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Cincinnati Bengals: 5 Biggest Question Marks Heading into 2018

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The Cincinnati Bengals, like all other NFL teams, have some question marks they need to answer this year. Unlike many other teams, answering those questions gives them a great shot to make the playoffs.

In 2017, the Cincinnati Bengals lost four games by one possession. Their record was 7-9, and last year’s wild-card teams (the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans) make it in with 9-7 records. A touchdown here or there and the team is back in the postseason.

Here are our calls for the four biggest issues the team must address to go playoff-ing.

Four Questions That the Cincinnati Bengals Need to Answer This Year

Will the offensive line improve enough? We’ve been beating this drum more than Andrew Neiman in the movie Whiplash. Many times over the last few years, the Bengals’ O-Line performances has left their fans sounding like … well, Terence Fletcher in the movie Whiplash (Editor’s Note: Look it up on YouTube, but NSFW).  We talked a few weeks ago about the team’s recent offensive struggles. Frank Pollack taking over as line coach is definitely a breath of fresh air. Acquiring Cordy Glenn and losing Russell Bodine are steps in the right direction. And each year, the Bengals have drafted or traded for more move-the-ball talent, so you’d think that would provide extra motivation for the big uglies. It’s not like their efforts at improvement would be in vain. As soon as the line gets going, so will the fireworks. This is the year for that to happen … right?

Will John Ross and Tyler Eifert stay healthy? These two have been bitten (well, chomped) by the health bug the last couple of years. The last time Eifert played close to a full year was 2015. That season, in 13 games, he caught 52 passes for 615 yards and 13 TDs. Ross is only in his second year, but his NFL-Combine-record 4.22 speed should keep DBs playing catch-up. Since they both represent different elements of the passing game, having them healthy and on the field gives the defense a lot more ground to cover. It also means those defenses can’t focus on shutting down the running game – which isn’t running on full batteries to begin with.

Who’s after Dalton if he gets hurt? While we’re on the topic of health, let’s address Andy Dalton’s. If he’s injured, the Cincinnati Bengals will be turning to journeyman Matt Barkley, Jeff Driskel (who spent last year on injured reserve), or rookie Logan Woodside. For his career, Barkley has completed almost 60% of his passes, but holds a TD-to-INT ratio of 8-18. Driskel and Woodside have as many pro passing attempts as noted German physicist Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von Helmholtz (1821-1894). Hopefully, the offensive line can keep Dalton vertical.

Will the Bengals D generate more turnovers? Cincinnati only had 14 takeaways last year, including a measly 3 fumble recoveries. New DC Teryl Austin should change that. Last year with the Detroit Lions, his defensive squads tied for fourth in the NFL in interceptions (19) and forced fumbles (19).

Have the Cincinnati Bengals Fixed the O-Line for 2018?

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Good news first: if the offensive line of the Cincinnati Bengals had played at the college level in 2017, they’d have been first-team All Americans.

Bad news: they played in the NFL and like players fresh out of college, and that led to the team being dead last in the league in total offense. The Bengals averaged only 280.5 yards of offense per game.

It’s a painful reminder of how the line struggled in recent years under long time O-line coach Paul Alexander. He was let go in the off-season by coach Marvin Lewis and subsequently hired for the same position by the Dallas Cowboys.

Which is funny, because Cincy did the same thing in reverse. They hired Frank Pollack, who was fired by Dallas. We call it the Circle of Life – except it has nothing to do with either a circle or life. (awkward pause ……) Let’s move on, shall we?

Here are some other moves that will hopefully get the Cincinnati Bengals’ ability to move the ball off the NFLoor.

What Have the Cincinnati Bengals Done?

Going for Glenn. Cincinnati swapped first-round draft picks with the Bills to get offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. The 6-6, 345 lb Buffalo Boulder (okay, we made that up) has started 77 games in his pro career. He was good enough in Buffalo to earn a 5-year, $65 million contract extension in 2016. Although he battled foot and ankle problems last year, he’s only 28 years old. He’s got plenty of time left.

What going for Glenn gets you. As part of the Glenn deal, the Cincinnati Bengals went from having the 12th pick in the draft to the 21st. And they still nabbed a promising prospect in Ohio State center Billy Price. Price won the Rimington Award (best center in college football) and was the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2017.

