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49ers vs Bengals – Week 2 Preview

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  • Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs against San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

The Cincinnati Bengals will be playing the San Francisco 49ers in their first home game of the year this Sunday, September 15th at 1:00pm EST on FOX.

For the 49ers, the story of their Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was their defense. The 49ers D forced 4 turnovers while sacking Jameis Winston 3 times. Three of the four turnovers were interceptions thrown by Winston and 2 of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns. 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on the other hand went 18 of 27 for 166 yards passing with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.

The 49ers running game was not very strong with Raheem Mostert rushing for 40 yards on 9 attempts and Matt Breida added 37 yards on the ground on 15 attempts. The 49ers are going to have to be more efficient if they want to win Sunday.

Even though the Bengals lost their first game in Week 1 they should be very confident given how they played the Seahawks this past Sunday. The Bengals offense looked good, even great at times but just could not get that score they needed in the second half despite being in Seattle territory 3 times in the 3rd quarter. The Bengals defense looked even better only allowing 233 total yards and getting 4 sacks of Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson. Andy Dalton was 35 of 51 for 418 yards and 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The Bengals offense ranks 10th in the league after 1 week and their defense ranks 5th in the NFL heading into Week 2.

Just like the 49ers, the Bengals running game was not strong. Joe Mixon had 6 carries for only 10 yards before hurting his ankle last Sunday and Giovani Bernard had 7 carries for only 21 yards. The Bengals run game has to better and they must get their running backs more involved if they want to win on Sunday.

Bengals Week 5 Preview – Miami at Cincinnati

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Miami Dolphins (3-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)

What a game, what a game it was. The Bengals managed to leave Atlanta with a win last week bringing them to 3-1 on the season. 3-1 sounds even better when you take into account that three of those games were on the road, no Vontaze Burfict in any of them, and no Joe Mixon or Billy Price in two of them. The Bengals did something Bengals fans don’t often see and that is a come from behind win on the road. Down late in the game Andy Dalton led the Bengals down the field to score with seconds remaining. It was a Bengals team that finished strong and did not falter like we have often seen them do. It looked like a different Bengals team we are not used to seeing.

For anyone that reads this weekly you will know I had a wedding to attend last weekend and was worried about making it home in time to watch the game. Fear no more, I managed to pull in the drive at one o’clock and watched the whole game. Enough with week 4, lets move on. I’m going to be honest, Sunday feels like a trap game. I have heard several others mention this as well, fresh off of a big win, with Pittsburgh next week, it feels like a trap game. I’m hoping the Bengals have not already looked past a sneaky good Miami team that sits at 3-1.

Matchups to watch for…

A.J. Green vs. Xavien Howard – Last time Green played the Dolphins he picked them apart to the tune of 10 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown. An absolutely dominate performance, most of it coming against then rookie Xavien Howard. Howard was “mossed” in this game by Green and looked silly. That was two years ago, now Howard is playing like a top corner in the league, in fact he shut down Amari Cooper just weeks ago. Howard is a good corner, I think he causes some fits early on but I think Green gets going in the second half of the game. I also predict Green to score his 6th touchdown on the year this week.

Vontaze vs. The New NFL Rules – The much anticipated return of one of the most controversial players in the league. You either love him or hate him. Despite his famous hit in the playoffs, I love Tez. I think he is exactly what our defense has been missing on third downs. With Tez back, I think he helps our defense get more third down stops and get the defense off the field. That is of course if he stays on the field. Tez is no stranger to suspensions, and with new rules in place it could be hard for a targeted Tez to stay on the field. Burfict will have to play smart to avoid letting his teammates down with another suspension.

Bengals Pass Rush vs. An Underrated Dolphins Line – The Dolphins passing weapons are not to be taken lightly. They have some talent at the receiver position that could test our secondary. This is why the Bengals must put pressure on Tannehill and not give him time to find the open guy down the field. After a huge preseason this defensive line has been quieter than expected. Geno and Dunlap are still their usual selves but guys like Carl Lawson, Andrew Billings, and Jordan Willis have not made the impact we might have thought they would. This is the week they need to bring it and show how dominate they can be on the line.

