1st half observations (v.Cowboys)

[SunsetBengal]

Dallas' OL and front 7 are definitely upper tier, in the league. However that does not excuse the piss poor performance turned in by the Bengals' starting OL and front 7.

This team had two primary missions this offseason: Put together an actual NFL OL, and figure out how to stop the run and shut down a TE on defense. From what I saw last night, they still have a way to go on both fronts. I completely get the entire "sometimes you just line up against a better group, and they're going to win" perspective, but those were supposed to be points of emphasis. Sure, field position made it tough to look unpredictable, but sometimes you just have to execute the fundamentals better, and muscle your way out of a tight spot. As of right now? This offense cannot do that.

I will say this; Dallas starting units seem very tough and competitive, but man, if they get a couple injuries they are in trouble. They don't seem to have much depth, on either side of the ball.