Now the true test begins

[*ochocincos*]

(11-21-2022, 11:40 AM)Crazyjdawg Wrote: This is when we learn what this team is made of. 

In a sane world, we'll be able to beat Cleveland, Tompa Bay, New England and Baltimore at the minimum, which would put us at 10-7 and hopefully in the playoffs. But I think this team, and especially this offense, is fully capable of going toe to toe with Tennessee, KC and Buffalo (likelihood of winning in descending order, respectively).

It is really good that our toughest match ups, including both divisions games, will be at home. That may end up being the difference in a few of them.

This team is trending way up and currently looks like the 2nd or maybe 3rd best offense in the entire NFL (behind KC and maybe Miami or Buffalo). Joe Burrrow is playing incredibly and the coaches have been designing and calling good game plans.

Chase coming back either next week or the following week may end up being the X factor we need to really take off into the stratosphere. 

The next 7 weeks will either be exhilarating or terribly depressing. I'm hoping for the former :) .

While they've put up yards and points, keep in mind who they played since the Ravens game...all teams with losing records, most with bad defenses.
ATL - 27th in points allowed
NO - 25th in points allowed
CLE - 31st in points allowed
CAR - 20th in points allowed
PIT - 26th in points allowed

TEN, BUF, TB, NE, and BAL are all Top 10 in Points Allowed currently.

Score on these teams and it will be more impressive than scoring on teams who are 20th or worse in Points Allowed.
Chase back should help in that department though (hopefully).