Now that we’ve had a few days to cool down from #KneeGate and #BadRefereeGate, we can shift our attention to the Cincinnati Bengals’ matchup with the 2-0 Denver Broncos.
Even though that Manning guy isn’t under center anymore, the Broncos are in a familiar spot – atop the AFC West with a dominating D headed by Von Miller and his NFL-leading 4 sacks. So what does that mean for the Cincinnati Bengals? Let’s find out. Here are 4 things to watch in the Bengals-Broncos matchup this Sunday:
1. Cincinnati’s offense needs balance. Andy Dalton’s been doing his thing, passing for 732 yards in only 2 weeks. The Bengals’ ground game, on the other hand, is ranked 31st in the league. Those numbers need to be closer this Sunday so that the Broncos’ 4th-ranked defense doesn’t key in on Dalton and the receivers.
2. A better O-line performance wouldn’t hurt. Against the Jets in week 1, the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line surrendered 7 sacks. The group had a better showing against the Steelers in terms of pass protection but the rushing attack has only mustered 103 yards in 2016. If that trend continues in Week 3 with Miller & Company coming to town …. um, yyyeah, not something we wanna think about.
3. The home opener is here. Cincinnati is probably ready to hear the crowd cheer when they make a big play. They’ll get their wish this Sunday. Expect a fired-up team that will play with an edge – we hope.
4. Stopping in the Red Zone. Even though they are undefeated, the Broncos leave something to be desired when they get inside their opponents’ 20. QB Trevor Siemian has only thrown 1 TD and 3 INTs up to this point, so look for the Cincinnati Bengals’ D to rattle him as they get closer to the goal line.
[…] the Jets and Steelers with 366 yards each while the running game struggled. On Sunday against the Broncos, Dalton barely cracked the 200-yard mark, but running back Jeremy Hill scored twice. It’s […]