How to Improve Immediately

[Joelist]

If your linemen are constantly having communication and coordination issues (like they are) and constantly backpedaling then the odds are the blocking scheme is defective. The problem has been the weird infatuation of the Bengals with reactive zone blocking schemes the past roughly three seasons. Linemen need to be aggressive to succeed, and this scheme forces them into playing tentatively.

Right now they need to junk the blocking scheme and go to a much simplified drive blocking scheme up front. Get the line flying off the snap and engaging the defense instead of waiting for defenders. Stop using toss plays for Mixon and instead run him power style inside, with Sample or an extra lineman in FB mode. Yes they will get atuffed some but the key is to get the line on the same page and get them attacking.