Despite sliding down a few spots in league-wide NFL power rankings after a road loss to the Pittsburgh Steelersin Week 3, the Cincinnati Bengals ended September with a 2-1 record.
Slow starts have plagued the Bengals in recent seasons, and they were able to keep pace with the rest of the AFC North through the first month of the regular season as the Baltimore Ravens
, Cleveland Browns and Steelers have also started 2-1.USA TODAY's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz dished out September grades for each NFL team.
The Bengals were one of six teams to receive a "B." They were joined by the Ravens, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Steelers.
Middlehurst-Schwartz on
the Bengals:
"The feel-good vibes surrounding Cincinnati's reloaded defense dissipated after the unit reverted to some of its previous lethal habits in a loss to the Steelers. Dexter Lawrence's dominant play up front and the ramped-up pass rush give the unit the chance to create substantial disruption week in and week out, which could cover for some shortcomings. But the coverage busts that crippled the group early last year resurfaced and could significantly impede this year's progress. The offense is yet to fully find its footing, too, but it could be headed for takeoff once it disposes of the penalties and self-inflicted mistakes that have been holding it back."
The Bengals' Week 4 opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, were one of three teams to receive a "B+" with Middlehurst-Schwartz pointing out that Jacksonville is the only team to rank top 5 in EPA (expected points added) on offense and defense.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Check out Bengals' grade by USA TODAY after 2-1 start
