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5 Key Players For The Bengals vs. Jacksonville

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5. Joe Mixon 

This will be a game where I anticipate that Mixon sees a heavy amount of carries and touches against a Jaguars’ front seven that has been struggling so far this season in stopping the run. Expect the Bengals to set the tone early by giving Joe the ball around the edges and through the gaps upfront. 

The Jaguars allowed well over 100 rushing yards against the Texans in Week 1 and have allowed right near 100 yards in each of the last two weeks. It is safe to say, that their run defense is still more competent than their pass defense which could be a reason to attack them more through the air. But Mixon will see his fair share of touches throughout this game.

Joe Mixon is currently 2nd among all running backs in the NFL in rushing yards behind only Derrick Henry. The Bengals will likely increase rookie Chris Evans touches with Higgins out as they have slowly done over the last few games, but I still see Mixon touching the ball 25-30 times on the ground alone.

4. Trey Hendrickson

The Bengals front seven has been one of the best in the entire league so far through three weeks, and Hendrickson has been one of the leading catalysts of that.

He has done a great job securing the edge and goes against Jacksonville’s struggling offensive line. Expect Hendrickson to have opportunities to get into the backfield and make an impact.

Hendrickson had 13.5 sacks last season, and so far this year, he already has 2.5. Expect the Jags to have a scheme to protecting Lawerence in this one to limit the times he gets pressured and give him more time in the pocket, but if anyone on the defensive line is going to make an impact around that, Hendrickson would be a good bet.

3. Trae Waynes  

Trevor Lawerence currently leads the league in interceptions with seven, and the Jaguars have thrown 51 times in Week 1 and then 30+ times in Week 2 and 3, so don’t expect them to let up too much throwing through the air. Waynes making his debut with the Cincinnati Bengals will be a crucial cornerback for the secondary, especially with injuries to Bates and Philips, even if they do play.

Wayne’s will be key to guarding their best receiver, which will probably be D.J. Chark or Marvin Jones Jr, who both get targeted a lot by Lawerence. Takeaways will be significant in this game, and against Pittsburgh, Cincinnati had two and almost had a 3rd after Bell forced a fumble, but the defense and offense fed off of those turnovers, resulting in a 24-10 win and a stout performance on both sides of the ball.

Creating turnovers sets the tone, and I think this is a game where it being Waynes’ first start, he will see a lot of balls thrown in his direction, which will give him opportunities to make plays for the defense.

2. Ja’Marr Chase

With Tee Higgins out in this game, it’s an opportunity for Tyler Boyd and Ja’Marr Chase to see increased targets and have more of a chance to have big games. Chase hauled in 2 touchdowns against the Steelers and took the top off the defense just like he did against Minneosta and Chicago. Chase was the offensive rookie of the month for September and could be in line for his 2nd rookie of the week award already.

Considering the Jaguars’ secondary is worse than the Steelers, Chase shouldn’t have many struggles finding his spots. He is expected to be covered by Shaquill Griffin which may be a tough task because Griffin is a highly talented corner, but it’s nothing Chase hasn’t seen before after being covered by Joe Haden and at times Minkah Fitzpatrick last week and then Patrick Peterson and Jaylon Johnson in Week’s one and two.

Chase is breaking rookie records each week and is tied for 2nd currently in touchdown receptions and has a chance to surpass Cooper Kupp for 1st on Thursday night if he can find the end zone twice. I’d expect Burrow to look his way a bunch in this game and the same with Tyler Boyd. 

1. Brandon Wilson 

Brandon Wilson may have the most demanding task to fill all night. With Jessie Bates being ruled out, Wilson is the expected starter to step into his safety role alongside Vonn Bell. Trying to make up Bates’s impact on the Bengals is like asking Wilson just to flat out be the best player on that side of the ball.

That is not expected, but if Wilson can keep the coverage in front of him, make open-field tackles, play smart and clean football and know his assignments, he should be just fine back there playing a lot of snaps. Wilson has had success before in the secondary for the Bengals, and I’m not opposed to thinking he can do it again.

