Here come the big power rankings jumps for the Cincinnati Bengals.
After throttling the Texans in Houston to move to 2-0, Joe Burrow and the Bengals have provided the proof onlookers need to see in order to jump them up the rankings.
The Athletic
Over at The Athletic, Josh Kendall and Chad Graff throw the Bengals up to No. 7, a full seven-spot jump, spotlighting rookie defensive end Cashius Howell.
“The second-round defensive end is part of a defensive line renaissance in Cincinnati,” Kendall and Graff wrote. “Along with Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen, Howell is helping change the complexion of the Bengals defense, which is eighth in the league in pressure percentage (39.2 percent), according to TruMedia. Howell played 41 snaps Sunday and had
a game-sealing pressure on C.J. Stroud.”
Sports Illustrated
Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated has the Bengals going from No. 13 to No. 6 this week, writing that this isn’t even the best Burrow’s team will be this year.
“What I think is the most encouraging aspect of Cincinnati's two-game winning streak to start the season is that the Bengals beat the Buccaneers and Texans, have a negative EPA per play on offense and defense, and have an offensive success rate under 40%,” Orr wrote. “We have not seen anything close to peak Bengals right now and—as I light several bundles of sage—I pray the team remains averse to the kind of injury witchcraft that normally derails its season.”
CBS Sports
Pete Prisco at CBS Sports has the Bengals up four spots this week, landing them fourth overall: “The defense has been much improved, which is why they are up this high. Joe Burrow hasn't even gotten it going yet.”
Bleacher Report
Another huge jump for the Bengals here, with B/R Staff moving them from No. 14 to No. 8, citing the defense as the major driver.
Brent Sobleski wrote: “As a result, quarterback Joe Burrow is more comfortable knowing he doesn't need to be perfect in order for his team to win games.”
Pro Football Talk
Small writeup, but Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk has the Bengals up from No. 7 to No. 3 this week: “Joe Burrow can’t keep taking these kinds of beatings.”
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals finally have power rankings taking them seriously
