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Game 7 Recap: Indianapolis Colts @ Cincinnati Bengals

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The Cincinnati Bengals made this one a nailbiter. Well, they played the Indianapolis Colts, soooo … let’s say a photo finish. It was a back-and-forth battle in which Cincinnati got the final punch – scoring a defensive touchdown with seven minutes left in the game to eke out a 24-23 victory.

The teams matched each other almost stride for stride. Touchdowns were answered by touchdowns on two occasions and neither team led by more than seven points. The tight contests always went against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016. But this year, they’ve won their last two one-possession games. Let’s hope that trend continues.

How Things Went

The Colts might as well have put a stamp on the line of scrimmage that said ‘Property of Indy.’ They only allowed Cincinnati to rush for 58 yards on 21 carries and put tons of pressure on Andy Dalton.

But here’s the shocker: Even though Dalton had more nose-to-nose meetings than an 80’s rogue cop with his screaming, the-mayor’s-on-my-ass captain, he didn’t throw a pick or have any major screwups. He took three sacks but ended up with very respectable numbers (17-29, 243 yards, 2 TDs). Rookie Cincy receiver Josh Malone nabbed his first pro touchdown reception. Joe Mixon had a sweet 67-yard catch that features more bobs and weaves than Ali in his prime.

But the Cincinnati Bengals’s offense had some less-than-rosy moments. Six of their possessions lasted six plays or less. They didn’t bag a touchdown until late in the second quarter and fumbled four times (losing two). When you’re handling the ball like wet soap in a game this close, it’s more dangerous than in the prison shower room.

Cincinnati Bengals Player of the Game

Carlos Dunlap takes the honors today with his 16-yard pick-six midway through the fourth quarter. That score (which gave Cincinnati the 24-23 lead), along with a sack, a TFL and three stops, capped off a fine performance.

What This Means Going Forward

It was a much-needed win for the Cincinnati Bengals. It kept them within spitting distance of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North race. With four winnable games coming up in November (Jaguars, Titans, Broncos and Browns), Cincinnati can put themselves back into having a shot at postseason play.

3 Things We’re Excited About for Bengals Training Camp

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We’re less than a week away from the start of the Cincinnati Bengals training camp. This is a golden time for any football fan. The hope for a new season. Arguing with your buddies about who should start, or which player will have the biggest season. A chance to get revenge on your fiercest rivals. The time is here, and it is GLORIOUS!

But that’s not the only reason to get excited.

The Bengals have plenty of reasons to think they’ll be back in the playoffs in 2017. From the offense that should blow up like a bottle of shaken-up soda to seeing what a bunch of motivated players will do to get last year’s sour taste out of their mouths, 2017 will be a year to remember. Here are the top three things that get us jazzed ahead of Bengals training camp.

Bengals Training Camp: 3 Reasons to be Revved Up

1. Offensive weapons. The Bengals are loaded this year. Armed to the teeth. Remember that scene in the movie Commando when Schwarzenegger paddles to the beach and then spends the next couple of minutes gearing up for the big gun battle? That’s how fans should feel when reading Cincinnati’s offensive depth chart.

Andy Dalton is ready to follow up on his 4,206-yard performance from last year. And for the first time in what seems like forever, he’ll have to make up his mind about who to chuck the pigskin to. All-Pro wide receiver AJ Green returns after being painfully close to a 1,000-yard receiving season despite only starting 10 games. Tyler Boyd, Brandon LaFell, Cody Core, rookies John Ross and Josh Malone … the WR list goes on. Don’t forget about tight end Tyler Eifert (more on him in a minute).

With defenses being so busy trying to stop Dalton and Co., it will open up the running game. If the O-line can gel – and that’s a big if – then Jeremy Hill should build upon his 839-yard campaign from last year. Giovani Bernard collected 673 yards from scrimmage. Draft pick Joe Mixon gained 1,812 total yards and scored 15 touchdowns last year at Oklahoma. The firepower’s there.

2. Jordan Willis. Cincy averaged 2.1 sacks per game last year. That tied them for 19th in the NFL. They need a boost, and third-round draft pick Jordan Willis could be the one that gives it to them. He racked up 11.5 sacks for the Wildcats in 2016 and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the year. He has good burst and plays at a position of need. The Bengals had plenty of close games last season. If Willis’ rush can stop even one 3rd-and-long, it could flip the game in the Bengals’ favor. We say he’ll stop a lot more than one.

3. Contract years for Burfict and Eifert. It’s the perfect storm for these two players. Eifert and linebacker Vontaze Burfict spent big chunks of last season banged up and suspended, respectively. Now they are healthy, ready to prove something, and in the final year of their contracts. If that doesn’t motivate you to hit, catch, tackle and score, what will?

Deepest Position Groups on the 2017 Cincinnati Bengals’ Roster

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There are certain Cincinnati Bengals position groups that we hate to see get hit by the injury bug (quarterback, linebacker, offensive line). While you never want anyone to get hurt, it is comforting as a fan to know that an injury to a position group won’t have you popping a Zantac.

So we took a look at the Bengals’ roster and found two places where the team has some serious depth. These are the groups that can survive a few dings in 2017.