It will be interesting to see if the Bengals still have him return kickoffs in this game and the same goes for Darius Phillips on punt returns considering Phillips will more than likely have an expanded role on the defense this Thursday as well with Chidobe Awuzie doubtful.

Seeing how the Jaguars decide to attack the defense after knowing Bates and Awuzie won’t be on the field. The pass rush for Cincinnati is going to have to lead the way in this one. 

3 Ways The Bengals Can Have Success vs Pittsburgh

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3. Take advantage of the Steelers’ depleted defensive front.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best overall defenses in the entire NFL, but going into Sunday, many of those pieces won’t be on the field. Alex Highsmith, Carl Davis, Stephon Tuitt, and T.J. Watt will all be inactive against the Bengals.

So what can Cincinnati do to exploit those holes? First, get Joe Mixon the ball in between the tackles and be aggressive throwing the ball down the field. As long as the offensive line can hold up and stay stout throughout the game, Joe Burrow should have success finding his receivers down the field.

Keeping the Steelers off-balance and staying unpredictable will be vital. If Pittsburgh can’t determine if we are giving the ball to Mixon or airing it out, it will open more great looks for our offense through the run and the pass.

2. Get Tyler Boyd involved.

Getting Tyler Boyd involved in this one will be very important, especially if Tee Higgins doesn’t play. As of now, Higgins is labeled as doubtful, and we should find out more pre-game. Nonetheless, if he plays or doesn’t, he will be limited and playing through an injury that kept him out multiple days this week in practice.

The Higgins injury will likely make Boyd’s targets increase in this matchup. So far this season, he has yet to find his standard groove; although he did lead the team in receptions last week, it was only 7 receptions for 73 yards. But with a reunion game in Pittsburgh where he played college ball, expect to see a motivated and aggressive version of himself. In addition, Ja’Marr Chase will probably draw the number one corner for Pittsburgh so that Boyd may see a more favorable matchup.

Expect the Bengals not to waste any time attacking the secondary trying to catch the Steelers off guard. Getting Boyd a few catches early on in the game wouldn’t be the worst approach either.

  1. Win in the trenches

This could be the most important aspect for a Bengals win tomorrow on both sides of the ball. Winning the game inside and in the trenches could be the deciding factor of who steals this one. Being a division game with two rival teams, there will be a lot of energy and challenging, hard-hitting plays. Winning the battles up front will lead to success in the run game and the passing game and disrupt the Steelers’ offense.

Najee Harris will be key to stop for the defensive line. Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard will have to secure the edge and not let Harris get to that second level because his speed and agility are nothing to joke about. And with recent rumors of Ben Roethlisberger playing with a hurt pec, they will probably give the ball to Harris plenty. 

Also, taking advantage of Ben being limited should be a key for the defense. Getting after him and trying to force sacks and push them behind the chains will help.

At the end of the day, the offensive line will be the biggest question. Jackson Carman is expected to make his NFL debut tomorrow at right guard, and the Steelers have a depleted front seven, but Devin Bush and Melvin Ingram will still be able to create issues with their ability to blitz and react to the ball. So keying in on those guys, especially Ingram, will be significant for the offensive lines approach in this one.

3 ways the Bengals can have success vs. Chicago

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3. Apply a clean, multidimensional pass rush against Andy Dalton and the Bears.

What I mean by this is that the Bengals are very familiar with Andy Dalton’s tendencies as a QB as he was in Cincinnati for nine seasons. So the Bengals need to use that as a strength in how they attack gaps when blitzing. Dalton struggles when pressure is applied, so giving the Bears offensive line different looks and rushing the passer from different angles and aspects will be vital in the defense’s success.

If Cincinnati lets Dalton sit in the pocket and throw the ball, he will be successful more than not. He is not a bad QB by any means, which means the defense needs to be as aggressive as they were with Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook as they are with Andy Dalton and David Montgomery. If Montgomery gets going early and finds his rhythm, this game will be close and will play into the 4th quarter a lot like the Minnesota game. But if we can limit chunk plays on the ground, push the Bears behind the chains and force Dalton to make rugged, uncomfortable passes, then Cincinnati should have a lot of success as a unit.