Adding more OTs. Bobby Hart came in from the Giants, which will hopefully provide some motivation for Jake Fisher and Cedric Ogbuehi. The three will battle for the right tackle spot. The team did lose Andre Smith, but drafted Rod Taylor out of Mississippi in the seventh round.

Losing Bodine, gaining better. Ever hear the one about the Cincinnati Bengals losing Russell Bodine and becoming a worse football team? Yeah, neither have we. Plus, with the drafting of Price, there’s more potential for the line as a unit. Give Price a year or two to hit his stride and watch out for guards Christian Westerman and Alex Redmon, who played well toward the end of last season.

Getchu some Frank! The decision to hire Pollack was, no surprise, the most crucial move. He’s got plenty of young talent to work with. He’s brings the goods, as evidenced by his 2015 line in Dallas, which was very productive and had the fewest penalties in the league. If Pollack can bring the same production and discipline to the Bengals, look out.

Game 5 Recap: Buffalo Bills @ Cincinnati Bengals

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In a word – Boom! In three words – BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The Cincinnati Bengals made a huge statement on Sunday with a 20-16 win over the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium. Buffalo was one of the more stout teams on the Bengals’ schedule. They were 3-1 coming into today and boasted wins over the New York Jets (first in the AFC East) and Atlanta Falcons (defending NFC champs). But it was clear from the outset that Cincy came to play. And when it was over, you could tell that Cincinnati wasn’t playing around.

How Things Went

It was a rain-soaked dogfight between the cats and the whatever-creatures-represent-Bills. No one held a lead larger than seven points. That’s surprising considering the day Andy Dalton had (22/36, 328 yards), but the Bengals bungled the ball away three times to keep the Bills in it. The offensive line paved the way for a meager 65 rushing yards but only gave up one sack.

On the contrary, the Bengals’ D collected six of them. Seriously – Bengal defenders spent more time on QB Tyrod Taylor’s back than the number 5. They also held Buffalo to 221 yards of total offense. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict led the charge with 13 stops, a sack and three tackles for loss.

To be fair, Taylor didn’t exactly have a murderer’s row of targets. Buffalo’s air attack is short on healthy bodies, and that was before tight end Charles Clay was injured in the first quarter. Taylor only managed 166 yards through the air, with TE Nick O’Leary (five catches, 54 yards) leading the group.

Cincinnati Bengals Player of the Game

To paraphrase Kermit the Frog … it’s easy; Green. AJ went off in this one, hauling in seven passes for 189 yards and a 77-yard touchdown that looked like he was on cruise control. Let’s put that in perspective: Green gained almost as many yards from scrimmage as the Buffalo offense. Hope you started him in your fantasy league.

What This Means Going Forward

The momentum for the Cincinnati Bengals has done a 180 in the last three weeks. And with Pittsburgh on tap for October 22 (following the bye week), said momentum shift couldn’t have come at a better time. We also have to mention the kicking game. Last year, Cincinnati would have lost because of errant field-goal attempts. But Randy Bullock was good from 30 and 29 yards, and that won the game for us. How sweet is it to say that for a change?

Cincinnati Bengals Early Game-by-Game Win Loss Predictions: 2017

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The Cincinnati Bengals are primed for a big 2017 season. Between their talented starters, rookies who will be exciting to watch, and wanting to make amends for last year, there are lots of reasons for every Bengals fan to get excited. Especially us.

This week, Bengal boys Nate and Chris give you a game-by game prediction for Cincy in 2017.

 

Cincinnati Bengals Predictions Game by Game

Week 1 – vs Baltimore Ravens (September 10)
Chris: WIN – Joe Flacco only threw for 20 TDs last year, and 15 picks. Leading TE Dennis Pitta dislocated his hip last week and has since been released. Suspect passing game leads to Bengals’ win.

Nate: WIN – The Bengals should start Week 1 healthy, with several more weapons than they had in 2016 and I think they will be revved up in their first home game to open a regular season since 2009. The Bengals win this game based on health, better weapons, emotional energy and home field advantage.

 

Week 2 – vs Houston Texans (September 14)
Chris: LOSS – I’m not sure who did the schedule, but someone should make them run gassers. Two games in four days – this one against the reigning AFC South champions – means Cincinnati’s first loss of the season.

