The Good, the Bad and The Ugly of Cincinnati’s Wild Card loss to San Diego
Wow. I thought this year was different. This team was built to win in the playoffs, and despite Marvin and Dalton’s playoff track record, I thought this year would be different. I did not expect to be writing this article after this week.
Jan 5, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (42) runs the ball during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers during the AFC wild card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
The Good
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
One of just two Bengals players that played well on Sunday was BJGE (8 carries for 42 yards; 5.3 YPC), which begs the question of why Gruden did not use him more…especially on 3rd and 1 on their second drive of the game.
Marvin Jones
When no one seemed willing to step up, the Bengals second year #2 receiver did. With 8 catches for 130 yards, Jones now has 11 catches for 164 yards and one 100+ yard receiving day in 2 playoff games.
That is 2 less catches, 33 more yards and 1 more 100+ yard day than Green has in 3 playoff tries. Most notably was his 49 yard catch down the sideline on a nice throw by Dalton. Jones has turned into a very nice #2 receiver this year.