Also, being ready for Justin Fields when he shows up is essential because he will play at times, and being caught off guard as a defense will let the rookie have his way. Fields is very talented, not only through the air but using his feet as well. Keeping a spy on him when he plays may be the way to limit anything he may try to do scrambling. He doesn’t have Lamar Jackson’s speed or agility, but he is knowledgeable and knows how to hit holes, find gaps and recognize when a defense isn’t picking up on his signals.

2. Get the ball out quickly

This one will be crucial to the Bengals success Sunday. The Bears’ most significant strength is their front seven and their ability to rush the passer from all sorts of schemes and disguises. Khalil Mack is the leader of the defense, and he is also one of the best defensive players in the entire league, so knowing where he is at all times will be essential for the offensive line and the running backs who are blocking in the backfield.

Joe Burrow was sacked 5 times last week. The good news is that of those 5 sacks, 4 of them were against either Trey Hopkins the center, Drew Sample the tight end, and the running back. Jonah Williams and Riley Reiff were one of only three tackle tandems that didn’t allow a single sack, which is something you want to hear as a Bengals fan. But what does this mean?

First off, Trey Hopkins will need to be better, but it also was his first game back coming off a torn ACL like Burrow, so there will be bumps in the road as he progresses. But, the help side blocking will need to improve. Often Giovani Bernard was the key guy in this role. He was great laying down a block once rushers got to the second level with their blitz, but not having him anymore means other guys need to step up. Drew Sample is one of those guys considering the main reason the team drafted him was because of his blocking abilities.

Regardless, the Bengals will need to be stout in both pass blocking and run blocking for them to have the success they want to have as an offense, and an early-season test against the Chicago Bears front will be the perfect match for that challenge.

  1. Get Tyler Boyd involved and be agressive in the passing game.

The Chicago Bears’ biggest weakness is their secondary. They ranked as the 4th worst secondary in the league last week against the LA Rams, whose tandem consists of Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Van Jefferson. But, of course, you could easily make the case that the Bengals are even more dynamic than the Rams, so if they had success, the Bengals don’t have much of an excuse not to exploit the struggling cornerbacks and safties.

Jaylon Johnson is probably one of the more talented corners on the team, and his assignment will more than likely be on Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins, which gives Tyler Boyd a favorable matchup as he is one of the best slot corners in the league. Boyd had a slow week in Week 1, only hauling in 3 catches for 32 yards, so this would be a prime matchup for him to have his first breakout game of the season.

Higgins and Chase both could have success as well. A lot will be determined on how much time the offensive line gives Joe Burrow because passes down the field would be the ideal way to beat this secondary. Keeping the linebackers involved in short passes will be a way for the Bears to hang around in this one because of their ability to tackle in the open field and attack the football off the snap and the throw. Keeping them on their toes by mixing in Joe Mixon will be necessary, and if Mixon can get going in this game, that could change the approach for the offense. Being able to complete longer passes down the field of at least 15-20 yards will be vital. I expect Tyler Boyd to lead the team in receptions in this game.

Game predictions:

(Before Week 1 – Bengals: 17 – Bears: 14)

Now – Bengals: 28 – Bears: 17

Weekly Offensive MVP: Tyler Boyd

Weekly Defensive MVP: Trey Hendrickson

2021-22 Cincinnati Bengals season predictions

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* W = win * L = Loss

Week 1: vs Minnesota Vikings – W

Most of this game will be on how our defense fairs against Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen. The offense will have to succeed. The Vikings’ defense will be a test, and the Bengals will have their issues, but Mixon should see a lot of touches. Cincinnati’s trio of receivers should be able to create separation against Minnesota’s corners, which could lead to success through the passing game.
Bengals: 24 – Vikings: 17

