Positives, Negatives, and Notable Snap Counts from Bengals – Browns
By Jason Marcum
Sep 16, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back
Trent Richardson(33) stiff arms the Cincinnati Bengals cornerback
Nate Clements(22) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Browns 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE
On the Negative:
The Bengals have allowed their first two opponents to gain over 400 yards for the first since 1991 and only the second time since 1981.
They’ve given up 869 yards and 71 points. through two games, the most yards and points a Mike Zimmer coached defense has given up to start a season.
Through 2 games, the Buccaneers and Bengals are giving up more yards per play than any other team at 7.24 yards per play.
Browns RB Trent Richardson became the first Browns rookie to gain over 100 yards in a game against the Bengal since RB Lee Suggs did so in 2003.
Rookie WR Marvin Jones saw only 13 snaps Sunday, after getting only 10 against the Ravens, and has yet to record an NFL reception Marvin Lewis clearly isn’t ready to give Jones a lot of run yet. Some believe he could rise to the #2 receiver role ahead of Binns and Tate by the end of the year, but for now, he’s finding it hard to even get on the field.
And one final point on the defense, this might be the most disturbing one to see, courtesy of Joe Reedy:
And after going through 45 years of numbers, the 617 net passing yards are the most #bengals have given up in first two games
— Joe Reedy (@joereedy) September 17, 2012
On the Positive:
WR Brandon Tate’s 44-yard TD reception in the third quarter was his first since January 2, 2011 for the Patriots against the Dolphins.
The Bengals handed the Browns their 11th straight loss in the AFC North.
With Thomas Howard out, the one outside linebacker spot was occupied by Vincent Rey mostly, who saw 45/67 defensive snaps there. Rookie Vontaze Burfict was in for the other 22.
It appears Taylor Mays‘ days at strong safety may be over, as Jeromy Miles was in for 48 snaps there, while Mays saw 0 snaps while playing on special teams. It appears the script has been flipped finally, as Miles, the one-time special teams ace, now appears to have the starting strong safety role firmly in his grasp.
Adam Jones’ 81-yard punt return TD gave the Bengals a TD via punt return in two straight seasons for the first time since 1999-2000. Brandon Tate returned one 56 yards for the game-breaking TD last season on the road against the Seahawks.
Andy Dalton completed 24/31 pases for 318 yards and a career-high 10.26 yards per completion average.
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