Nate: WIN – I think Houston will have one of the top defenses in the NFL this season after getting a healthy J.J. Watt back to help an already dominate D. The problem is they do not have a proven quarterback, Cincy have loaded up Dalton with more weapons and a team that want to show they are capable in the national spotlight. Since the Bengals have a new kicker in place I like Cincy by a field goal at home.

 

Week 3 – at Green Bay Packers (September 24)
Chris: LOSS – The Bengals have a week and a half to rest for this game, but it’s against Aaron Rodgers and the Pack, who were 7th in the NFL last year in passing yards and 4th in points.

Nate: LOSS – Although Aaron Rodgers is 0-2 in his career against the Bengals I think this is the year he is able to come out with a victory. I predict a close game but the Packers win a shootout in front of the home crowd at Lambeau Field.

 

Week 4 – at Cleveland Browns (October 1)
Chris: WIN – Just what we need to get back to .500. Top draft pick Myles Garrett will still be adjusting to the pro game, so he won’t quite be a difference maker … yet.

Nate: WIN – The Browns will show glimmers of hope and improve from their 1-15 record from last year but Cincy will have the firepower and experience to win this contest early in the season still.

 

Week 5 – vs Buffalo Bills (October 8)
Chris: WIN – The Bills led the NFL in rushing, but were almost dead last in passing. If the Cincinnati Bengals can contain the run, they’ll win. It’ll be close, but I say they get it done.

Nate: WIN – The Bengals lost a close one at home against the Bills last year 16-12 but it was also a game in which kicker Mike Nugent missed 2 extra points and the Bengals were not afforded the opportunity to kick a game winning field goal. I think the Bengals have improved more than the Bills in the offseason and they will not have the kicking issues to the same degree in this contest. The Bengals win by 10 at home.

 

Week 6 – BYE WEEK

 

Week 7 – at Pittsburgh Steelers (October 22)
Chris: LOSS – Grudge match, grudge match, grudge match – especially after Referee-gate last year. This will be a close contest that, unfortunately, won’t go the Bengals’ way because of Pittsburgh’s home-field advantage.

Nate: LOSS – Sparks will fly, emotions will run high, and there will be felt hatred and controversy as usual. Pittsburgh takes the first of two in their house as the Bengals usually don’t play as well coming off their bye week.

 

Week 8 – vs Indianapolis Colts (October 29)
Chris: WIN – Between Andrew Luck’s shoulder surgery at the end of 2016 and a dicey O-line, I feel comfy saying Cincinnati takes this one.

Nate: WIN – I predict a close high scoring affair but the Bengals edge the Colts by a field goal at home to get back on track.

 

Week 9 – at Jacksonville Jaguars (November 5)
Chris: WIN – The addition of LSU running back Leonard Fournette takes pressure off QB Blake Bortles, who struggled with consistency at the end of last year. But Jacksonville will still be questionable in too many other areas to mount a serious threat to Cincinnati, who will have back-to-back wins when this one is over.

Nate: LOSS – I think the Bengals will fall in an upset here, Fournette has a break out game and Bortles doesn’t make too many mistakes in this one. The Bengals let one get away that they are expected to win.

 

Week 10 – at Tennessee Titans (November 12)
Chris: LOSS – Tennessee has been steadily improving under coach Mike Mularkey, and quarterback Marcus Mariota has a top-down convertible for a ceiling. The Titans will be in the thick of their own playoff chase by this point of the season. Home team in a close one.

Nate: LOSS – The Titans have the potential to be a dangerous team in 2017 with a solid ground game already in place and the team adding more weapons in the draft this year for Mariota. This should be a fun contest but I think the Titans win a close one in Music City.

 

Week 11 – at Denver Broncos (November 19)
Chris: WIN – Cincinnati and Denver were very close statistically last year. This might as well come down to a coin flip. Hang on (flip) ………..W

Nate: LOSS – Denver’s D overwhelms Cincy’s O-line in Mile High.

 

Week 12 – vs Cleveland Browns (November 26)
Chris: WIN – Cleveland could very well be improved this late in the season. But so will Cincinnati, and they’ll make it seven in a row over their in-state rival.

Nate: WIN – If Cleveland finds some consistency at QB this season this could be a close one. I’m not putting my money on that happening just yet. Cincy gets back on track again here by a touchdown.

