they can to help protect Andrew Luck. Nelson gets no time to adjust to the NFL as his first career start will be against all-pro defensive tackle Geno Atkins. Geno is one of the best interior lineman in the league, Bengals fans are hoping he can use his experience to make easy work of the rookie.

A.J. Green vs. Quincy Wilson – In what could be the biggest mismatch of the game, A.J. Green will go up against Colts corner Quincy Nelson. Nelson was a second round pick in the 2017 draft and did not see a lot of playing time last year, this year he starts out guarding an all-pro in A.J. Green. Green should be able to take advantage of this matchup, which should also open up John Ross to one-on-one coverage on the opposite side. The Bengals should be able to capitalize on this Colts secondary.

William Jackson III vs. T.Y. Hilton – Green and Wilson will not be the only WR/CB matchup to watch. On the flip side we will see what could be one of the toughest matchups for both players on the day. T.Y. Hilton is one of the best deep threat receivers in the league, who struggled last year with no Luck. William Jackson is one of the league’s elite up and coming young corners. Jackson held Antonio Brown (ever heard of him?) without a reception last year. William Jackson will look to continue his success from last year against Indy.

Other things to watch for…

The Bengals entire defensive line –  The Bengals should have a strong outing this week against a bad Colts line. There is also rumor that Colts starter Anthony Castonzo is questionable for this game. Expect the Bengals ferocious d-line to carry their preseason momentum into Lucas Oil.

Bengals offensive weapons not named AJ Green – As mentioned before, the Colts have one of the league’s worst secondaries on paper. Outside of Malik Hooker, who is returning from injury, the Bengals have several favorable matchups. With Green lined up drawing Hooker’s attention, Ross, Boyd, and Eifert should feast with one-on-one coverage opportunities.

My Prediction: It should be an exciting games for Bengal fans to see what Lazor’s offense can do after a full offseason. A weak Colts defense should be the perfect game to display his creativity with his weapons all healthy. I am very optimistic about this Bengals team in 2018 and I think they go in and win in convincing fashion to open the year. With a fierce pass rush, and a deadly air attack, the Bengals win this one 35-17.

Be sure to follow me on twitter @Pierson242FF, and if you are at the game, be sure to tweet at me as I will also be in attendance on Sunday. Who Dey!

Game: Bengals (0-0) at Indianapolis Colts (0-0)

Date/Time: September 9, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. EST

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium

Uniforms: Color Rush

Last Matchup: 10/29/17 – Bengals 24, Colts 23

Odds: Bengals, +3

5 Most Important Games On The Bengals Schedule

1 Comment

ESPN is predicting an 8–8 record for the Cincinnati Bengals. That puts them within one win (based on ESPN’s predictions), either way, of five other AFC teams (Ravens, Jets, Dolphins, Bills, Colts). Meaning, those are the five teams the Bengals could possibly be competing with for a wildcard berth. If the Bengals want to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2015, who they beat is almost as important as winning in the first place. And we know juuuuust who they can beat.

Here are my five picks for the most crucial games of the Cincinnati Bengals season. Win the majority of these, and a postseason ticket looks very punchable.

It’d be Awesome if the Cincinnati Bengals Won These 5 Games

5. Sunday, December 30 at Pittsburgh Steelers
You may be surprised that this game is this low on the list. That’s mainly because it’s the last game of the season, and the Bengals’ role in the playoff picture could very well be decided by now. If the race is close, though, then the team’s postseason fate comes down to beating their most hated rival on their home turf. How’s THAT for motivation?

4. Thursday, September 13 versus Baltimore Ravens
Wins within your division are doubly important, for obvious reasons. Beat a divisional rival and you are a game ahead of them. The Bengals can make a statement early in the year by knocking off the Ravens. It’ll send a message to the rest of the AFC North. It also gives Cincinnati a little padding if they drop the second meeting in Baltimore 8 weeks later.

3. Sunday, September 9 at Indianapolis Colts
Indy QB Andrew Luck has said in interviews that he feels good. But it wouldn’t hurt him to spike his sideline Gatorade with white vinegar to help get some of that rust off.
He missed the entire 2017 season with a bad shoulder. That makes you wonder how slick the Colts’ offense will be. Hopefully, it’s as effective as that get-under-your-school-desk-to-be-safe-from-the-A-bomb drill your grandparents practiced. Winning here puts a wild card competitor in a hole with 3 of Indianapolis’ next 4 games against teams picked at the top of their divisions (Eagles, Texans, Patriots).

2. Sunday, October 14 versus Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s true that we don’t expect Cincinnati to win the division. We don’t even know if they’ll be favored to win this game. But if you can replace an expected L with a surprise W on your schedule, the season’s outlook changes drastically. Ending Pittsburgh’s 6-game win streak against the Bengals and getting over that mental hump is huge.

1. Sunday, October 7 versus Miami Dolphins
Both teams play tough opponents the week before this matchup. We’re guessing (well, hoping …… um, better make it praying) that the Miami Dolphins will be smarting more from their visit to New England than Cincinnati will be after its trip to Atlanta. If Andy Dalton and company can avoid looking ahead to game #2 on this list, that could pave the way to a pivotal win here.

Bengals 2018 Regular Season Win/Loss Predictions

Leave a Comment

It’s that time! And boy am I glad! The preseason is over and the Bengals came out of it with a 3-1 record and with more reasons for optimism than pessimism in my opinion. The most important thing is that they did not suffer any major injuries to key players.

