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Winners and Losers from Week 3

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Winner: Tyler Boyd

Boyd continues his massive year 3 breakout for the Bengals. On Sunday we saw him go for 6 catches, 132 yards and a touchdown. That now gives him 249 yards on the season. It is clear he is becoming one of Andy Dalton’s most trusted targets, especially on third downs. Boyd stepped up big in the absence of Green. With Green’s status uncertain for week 4, Boyd should continue to contribute to the offense in a big way.

Loser: The Linebacker’s Run Defense

Going into this game, Christian McCaffrey’s career high for rushing yards in a game was 66. Sunday he rushed for 184 yards on the Bengals defense. He nearly tripled his career high against what looked like a lost Bengals run defense, particularly the linebackers. We saw the defensive line make some nice stops behind the line of scrimmage but once McCaffrey got past the first level he was picking up huge yardage on each run. This was the first week all season Burfict’s absence has really been felt. If the Bengals want a shot at beating Atlanta they will have to slow down the run.

Winner: Tyler Eifert

I am sure everyone saw #85 on Sunday. Apart from the mullet he looked like the same guy who player for the Bengals in 2015. Eifert was finally able to make an impact on Sunday and looked healthy doing so. Tyler saw 8 targets and turned them into 6 catches for 74 yards. He adds another element to the passing game that we haven’t had the last two years in which he has battled injuries. Now healthy, expect Eifert to be even more involved versus Atlanta.

Loser: Dre Kirkpatrick

Another game, another dropped interception for Dre. The Panthers picked on Kirkpatrick early, targeting him on the first play of the game and doing so until the end. We saw him give up some big plays, and of course drop an interception. Dre is going to be targeted all year, playing opposite of William Jackson will do that to you. Dre has to step up his game next week versus a very good air attack in Atlanta.

Winner: Carlos Dunlap

In weeks 1 and 2, our defense stepped up causing big turnovers to help seal the deal on games. In week 3 Dunlap almost did just that. Late in the game, down by one touchdown, Carlos was able to strip sack Cam Newton causing a fumble. It looked like the momentum shift needed to get the Bengals back in the game. Unfortunately the Bengals could not fall on it. Dunlap also deflected a few of Cam’s throws, one ball was almost tipped into the hands of the defense for a pick. It is interesting to imagine what could’ve happened had we recovered the fumble.

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

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