10-15-2018, 09:24 AM
Bengals win 34-30.
I gave a more in-detph analysis of the game in my no chance thread.
Honestly, the only way I see a win being possible is if three things happen:
1. The Bengals consistently have long, sustained drives that end in at least 3 points.
2. The defense adopts a bend but don't break philosophy that's successful in limiting the big throws/plays and makes crucial stops in the red zone.
3. Our entire D-line rebounds from Sunday and actually stops the run for once this season.
Point 1 can happen if Dalton and co come ready to play. This is the most likely of the 3 to happen. After that there's a big dropoff though.
Point 2 won't happen for a whole 60 minutes I don't see the secondary minus Dennard keeping the deep routes in check the entire game. WJII can do his job. Dre can do his as long as he's not Dre Craptastic. Our weakest link will be Mcrae who frankly, just isn't that good. Gone are the days where our secondary call roll with anyone.
There's zero chance of point 3 happening, and this is where I predict things will be at their worst. 2 can't happen if Kareem Hunt is consistently making plays because it opens up the play action against a defense that (A), isn't afraid to blitz, and (B); has a below average linebacker core that looks to be even worse after Burfict gets the hammer (It will happen. We need to accept that).
I didn't mention stopping the tight ends because I think everyone knows that just ain't happening. It hasn't when we've had better LB groups and it's not going to happen when we've arguably fielded the worst LB group we've had in years.
So with all this said, you're probably wondering why I have the Bengals winning a close game.
The answer is simple: Clutch plays.
The Bengals have a knack of staying within reach and making the plays needed to win. I expect highlight reel plays on offense and/or clutch turnovers putting us over the top.
Have faith. Bengals have done it a lot this year and I could totally see it happen against an Andy Reid team.
I gave a more in-detph analysis of the game in my no chance thread.
Honestly, the only way I see a win being possible is if three things happen:
1. The Bengals consistently have long, sustained drives that end in at least 3 points.
2. The defense adopts a bend but don't break philosophy that's successful in limiting the big throws/plays and makes crucial stops in the red zone.
3. Our entire D-line rebounds from Sunday and actually stops the run for once this season.
Point 1 can happen if Dalton and co come ready to play. This is the most likely of the 3 to happen. After that there's a big dropoff though.
Point 2 won't happen for a whole 60 minutes I don't see the secondary minus Dennard keeping the deep routes in check the entire game. WJII can do his job. Dre can do his as long as he's not Dre Craptastic. Our weakest link will be Mcrae who frankly, just isn't that good. Gone are the days where our secondary call roll with anyone.
There's zero chance of point 3 happening, and this is where I predict things will be at their worst. 2 can't happen if Kareem Hunt is consistently making plays because it opens up the play action against a defense that (A), isn't afraid to blitz, and (B); has a below average linebacker core that looks to be even worse after Burfict gets the hammer (It will happen. We need to accept that).
I didn't mention stopping the tight ends because I think everyone knows that just ain't happening. It hasn't when we've had better LB groups and it's not going to happen when we've arguably fielded the worst LB group we've had in years.
So with all this said, you're probably wondering why I have the Bengals winning a close game.
The answer is simple: Clutch plays.
The Bengals have a knack of staying within reach and making the plays needed to win. I expect highlight reel plays on offense and/or clutch turnovers putting us over the top.
Have faith. Bengals have done it a lot this year and I could totally see it happen against an Andy Reid team.