My Prediction: I was wrong last week, despite thinking the Bengals would win, since I figured they would split the Atlanta and Carolina game, I picked them to lose. I did not give them the benefit of the doubt and trust this new confidence they have. I am also not doubting them this week, I think Marvin Lewis will have them ready and not let them fall victim to a trap game. The Bengals are very talented and playing good football. While it looks like John Ross and Gio Bernard may miss this game, we will see Joe Mixon and Vontaze Burfict back. Arguably the most passionate players on each side of the ball should be the spark the Bengals need to keep rolling this week at home.

My Prediction: Bengals 34 Dolphins 23

My Bengals Predictions on the year: 2-2

Be sure to follow me on twitter @Pierson242FF, and be sure to tweet me if you are at the game as I will be in attendance on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.

Game: Miami Dolphins (3-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)

Date/Time: October 7, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. EST

Location: Paul Brown Stadium

Uniforms: Orange Jersey with White Pants

Last Matchup: 9/29/16 – Bengals 22, Dolphins 7

Odds: Bengals, -5.5

Bengals Week 4 Preview – Cincinnati at Atlanta

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Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-2)

Man, what a tough week 3 for Bengals fans. In a game that looked so ugly on paper, the Bengals managed to stay within one score for essentially the whole game. This was a very winnable game for Cincinnati but they could not seem to get it going in the second half. Yes we know there was drama with John Ross, and the A.J. Green injury, and a non existent run defense. But despite all of this, the Bengals hung in there with the Panthers and kept it close. But that is behind now in the past, the Bengals still sit atop the AFC North and seem to have avoided a serious injury to Green.

Now onto week 4, and I want to start by saying, weddings during football season should be illegal. I will be in attendance at my cousins wedding this weekend. Congrats to her and I feel honored to be in the wedding, however it is three and a half hours away and I will have to be up at the crack of dawn to drive home to watch the game on top of making sure all my fantasy football lineups are set. Tired of my complaining yet, let’s talk Bengals now. The Bengals will travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons, who are somehow more banged up than the Bengals are at this point in the year. Having lost their best starting linebacker and both starting safeties, the Bengals may be able to take advantage on offense.

Matchups to watch for…

Dre Kirkpatrick vs. Julio Jones – Dre and Julio go way back, as they were teammates in college at Alabama. Dre will definitely have his work cut out for him on Sunday. He has faced a lot of criticism for his play this year and has been targeted a ton this season so far. He has actually done a fairly good job at corner and on Sunday he faces his toughest task of the year with Julio Jones. Playing for pride and facing off against his old teammate, Dre should have plenty of motivation this week. In order for the Bengals to win, Kirkpatrick must find a way to slow down Julio.

Giovani Bernard vs. a banged up Falcons Defense – Over the past two weeks, the Falcons have given up over 329 yards from scrimmage to running backs, 226 in which have been receiving yards. With the loss of Deion Jones and Keanu Neal the Falcons have been destroyed by running backs in the passing game. This is very good news for Gio, who has had plenty of success catching the ball. After a good performance versus Carolina he will be key in this matchup. The Bengals have to establish a run game to keep the Falcons offense off the field. Gio should have a huge day in week 4.

John Ross vs. Himself – John Ross has been all the talk this week for the Bengals. After questionable play in week 3, Bengals fans are calling for him to be benched which is silly. Although that is another subject which you can read about in one of my previous articles. Ross will face his biggest test of the year in showing whether or not he can bounce back and prove everyone wrong. Ross must show improved hands and work ethic. He appears to still have the trust of his coaches and teammates, but can he prove it to fans this week? It’s a big week for #15.

This game will be decided by the Bengals defense. Dalton and company shouldn’t have any huge issues moving the ball and scoring, especially with A.J. Green looking like a lock to play Sunday. The Bengals defense will be the ones who have to slow down this Falcons offense and get off the field on third down, which they haven’t been able to do this year. If the defense can hold the Falcons to around 21-24 points, I think the offense should be able to put up more than this to leave Atlanta with a win.