Week 2: at Chicago Bears – W

I’m going to say we start the season 2-0. Could I be wrong, absolutely. But considering Andy Dalton is expected to start the early part of the season, I don’t see Chicago playing their best football until Justin Fields gets his opportunity which could give make playing them early easier. I could see this being a very defensive game. And this will be a substantial early test for Joe Burrow and the offense. Bengals: 17 – Bears: 14

Week 3: at Pittsburgh Steelers – L

Pittsburgh early on in the season will be a challenging task to deal with. I believe we’ll keep this competitive but ultimately will be a game we drop early on in the season.
Bengals: 21 – Steelers: 31

Week 4: vs Jacksonville Jaguars – W

Thursday night in Cincinnati against the rookie Trevor Lawerence will be a fun one to watch. I see this game being one of the best games for the offense and defense. The Jaguars have a very questionable offensive line which should give the Bengals plenty of opportunities to rush the passer. Bengals: 34 – Jaguars: 20

Week 5: vs Green Bay Packers – L

We could steal this one, but I believe the Packers will be firing on all cylinders by Week 5. I think we will keep this close, but it will be our first home loss of the season.
Bengals: 20 – Packers 28

Week 6: at Detroit Lions – W

The Bengals offense shouldn’t have trouble scoring on the Lions’ defense this year, in my opinion. The wideouts should be able to exploit the Lions’ secondary outside of Jeffery Okudah. But the Bengals will have their fair of guys to look out for—especially the D’Andre Swift/Jamaal Williams tandem. Jared Goff will be a new look for the Bengals defense that they will have to adjust to.
Bengals 38 – Lions 17

Week 7: at Baltimore Ravens – L

On the road, at Baltimore, I can see this being one of the worst games we play this season. I hope I’m wrong, but on the road against a loaded defense will be tough. The Bengals have struggled vs. Lamar Jackson over the last two seasons.
Bengals: 17 – Ravens: 34

Week 8: at New York Jets – W

This one will be interesting on the road because we don’t know what to expect from Zach Wilson at this point in the season, being Week 8 right around the mid-waypoint. The Jets defense isn’t anything to rave about, but with one of the best young offensive lines in the league, a talented rookie QB in Zach Wilson, and the additions of Corey Davis, rookie Elijah Moore, Tevin Coleman, and rookie Michael Carter this team could be better than expected. I think it will be close, but the Bengals pull it out after losing a bad one to Baltimore.
Bengals: 27 – Jets: 21

Week 9: vs Cleveland Browns – L

This will be a fun one in Cincinnati against the opposing Ohio team. I believe the Browns will and should be very good this season. They won’t be a pushover by any means, and they are stout on both sides of the ball. I think the Bengals are capable of beating them, but I don’t see it happening here. Bengals drop a competitive one to Cleveland.
Bengals: 23 – Browns: 32

Week 11: at Las Vegas Raiders – W

This one is a toss-up. The Raiders tend to play good late in the season. But with Derek Carr and with a young team, they could be excellent. On the road in Las Vegas will be another test. I do think the Bengals can win this game and will do it so by a field goal.
Bengals: 23 – Raiders: 20

Week 12: vs Pittsburgh Steelers – W

Meaningful football in Cincinnati in November against the Pittsburgh Steelers would be something all of the Bengals nation would love to hear come this game in Week 11. This should be a dog fight if both teams are in favorable positions. I predict the Bengals win this game and in a close one.
Bengals: 27 – Steelers: 24

Week 13: vs Los Angeles Chargers – W

Hebert vs. Burrow will be a showdown, and this game should be a shootout. It could go either way, but the Bengals steal a close one against the Chargers in Cincinnati. As I said, the Chargers could pull this one out. They do have an excellent team, but the Bengals will have to make the correct adjustments to win this game.
Bengals: 35 – Chargers: 32

Week 14: vs San Francisco 49ers – L

I think the Bengals have trouble against the 49ers defense in this one and drop a close one against San Francisco.
Bengals: 14 – 49ers: 17

Week 145: at Denver Broncos – W

I believe the Bengals win this one before the most extensive stretch and most challenging stretch of the season arrives in a close game.
Bengals: 20 – Broncos: 17

