Cincinnati Bengals: Week 6 Grades

Oct 12, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) stiff arm Carolina Panthers outside linebacker A.J. Klein (56) in overtime at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals and the Panthers tie in overtime 37-37. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals defense seemed to have their hands full and they allowed just as many points as the Bengals scored. The game resulted in a 37-37 tie and well if you haven’t heard, Mike Nugent is waking up Monday with a media storm headache from his missed OT field goal. Here are the grades from Sunday’s game:

Bengals Offense: B+

Andy Dalton look as if he forgot his training with 2 picks but it was hard to get mad about a 320 yards through the air and just as many touchdowns as interceptions. It was also hard to complain about Bernard’s 137 yard performance on the ground, including an 89 yard TD run. The problem wasn’t in the offense, in fact you could argue they were nearly perfect, outside of turnovers and one sack. Offense was not the problem.

Bengals Defense: D+

They had 1 interception, they allowed 431 total yards, including 147 on the ground. They looked almost as confused at times this week like last. They allowed the Panthers to go 2-2 on fourth downs. An illegal contact penalty on 3^rd and 10 in overtime that kept a drive going. It was just a mess. They allowed 37 points and seemed to have no answers for a decent offense. It was not a good game at all for the Bengals defense. I also did a late deduction for Adam Jones opening his mouth and placing blame on Mike Nugent. Mr. Jones, do your job and the game doesn’t go to overtime!

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Bengals Special Teams: C

Yes, Mike Nugent missed a winning field goal in OT. Yes, the Bengals failed to win the game into overtime on the offensive side settling for field goals. It was more than that though. It was a penalty by Darqueze Dennard which cost field position on a punt. It was the 139 return yards between kickoffs and punt returns.

Bengals Coaching: C

I give Hue Jackson a major nod here. They overcame adversity as they came back and had a very good offensive game after a non-existent one just a week ago. Paul Guenther needs to find a way to get this defense back to playing football. They have looked flat footed the past 2 weeks and heading into the heart of their schedule, they can’t afford it. I have said over and over again, the bend but not break philosophy is not going to work against playoff caliber teams and he has yet to find an answer. Marvin Lewis needs to start coaching and managing the team better if that doesn’t change.

Bengals Overall Grade: C+

It is hard to get mad at the offense, although to interceptions doesn’t help. It is easier to get angry at a kicker who is 64.7% on the year in made field goals. This team needs to find its way or it may be a long season with 11 weeks remaining.