Game Narrative This Week

[*SHRacerX*]

(01-20-2023, 04:54 PM)BillsGuy1986 Wrote: Hello my friends,

This is a weird game to predict in that the two teams are in different spots than they were on Jan 2nd. The sentiment around this game confuses me a bit.

1. Is the absence of three potential starting linemen of the Bengals being overblown? Obviously, there will be an impact, but Burrow gets the ball out an average of 2.4 seconds, which is second fastest in the NFL only to Tom Brady. That should mitigate the pass blocking weakness quite a bit. As far as run-blocking, the Bills have steadily improved recently but who knows what Mixon will be able to accomplish since the Dolphins were injured at RB.

2. The Bengals D-line is formidable and the Bills O line was a massive disappointment against the Dolphins. Allen held on to the Ball too long against the Dolphin' s blitz last week. If the Bengals get pressure with 4 I don't know if the Bills can overcome the challenge since Allen has been playing too much Hero ball.

3. I believe the Bengals were on pace to smoke the Bills on Jan 2nd. Taron Johnson was our best player against the Dolphins and he got knocked out with a concussion Jan 2nd which completely threw the defense into disarray. Bills D play base Nickle because Taron Johnson is an uncharacteristically great run defender and nickle corner. He is back and healthy. Tre White is also playing better although Chase embarrassed him on the Bengal's opening drive Jan 2nd.

My Prediction: A surprising defensive struggle for at least the first half. I think whoever gets a big special teams play or key turnover will end up winning the game.

Its too bad this is the divisional round, I think both teams are better than Kansas City and maybe the Eagles. I also hope Carl Cheffers doesn't insert himself into the game. Appreciate any Bengals fan's takes on my comments. Good Luck Sunday.

I think all that you said is fairly accurate.  I have a strange feeling that the Bengals run game, with Mixon, Perine, and maybe even Tayveon Williams will have  a huge impact on the game.  Want to help the line get settled?  Run the ball effectively.  That will also open up play action and some deep shots.  If the Bills aren't playing cover 2 deep all game, I am sure the Bengals will get their shots.  Joe will hold it even if he is going to get lit up.  He knows it is win or go home, and that dude knows how to win.  

My biggest concern with the Bills is Dawson Knox.  I know he isn't the threat that Diggs is right now, but without Flowers, the Bengals can't put a LB on him as they will be focused on stopping the run and a rushing Allen.  

The Bills are the one team that if the Bengals lose to, I won't be pissed.  Not that I feel they should beat everyone, but I am just sick of KC and tired of hearing about Brock Purdy.  Buffalo is my third fav team behind the Lions and might be second after the way they came together after the near tragic play  for Damar.  

To your point, officiating scares the hell out of me.  We have seen bogus, phanton, or non-calls that decided games.  It feels like the NFL wants Allen/Mahomes at all costs.  I hppe the Bengals give Goodell a nice, big shitburger to eat.