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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!

Bengals Week 3 Preview – Cincinnati at Carolina

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Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) at Carolina Panthers (1-1)

After watching the Bengals first two games of the year in person, I’ll get the chance to relax a little and watch week three from my house. As many of you know who read my preview last week, I was in attendance at the game against Baltimore this past Thursday. I have to say, being at the game this year versus games last year is quite different as there is a different energy and atmosphere at the stadium. Fans are more optimistic, more into the game, and a whole lot louder! It was an awesome time last Thursday and I am looking forward to my next game against Miami. Until then, I will enjoy watching the next two games on TV.

To briefly recap last week’s game, we saw the duo of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green look unstoppable. We continue to get big turnovers on defense. But that’s not what I want to recap, it’s the injuries. As many of you know, in this weeks game against Carolina, the Bengals will be without center Billy Price and running back Joe Mixon. Price is an important piece to the offensive line, however Trey Hopkins did not play bad in his place. The biggest injury for me is Joe Mixon’s. We have seen the offense lean on him early this year, and after two weeks he was second in the league in rushing. According to Mixon, he is feeling awesome after his surgery and it sounds like we could see him back in week 5 or 6.

Now onto week 3, where the Bengals travel to Carolina to play the Panthers. The Bengals sit atop the AFC North, undefeated. The Panthers are playing for their hometown that was just hit with a devastating storm. If the Bengals can pull out the win they will be sitting in the driver seat in the AFC North.

Matchups to watch for…

The Bengals Linebackers vs. Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey – The Bengals secondary should have no issue containing the Panthers wide outs, which puts all the pressure on the front seven to contain McCaffrey and Newton. Cam can be frustrated, which at times can affect his play. If the Bengals front can get to him early and knock him around it could be enough to throw off the offense. McCaffrey is one of the best pass catching backs in the league. Covering running backs with linebackers hasn’t always been the Bengals strong point. This offense runs through these two guys. This will be the toughest test of the year so far, the Bengals must stop Cam and/or McCaffrey to disrupt the offense. Stop one of them and it should stop the entire offense.

Trey Hopkins vs. Kawann Short – As I mentioned before, Hopkins will get the start at center in place of the injured Billy Price. Last week Hopkins filled in for Price, giving up zero sacks and only a handful of pressures against a very talented Ravens front. This week he had the whole week to prepare for one of the league’s top defensive tackles, Kawann Short. If the Panthers are smart they will have Short lined up over Hopkins all game long as it should be one of their best mismatches up front. If Hopkins can contain Short in this game, Bengals fans will be able to sleep a little bit easier with Price on the sideline for the next 2-4 weeks.

Exterior Bengals Pass Rushers vs. Back up Offensive Lineman – With both starting tackles, Matt Kalil and Daryl Williams, out for this game and starting guard Trai Turner in the concussion protocol, the Panthers could be down three starting lineman. This should be a huge advantage for the Bengals talented defensive line. The Bengals d-line dominated during the preseason but haven’t had a “dominate” regular season performance yet. The Bengals should be able to get loads of pressure on Newton, disrupting his passing game. Newton can scramble, but as long as the Bengals linebackers contain him, he should see pressure in his face throughout the game.

Other things to watch for…

Last week the Bengals again did a very good job of overcoming injuries and still pulling out a win. They will again have to show us this week that they can continue to win with “the next man up”. They are also underdogs going into this game for the third straight week. This will be a tough game on the road with a few notable injuries. This is the game that will show us just who these Bengals are.

My Prediction: Bill Lazor has had 10 days to plan for an offense featuring Giovani Bernard. I have no doubt that Lazor will have a very good game plan for Sunday. I don’t see the offense missing much of a beat. It will all come down to the defense, if Cincys D can contain Cam Newton and frustrate him early I think the Bengals can win this game. The Bengals are dealing with injuries yes, but so are the Panthers. In addition to their lineman, Cam’s favorite target and pro bowl tight end, Greg Olsen, is also out for this game. The Panthers injuries should create more of an impact than the Bengals, and I think this is the difference in the game. I think it will be a close and tightly contested matchup but think a Randy Bullock field goal late in the game is the difference.

My Prediction: Bengals 24 Panthers 21

My Bengals Predictions on the year: 2-0

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

Game: Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) at Carolina Panthers (1-1)

Date/Time: September 23, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. EST

Location: Bank of America Stadium

Uniforms: Black Jersey

Last Matchup: 10/12/14 – Bengals 37, Panthers 37

Odds: Bengals, +3

Mixon already back on rehab field

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Joe Mixon appears to be ahead of schedule with his knee injury.

When the news of Joe Mixon’s injury first broke, it appeared he would miss somewhere between 2-4 weeks. Earlier this week we heard Mixon say that his return would be based on when he felt comfortable enough to return, hinting at maybe a 1-2 week absence.

Then, news broke today that Mixon is already back on the rehab field working out according to multiple reports.

This hints that Mixon is ahead of schedule and could possibly return after missing just two games. The fact that he is back on the rehab field jogging less than a week after surgery is a very encouraging sign.

Giovani Bernard is still expected to shoulder the load for the next two weeks, but with these reports, we could see Mixon back on the field as early as week 5 against the Dolphins.

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

No surgery for rookie Price

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Will miss at least two weeks.

For now, the Bengals will be without rookie center Billy Price.

Bengals fans received both good and bad news on the centers status Wednesday. The good, Price’s injury is not a season ending injury. The bad, he will miss at least two games with the injury. As of now he will miss games against the Panthers and Falcons, leaving him questionable for a week 5 matchup versus the Dolphins. He could end up missing more time once they reevaluate in two weeks.

Price was off to a very promising start for the Bengals and you could see his impact in both the run and pass protection. Backup Trey Hopkins will start in his place. Filling in last week versus the Ravens, Hopkins gave up just one pressure in 36 pass blocks. A nice effort against a tough Ravens defense. Hopefully, Hopkins can continue to play at a high level in Prices absence. A crushing blow none the less after hearing of Mixon’s injury earlier in the week.

The next two games will be a big test to see how this new look Bengals team can adapt to this adversity.

Please follow me on twitter @Pierson242FF. Who Dey!

Run Gio

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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 Bengals 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!