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You are here: Home / Archives for Chicago Bears

3 ways the Bengals can have success vs. Chicago

September 18, 2021 Cole Sullivan 1 Comment

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

Chicago Bears, Opinion, Predictions Andy Dalton, Bears, Bengals, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bengals, Ja'Marr Chase, Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd

A Bengals Legend: Cedric Benson

August 19, 2019 Kaleb Riesenberg Leave a Comment

Cedric Benson, the number 4 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft passed away on the night of Saturday, August 17th from a motorcycle accident. He was only 36 years old. 

Benson was drafted by the Chicago Bears after an incredible senior season at Texas where he rushed for 1,834 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. But things did not start out as planned in the NFL, in his rookie year he only rushed for 272 yards in 9 games and the next two seasons less than 700 yards per season. Benson came to the Bengals in the 2008 offseason and was considered a head case and a distraction, but in Marvin Lewis fashion he took a chance on Benson and boy did it pay off.

Benson’s 2008 campaign was not very productive, only 747 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns, while the Bengals finished 4-11-1 with starting QB Carson Palmer out for the majority of the season with a right elbow injury. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick said how great of a locker room guy and teammate Benson was.

In 2009 Benson really broke out and displayed what everyone thought he would be when he was drafted. Benson put up 1,251 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns while helping the Bengals get to the playoffs and an AFC North title for the first time since 2005. In that 2009 season Benson had a huge game against his former team the Chicago Bears. He put on a show in a 45-10 Bengals blow out win where he rushed for 189 yards and a touchdown. 

 In 2010 Benson rushed for 1,111 yards and 7 touchdowns and in 2011 1,067 yards and 6 touchdowns while once again helping the Bengals get back to the playoffs with rookie QB Andy Dalton and rookie WR AJ Green. 

The Bengals cut Benson after the 2011 season after he had some fumbling issues and replaced him with Benjarvus Green-Ellis in 2012. Benson last played in the NFL in 2012 for the Green Bay Packers but suffered a Lisfranc injury in his foot and ended up retiring. Rest in peace 32.



Story Bears, Bengals, Cedric Benson, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, Packers

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

June 11, 2017 Chris Russell Leave a Comment

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)

Uncategorized Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indiana, Jacksonville Jaguars, Joe Flacco, Minnesota Vikins, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans

Bengals Beat 3rd Super Bowl Winning QB, Next Test: The Buffalo Bills

October 10, 2013 Nate Mallon Leave a Comment

The Bengals have a 3-2 record after 5 games and their 3 wins have come against 3 Super Bowl winning quarterbacks: Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady.

Let’s review:

Week 1 – at Chicago Bears – Lost 21-24 (Turnovers, penalties, questionable play calls = close loss)

Week 2 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Won 20-10 (Bengals wore out the Steelers on Monday Night Football = big win)

Week 3 – Green Bay Packers – Won 34-30 (Gave up 30 straight points but come back, defense frustrates Aaron Rodgers, 4 turnovers = big win)

Week 4 – at Cleveland Browns – Lost 6-17 (Offense does nothing, feels like a trap game = letdown loss)

Week 5 – New England Patriots – Won 13-6 (Defense dominates Tom Brady in the rain, run game gets going = big win)

It seems like the Bengals are showing a bit of a trend of playing up to the better opponents or teams that the media ranks as a stronger opponent and playing down to the teams that are not supposed to be as good. Not many would have picked the Bengals to beat the Steelers, Packers and Patriots thus far and most would have picked the Bengals to beat the Browns. After a big win last week against New England, the Bengals will have a chance to rise up against a lesser opponent by national media standards and avoid a let down to a team they are expected to beat in the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Uncategorized Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers

Bears Edge Bengals In Opener

September 8, 2013 Nate Mallon Leave a Comment

NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Chicago Bears

The Bengals opener on the road in Chicago was close as most predicted it would be. The Bears ended up on the winning side 24-21 and they deserved to get the win in this one. Noted below is the good, the bad, and what to hope for in the weeks to come.

The good.

-Dalton made a few mistakes but he played well and appeared to be more in command of the offense. He finished with 26 completions on 33 passing attempts, 282 yards passing and 2 TD’s.
-The rookies looked good. Both TE Tyler Eifert and RB Gio Bernard looked good when they touched the ball and made several positive plays each. Eifert had 5 receptions for 47 yards and Bernard had 4 carries for 22 yards and another catch for 8 yards.
-OT Anthony Collins played extremely well in place of Andrew Whitworth and Julius Peppers was kept in check all game.
-TE Jermaine Gresham played well and had several good physical runs after catching passes to pick up first downs. He finished with 5 receptions for 35 yards.
-LB Vontaze Burfict was noticeably aggressive all game long and had his first career interception.
-DE Carlos Dunlap had several QB pressures and batted down a Jay Cutler pass.

The bad.

-Stupid penalties and too many penalties. The Bengals committed 8 penalties as a team and 2 of them were unsportsmanlike conduct due to scuffles after the play.
-Lack of composure and maturity. Dre Kirkpatrick and Rey Maualuga were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Maualuga’s penalty prevented the team from getting one more possession at the end of the game.
-Turnovers. Dalton threw 2 interceptions, although 1 was not his fault as A.J. Green couldn’t hold on to a pass that was nicely thrown and then went into the arms of a defender. Both receivers A.J. Green and Mohamed Sanu fumbled and Sanu’s fumble was recovered by the Bears.
-Poor game management. The Bengals had no timeouts over the last 8 minutes of the game. Not good. Not sure exactly who is to blame but this should not happen.
-Benjarvus Green-Ellis is unable to pick up positive yardage when they try to kick it ouside.
-No sacks for a team that had 51 last season.

What to hope for.

-Penalties cleaned up. Stupid penalties cleaned up.
-A more composed team.
-Improved coaching/game management.
-Only run Green-Ellis up the gut, give Gio Bernard more touches.
-Dalton played well, let’s hope he can keep it going and remains consistent.

Uncategorized Bears, Bengals, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals

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