The Cincinnati Bengals have long had an issue of seemingly calling off any sort of aggression despite having Joe Burrow and this offense at its disposal. There are examples of it working out. One was even in this game where Burrow tossed a touchdown to Mike Gesicki on 4th-and-1 just outside of the red zone. Yet they are unwilling to let an offense that has been cooking go and win the game. Instead they opt to try to pin the opponent deep.
This frustration was echoed by former Bengals tackle Andrew
Whitworth on his podcast FITZ and WHITZ:
“Here’s my philosophy: Give the ball back to Joe Burrow,” Whitworth said. “I don’t care if it’s on the 40. I don’t care if we’re on our own 10. Okay, Joe Burrow, get that offense on the field. I feel pretty good with a lead. Like they’re going to find a way to get some points. That moment there drove me crazy. Trying to do too much. We don’t need to steal a possession, we don’t need to block the punt and get short field. We drove up and down the field all day. Just get the ball back to Burrow and get off the grass. Get off the grass, get the possession, let’s go play.”
This all rings a bit true. Of course we are playing with hindsight here, but they let the defense really go out and win against the Houston Texans, why not let the offense win when it was on fire Sunday?
Bengals News
Quick Hits | Record-Holder Shayne Graham Pulling For Money Mac; Dex Eyes Jax
Dexter Lawrence talks about cutting down on penalties and mistakes that cost them Sunday. They allowed a few big runs on the game, but a bigger issue was getting guys down on contact. Too many times we saw runners shedding tackles or falling forward. All of that adds up as well. Some of the guys behind the defensive line need to toughen up.
‘You’ve Got To Try Something To Slow Me Down’ – Bengals DT Dexter Lawrence Weighs in on Steelers’ Leg Holds
There is always some shenanigans with the Steelers when they play the Bengals. At least one of the plays could have qualified as him being engaged with a blocker and another going low. Can’t wait for the Dexter Lawrence rule this offseason. And those dweebs had the audacity to mock his dance like they did something.
Bengals’ leaders agree on the fix: Move on, finish drives and trust the depth
The message is pretty simple. You aren’t the lowly Bengals trying to claw into the playoffs. People were talking up the defense after Week 2 around the league. You are going to get everyone’s best shot. You have to treat every opponent like it is do or die. You can’t waltz into Pittsburgh even when the Steelers are having an off year.
NFL News
Steelers-Browns on ‘Thursday Night Football’: What We Learned from Cleveland’s 27-24 win
The Browns are 3-1, and the offense is looking competent. They found a way to close out a close game against the Steelers. It really feels like this Week 3 loss is one we will come back to look on and wonder how it happened.
Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker, 49ers QB Brock Purdy highlight September Players of the Month
Evan McPherson wins AFC Special Teams player of the month. He leads the league with five field goals from 50 yards or more. He has been a very underrated weapon this year fans might take for granted.
NFL Week 4 picks: Upset and score predictions, matchup breakdowns for every game
Two experts took the Bengals out of five. This is a game could be a precursor to a possible playoff game down the line. Getting to 3-1 certainly would be nice as the schedule starts to open up with some easier opponents on the horizon. Two high powered offenses going at it. Look for turnovers and penalties to decide this one.