 

Week 13 – vs Pittsburgh Steelers (December 4)
Chris: WIN – Cincinnati gets their long-awaited revenge, and they get it in front of the home crowd. A victory will also prevent Pittsburgh from owning the tiebreaker – extra motivation if you ask us.

Nate: WIN – The Bengals are focused and realize the implications of this game. The offense brings The Jungle to life and the Bengals split the season with the Steelers.

 

Week 14 – vs Chicago Bears (December 10)
Chris: WIN – The Bears shocked everyone when they drafted QB Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick. We’ll see if he’s come into his own by now. Until then, we’ll go based on Chicago’s 3-13 record last year.

Nate: WIN – Trubisky struggles if he is playing at this point. The Bears struggle in 2017 regardless. I think the Bengals win in a blow out at home against the Bears.

 

Week 15 – vs Minnesota Vikings (December 17)
Chris: WIN – Running back Dalvin Cook will be roughed up this late in the season. The Vikings will be mounting a rushing attack that is similar to their last-in-the-league 75.3 yards per game from 2016.

Nate: LOSS – HC Mike Zimmer is motivated to beat his former team and brings out all the stops to expose the weakness of Cincy’s offense line with all the exotic looks in his repertoire. The Vikings snap the Bengals 3 game winning streak in a close one.

 

Week 16 – vs Detroit Lions (December 24)
Chris: LOSS – This one is similar to the matchup with Denver from the previous month. Even without Megatron, the Lions were still 11th in the league in passing yards last season. Starting LT Taylor Decker should be back from labrum surgery. This coin flip might go against the Bengals.

Nate: WIN – I think the Lions have regressed in ways this offseason but Matthew Stafford keeps them in contests in 2017 still. The Bengals are too much at home though as some of the rookies (Ross & Mixon) bring too much sizzle for the Lions to stop.

 

Week 17 – at Baltimore Ravens (December 31)
Chris: LOSS – If I’m 15-for-15, then the Cincinnati Bengals will be 10-5 and smelling the playoffs. I hate to say it, but I think that means a loss to end the regular season. They will have played 11 games since the bye week and counting on those 10 wins to get them into the playoffs. Let’s hope it does.

Nate: WIN – The Bengals clinch at least a Wild Card playoff spot with a win in this game while the Ravens are already out of the hunt. Cincy gets it done on the road.

 

Final record: Chris (10-6)   Nate (10-6)

Cincinnati Bengals vs Buffalo Bills – Week 11 Preview

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The cure for the Cincinnati Bengals’ Giant hangover (see what we did there?) should come this Sunday. Why do we say that? Cincinnati hosts the Buffalo Bills – the 3-straight-losses, 3rd in their division, 31st-ranked passing offense in the NFL Buffalo Bills.

It’s a winnable game. We say ‘winnable’ because after the mistakes in last week’s 21-20 loss to New York, games are not slam dunks. If the Cincinnati Bengals can take advantage of these 3 areas, this game should be … more than winnable.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Buffalo Bills – 3 Cincy Keys

1. Use the home-field advantage. The friendly confines of Paul Brown Stadium have been good to the Cincinnati Bengals recently. They haven’t lost at home since September 25 against the Denver Broncos. Buffalo, on the other hand, has lost 3 straight and isn’t feeling the mojo. Make some big plays and get the home crowd into it. It’s a great way to get Buffalo thinking “Here we go again.”

2. Beguile the Bills’ blitz. Buffalo has only given up 10 touchdowns through the air in 2016, but they are blitz-happy, which makes them vulnerable if they can’t get to the QB in time. If, IF, IF! the Bengals’ O-line can hold off the Bills’ rushers for a few seconds, QB Andy Dalton, wide receiver AJ Green, and TE Tyler Eifert should carve up Buffalo and serve them up like wings.


3. Yeah, about that O-line …. Not sure if we emphasized this point enough already. This game rides on the offensive line. Rex Ryan will throw the kitchen sink at the Cincinnati Bengals’ passing attack. Dalton is smart enough to make the right calls, but he’s gotta stay upright. Also, Buffalo is giving up almost 109 rushing yards a game (18th in the league), so a few good runs should affect the Bills’ defensive game plan and open up the play-action pass.