Week 16: vs Baltimore Ravens – L

I think the Bengals stay more competitive in this one than their first meeting, but I still feel like the struggles against Jackson will translate, and they lose this one in the 4th.
Bengals: 28 – Ravens: 34

Week 17: vs Kansas City Chiefs – L

This one will be tough if Kansas City is fully healthy. I have us dropping this one. Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense is just too much to handle.
Bengals: 21 – Chiefs: 34

Week 18: at Cleveland Browns – L

At Cleveland, this one should be a shootout especially if both teams are playing meaningful football at this point in the season.
Bengals: 27 – Browns: 28

53-man roster breakdown

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The Cincinnati Bengals recently cleared the way to reach the 53-man player limit on their roster. Some expected and obvious cuts were made, then some questionable ones were. Here is a breakdown of the roster and what moves were smart and what moves were not.

The Bengals’ biggest question revolved around the offensive line and their moves to find the best possible players. They traded Billy Price to the New York Giants in exchange for defensive lineman B.J. Hill and a conditional 7th round pick. They also ended up releasing Michael Jordan, who was claimed by the Carolina Panthers shortly after. This one was one of the more shocking moves. Not that it was a bad move or anything; it just didn’t seem expected because Jordan started at guard the first two preseason games and was often taking 1st team reps in training camp. But in Week 3, after seeing him not play with the starters or even the 2nd unit, it raised a few red flags, which eventually led to his release. Rookies Jackson Carman, D’Ante Smith, and Trey Hill all made the roster.

The next position that was an exciting race was the running backs. The Bengals started camp considering multiple backs to take the reigns behind Joe Mixon. Samaje Perine, Chris Evans, Jacques Patrick, Trayveon Williams, and Pooka Williams all got their opportunity to show why they deserved to be on the roster. With Perine’s ability to play special teams along with playing well last season when called upon, he was locked into one of the three roster spots. The 3rd and final spot was eventually a race between Evans and Patrick. Still, with Evans looking excellent in Week 3 and honestly all of the preseason, it created enough separation to make it a no-brainer. Patrick and Trayveon Williams later got added to the practice squad.

The tight ends were a growing conversation as well. It was mainly knowing whether Thaddeus Moss would make the roster or not. Moss showed glimpses of skill with his ability to use his size and strength to catch passes and create separation, but he lacked blocking ability. The Bengals are in a position where blocking will be essential; it is hard putting him over a tight end that can bring that to the table. C.J. Uzomah and Drew Sample had roster spots locked up, so it came down to Mitchell Wilcox and Moss, and Wilcox got the 3rd and final spot in the tight end room. Luckily Moss was signed to the practice squad, which will still get him his opportunity at some point.

Lastly, wide receiver was an intriguing position to keep an eye on as training camp and preseason rolled along. Chase, Higgins, Boyd, and Tate had the first four spots sealed up, so the fight for the final two spots was exciting how it played out. Trenton Irwin impressed greatly throughout the offseason, which led me to believe he would get one of the final roster spots. Trent Taylor was also a guy I thought could land a spot, but he didn’t come along with any eye-opening plays until the final week of preseason. Stanley Morgan Jr ended up with one of the spots due to his ability to thrive on special teams. That was a big part of what earned him a spot. Mike Thomas was the last receiver gunning for a spot. At first, it was announced that he was being released, but after Trent Taylor and Trenton Irwin got added to the practice squad. The Bengals ended up resigning Thomas and giving him that 6th and final receiver spot. I would expect Irwin and Taylor to see plenty of time, though, this season for the Bengals, and Thomas is on a very short leash performance-wise. He will have to make the most of his playing time for Cincinnati.

Ultimately the Bengals didn’t make any eye-opening moves. Some were expected, and some were possibilities. But overall, most of the right moves were made. I would have liked to see Thad Moss get a rooster spot over Wilcox, Irwin over Thomas, and Mike Daniels on the defensive line, but he also got signed to the practice squad. Besides that, though, we made some very solid moves, and it will be fun seeing what this roster does to start the season.