The Cincinnati Bengals hit the bye week at 3-2, but the feeling coming from Paycor Stadium is that they should be even better.
Hence, Joe Burrow firing off little warnings and messages to his locker room.
All things considered, the Bengals are still in a pretty good spot before exiting the bye for an AFC North bout with the Baltimore Ravens. But if they don’t address a few key issues, they’ll exit the break predictable and struggle.
Chase Brown, Samaje Perine usage
It is what it is on this front. Even coaches are talking this week about the combo of Chase Brown and Samaje Perine and what that might look like after the bye. Brown has struggled for a few reasons, while Perine has feasted when given the chance, especially in shotgun looks.
The reality? Perine seems to fit the passing
attack better right now from the traditional role. Brown is a superb chess piece as a receiver and capable of moving around to the slot. Maximizing a solid running game with Perine will help the most right now, especially with…
Joe Burrow’s offense changing
Bengals coaches won’t say much on this front, obviously. But one can feel the team sort of shrugging its collective shoulders and being willing to go back to more of the shotgun-based attack despite spending a chunk of the offseason installing under-center looks. It’s just not as effective. There are lots of reasons, chief among them the install and overall coaching staff, but they need to stick with their roots and what gives them the best chance to win.
Jordan Battle and Kyle Dugger
Tired of hearing about tackling and angles and explosive plays allowed? The biggest suspects are the usual ones, unfortunately. Jordan Battle had two interceptions before the bye, but it was an anomaly against an 0-5 team. The film still shows basic issues tackling, hence ranking 68th out of 96 safeties at PFF. When healthy, it feels like time to get veteran Kyle Dugger out there next to Bryan Cook.
Darrin Simmons’ special teams
What happened to Darrin Simmons’ unit? The man who has been around since 2003 and is even the assistant head coach has a unit that is simply lacking right now. Ill-advised returns, a cut returner already, a horrid blocked-punt call that resulted in roughing that cost them a game…it’s been a mess.
Simmons’ strength has long been being consistently strong enough to be an afterthought as the third phase, in a good way. Now it’s popping up as a problem and, whatever it is, needs to be fixed fast.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 4 things Bengals need to fix during bye week
