Cincinnati Bengals: Keys to the Game vs. Chiefs
Sep 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) picks up a Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) fumble and runs for a touchdown at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals will play host to arguably the best 1-2 team in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are desperate to not fall behind the Denver Broncos by three games. This means that they will need a big week and with Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles running the offense, it isn’t out of the realm of possibilities.
The Bengals however will look to start their season 4-0, something they have not done since the 2005 season, under Carson Palmer. They will need to be stronger on defense in the second half and take care of business on offense if they expect to win. Here is Stripe Hype’s three keys to the game.
Key to the Game: #1 Limit Turnovers
The Bengals must limit the turnovers, which seems pretty obvious. Last week, a sack fumble almost ended up costing them dearly. It was a key turning point of the game in week three, plus controlling the ball and the clock will be keys in a big week four win, which turnovers kill.
Key to the Game: #2 Balanced Offense
If the Bengals want to get Jeremy Hill back on track, they will need to open up the running game with a balanced passing attack. They have a number of weapons in the passing game with A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, and Tyler Eifert, who is looking for redemption after a no reception, interesting overturned incompletion that would have been a touchdown. Giovani Bernard has found way but Jeremy Hill needs a solid game to return his confidence level to where it was at the end of last season.
Key to the Game: #3 Second Half Defense
I had people telling me not to jump off the deep end of defensive failure just yet, and I haven’t even come close to the edge. I am concerned about the play late in games but it will take more than close calls to pull my hair out in frustration. FYI, Just ask Steelers fans about Thursday night if you want that. They can’t however think the Dalton can do this week in and week out over a 16 game season though. If they can hold off teams all game, it will drive less fans crazy, especially in a home game against a mediocre road team.
The Kansas City Chiefs will be a real test in week four when Sunday rolls around. The Bengals will need get a jump on them early, like Green Bay did on Monday Night Football, and Bengals fans will be able to breath a sigh of relief heading into the match up against the defending NFC Champs in week five.