Back in April I posted my early 2018 Bengals game-by-game predictions and had them finishing with 10 wins and 6 losses. I decided to give it another go now that training camp and the preseason games are complete.

2018 Regular Season Win/Loss Predictions

Week 1 – 9/9, at Indianapolis Colts, 1pm ET
I’m sticking with my original feeling from back in April on this one. I think Andrew Luck will have some rust he needs to shake off still in his first regular season game in a year and a half. I think the Bengals will win more battles in 2 areas: the Bengals defensive line vs the Colts offensive line and also the Bengals receivers vs the Colts secondary, and that will be enough in the end.
Result: WIN Record: 1-0

Week 2 – 9/13, vs Baltimore Ravens, 8:20pm ET
Andy Dalton played much better last season against “common” opponents. The Athletic’s Joe Goodberry recently did a nice job of breaking down Dalton’s progress against teams the Bengals face in back-to-back seasons and against divisional opponents since Bill Lazor has taken over as coordinator. I think that trend continues in the home opener against Flacco and the Ravens.
Result: WIN Record: 2-0

Week 3 – 9/23, at Carolina Panthers, 1pm ET
The Panthers offensive line has suffered several losses due to injury during the preseason including starting LT Matt Kalil for at least 8 games. I think this will be a close game but I believe the Bengals defensive line will own the line of scrimmage and get after Cam Newton in this one.
Result: WIN Record: 3-0

Week 4 – 9/30, at Atlanta Falcons, 1pm ET
I have a hard time seeing this one go in the Bengals favor. Atlanta could be in the Super Bowl conversation come seasons end and this will be a hostile environment on the road. Like the Bengals, the Falcons have a ton of weapons and this could turn into a shootout but I’ll predict the Bengals lose their first game here.
Result: Loss Record: 3-1

Week 5 – 10/7, vs Miami Dolphins, 1pm ET
The Dolphins could have a decent defense this year and I can’t forget how Cameron Wake has made life miserable for Dalton in the past, but I also think Cincy’s defense will make life extremely difficult for Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins offense in this one.
Result: WIN Record: 4-1

Week 6 – 10/14, vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 1pm ET
Based on the Bengals poor track record against Pittsburgh during the Marvin Lewis era, especially at home, I still do not feel confident when we play the Steelers. The Bengals just can’t play well enough to win for 4 quarters.
Result: Loss Record: 4-2

Week 7 – 10/21, at Kansas City Chiefs, 1pm ET
I think the Chiefs will have a great offense this year and this game will be a high scoring affair. The Bengals have not been able to consistently stop tight ends and the Chiefs have one of the best in Travis Kelce. I think KC wins a close one at home.
Result: Loss Record: 4-3

Week 8 – 10/28, vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1pm ET
I believe Tampa will be a “bottom of the barrel” team this season. I think the Bengals win convincingly at home.
Result: WIN Record: 5-3

Week 9 – BYE

Week 10 – 11/11, vs New Orleans Saints, 1pm ET
Like the Falcons I think the Saints will have a high powered offense and also be a Super Bowl contender this season. This will be another big test for the Bengals at home and I think they pull off the upset in this one.
Result: WIN Record: 6-3

Week 11 – 11/18, at Baltimore Ravens, 1pm ET
These games are usually close and often come down to the wire (see 2014, 2015, and 2017 in Baltimore), but I think the Bengals win another close one in the 4th quarter and sweep the series with the Ravens this season.
Result: WIN Record: 7-3

Week 12 – 11/25, vs Cleveland Browns, 1pm ET
Joe Mixon gets going in this game and rushes for over 100 yards and 2 TD’s. I predict a close game unlike the last several meetings but the Bengals still get the win.
Result: WIN Record: 8-3

Week 13 – 12/2, vs Denver Broncos, 1pm ET
Denver will have a strong defense this season and it will be interesting to see former Bengals CB Adam Jones line up across from his old team. I think the Bengals offense will struggle this week and lose a low scoring game at home.
Result: Loss Record: 8-4

Week 14 – 12/9, at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05pm ET
The Chargers defense looks strong on paper. Philip Rivers may lead the league in passing yards if he and his receivers stay healthy. The Bengals might struggle on the west coast. I predict they drop this one in LA.
Result: Loss Record: 8-5

Week 15 – 12/16, vs Oakland Raiders, 1pm ET
A lot of former Bengals (Brandon LaFell, A.J. McCarron, Leon Hall, Reggie Nelson, Emmanuel Lamur, Mike Nugent, DC Paul Guenther) come to town but I think the Raiders will be a mess this season. The Bengals blow out the Raiders in The Jungle.
Result: WIN Record: 9-5

Week 16 – 12/23, at Cleveland Browns, 1pm ET
Even though I believe the Browns will be a lot better this year I think the Bengals pull off a sweep in the Battle of Ohio once again and win convincingly as they push towards the postseason.
Result: WIN Record: 10-5

Week 17 – 12/30, at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1pm ET
I think the Bengals will clinch a playoff spot regardless of whether they win this game but I think this could be a game that decides who wins the AFC North. The AFC North still goes through Pittsburgh so I hesitate to pick a very young Bengals team to beat the Steelers until I see more mental toughness.
Result: Loss Record: 10-6

The Bengals make it to the playoffs via a Wild Card berth at 10-6.

There you have it, I predict the Bengals to win 10 games just like I did back in April and the only differences now are that I pick them to win in Carolina and at home again the Saints and to lose at home to the Broncos and in the season finale against the Steelers.