Deepest Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Position Group – Wide Receiver

What a difference a year makes. At one point in 2016, the Cincinnati Bengals were just one A.J. injury away from having a Cleveland Browns-caliber passing attack.

Fast forward to this year. Green is healthy and ready to go. Tyler Boyd had a fine rookie campaign (54 catches, 603 yards) and has a high ceiling. He’s ready to take the next step in his career. Brandon LaFell averaged 13.5 yards per reception. Draft picks John Ross and Josh Malone and second-year man Cody Core are impressing so far.

Them, plus several youngsters and pass-catching tight end Tyler Eifert, means one thing. This group is deep enough that you can put diving boards over it.

Deepest Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Position Group – Defensive Tackle

A lot of good DTs on your roster means you can rotate guys frequently. Keep them fresh. Withstand the rigors of a 16-game season. Oh, and stay in the face of the other team’s offense.

The good news for Cincy is they have the personnel to improve on their 21st-ranked rushing defense from last fall. Geno Atkins and Pat Sims are the veterans who bring seven and nine years of experience, respectively. Atkins consistently attracts double teams, notched nine sacks last year and is a disrupter.

The team has high hopes this season for Andrew Billings who was projected as a 1st or 2nd round draft pick in the 2016 draft but fell into the Bengals lap in the 4th round before missing his entire rookie season due to injury. DeShawn Williams is only in his second year out of Clemson, but is a 6’1” 295-lb Geno Atkins-like bowling ball who is tough to push around. Brandon Thompson is back after missing all of 2016 with an ACL tear, further adding to the depth. Marcus Hardison has looked impressive the past 2 preseasons but hasn’t been able to stay healthy to impact the regular season, throw in 2017 fourth round draft pick Ryan Glasgow out of Michigan and you can see the wealth of young talent this team will have competing to make the roster in training camp and the preseason.

Things are looking good for these two position groups. And if they are able to do their jobs well, things will look a lot better for the rest of the team.

Bengals NFL Draft Recap: A Look at the Rookies

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The 2017 NFL Draft is in the books. Speaking frankly, we’re pretty excited about this year’s haul for the Cincinnati Bengals. They addressed their biggest needs with players who can each make an impact early and often. Their mid and late-round draft picks have potential. Since Cincinnati lost six one-possession games last year, along with a tie, any improvements can make a difference in the division race – and the playoff picture – for this team.

Let’s get a look at the full list of newbies.

NFL Draft: Meet the New Cincinnati Bengals

1. John Ross (WR, 1st round, pick 9, Washington): He is quicker than the Road Runner when you push the fast-forward button. Ross will force defenses to cover more of the field. That means more touchdowns all around for the O.

2. Joe Mixon (RB, 2nd round, pick 48, Oklahoma): Mixon’s a steal for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL Draft, who were lucky that he was still on the board. He has the talent to work his way up the depth chart at running back. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to use his 4.5 speed … if the O-line can open up some holes.

3. Jordan Willis (DE, 3rd round, pick 73, Kansas State): The Bengals claimed the 2016 Big 12 Defensive PoY with this pick. He collected 21 sacks over two seasons, so he can bring the heat – which is perhaps Cincinnati’s biggest defensive need.

4. Carl Lawson (DE, 4th round, pick 116, Auburn): Another talented DE who played in a quality conference. He dropped offensive players behind the line 23.5 times in 2016 (sacks and TFLs). He’s had his fair share of injuries, though, so keep your fingers crossed when he’s on the field.

5. Josh Malone (WR, 4th round, pick 128, Tennessee): Malone was productive last year (972 yards, 11 TDs) in a run-heavy offense in the rough-and-tumble SEC. The former 5-star receiver has the talent and opportunity to work his way into the rotation.

6. Ryan Glasgow (DT, 4th round, pick 138, Michigan): Second team All-Big Ten in 2016 who made 8.5 tackles for loss. A good depth-builder at defensive tackle.

7. Jake Elliott (PK, 5th round, pick 153, Memphis): Elliott’s potential impact to the team can’t be overstated. Cincinnati struggled last year with Mike Nugent, who missed six extra points. Six of the Bengals’ games in 2016 could have been won with two field goals or less. If Elliott can continue hitting 80% of his FGs, Cincy’s record could look quite different this year.

8. J.J. Dielman (C, 5th round, pick 176, Utah): He played at Utah, stands 6’5″ and weighs 300 pounds. Now you know as much as we do.

9. Jordan Evans (ILB, 6th round, pick 193, Oklahoma): Evans has good speed and size for a linebacker and has equally good football pedigree – his dad Scott was an all-conference DT for Oklahoma in the mid-to-late 1980s. Jordan was fast enough to intercept four passes in 2016. We say he’s got a bright future ahead.

10. Brandon Wilson (CB, 6th round, pick 207, Houston): Started 40 games over four years and has good game experience. It’s a big step, though, from the American Athletic Conference to the American Football Conference. He’ll need time to develop.

11. Mason Schreck (TE, 7th round, pick 251, Buffalo): Exploded last year with 59 catches for 651 yards and 4 TDs. He has good size (6’4″, 258). And it won’t hurt that he’s learning the position from Tyler Eifert.