My Prediction: All year I have been predicting the Bengals to split the Carolina and Atlanta game going 1-1 between the two. I bet on Cincy last week and was burned and am skeptical to pick them this week. While I think they have the ability to win this week, it is always tough to win on the road. Especially somewhere loud like Atlanta. I will not be surprised if they win this week but I am picking them to lose a close game. I hope they prove me wrong but the high powered Falcons passing game is looking red hot right now and I think Atlanta kicks a last second field goal to win this one.

My Prediction: Bengals 27 Falcons 30

My Bengals Predictions on the year: 2-1

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

Game: Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-2)

Date/Time: September 30, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. EST

Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium

Uniforms: White Jersey with Black Pants

Last Matchup: 9/14/14 – Bengals 24, Falcons 10

Odds: Bengals, +5

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

Bengals vs Cowboys – Preseason Week 2 Preview

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Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) at Dallas Cowboys (0-1)

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LAST WEEKS RECAP

The Bengals got off to a promising start last week against the Bears, winning 30-27. Thanks in part to a late game winning touchdown by Auden Tate.

On offense we saw a near perfect outing from the first team starters. They played three offensive drives, scoring on two of them with ease. The one where they did not score was due to an interception by Andy Dalton. However it shouldn’t raise any huge red flags since it was not really his fault. John Ross slipped on the route making it an easy pick by the defense. The first team offense gave fans plenty to be happy about, including the new offensive line. Dalton spread the ball around well and moved the ball down the field smoothly.

The first team defense also showed very well. They held Mitchell Trubisky to just four yards passing. One of the most promising displays was the Bengals pass rush. With a rotation of Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, Carl Lawson, Michael Johnson, and Sam Hubbard, the Bengals will be hard to keep off the quarterback. The middle of the defense still needs some work with the linebacking core as they need to figure out how to deal with the absence of Vontaze Burfict. But was an overall very solid showing against the Bears offense.

5 THINGS TO WATCH AGAINST DALLAS

1) The most important thing I will be watching for this weekend will be the linebacker play. Dallas has a very good run game with both Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. Last week we saw the linebackers make a few mistakes against the run. If they can show improvement and hold Prescott and Elliot on the ground, it will be a very encouraging sign. The Bengals have to see better play from their linebackers without Vontaze Burfict on the field.

2) My eyes will again be on Tyler Boyd and John Ross as I continue to see if they can step up and add to this offense like people expect them too. I’m excited to see them more involved and hope they can get some confidence going against a weak Cowboys secondary.

3) The offensive line is something to watch for every week during preseason. The Bengals offensive line coach previously coached the offensive line for Dallas, so it will be interesting to see what his line can do against his former team. The line will have their hands full with Demarcus Lawrence and the rest of the Cowboys line. Both the starting right guard and right tackle spots are still up for grabs, so there should be some great battles to watch in the trenches.

4) Jeff Driskel has passed Matt Barkley on the depth chart and should be the second quarterback to see the field. Driskel should see a little tougher competition this week so be sure to keep an eye on how he handles the new competition.

5) The last thing to watch for is rookie safety Jesse Bates. Bates challenged George Iloka for playing time last week. Bates is still a rookie learning the game and did not have any highlight plays against the Bears but showed a lot of upside with his awareness and quickness. The Bengals are usually slow to give rookies playing time, so for Bates to see the field as early as he did is a very telling sign for the rookie.

Game: Bengals (1-0) at Dallas Cowboys (0-1)

Date/Time: August 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. EST

Location: AT&T Stadium

Last Matchup: 10/09/16 – Dallas 28 Cincinnati 14

Odds: Bengals, +3 (Odds Shark)

Thanks for reading, be sure to follow me on Twitter @Pierson242FF for your latest Bengals news. Be sure to tweet any Bengals or general football questions or comments my way.