Cincinnati Bengals: Five Players to Watch vs. the Titans

Sep 14, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) leaps over Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi (94) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Giovani Bernard

Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard became the star of the offense last week when A.J. Green left the game after re-aggravating a toe injury.  Bernard finished the game with 90 yards and a touchdown on the ground along with five catches for 79 yards and several highlight-reel plays.  He’s been an outstanding weapon for Andy Dalton when under pressure while also keeping the defense honest, which opens the field up for other offensive players.

This probably sounds familiar to another player within the Bengals’ offense, and it should.

The Bengals may find themselves without A.J. Green heading into this week’s match-up.  He often fills these aforementioned roles, so his absence will have serious implications both for Andy Dalton and the offense as a whole.  Bernard is the type of weapon that can fill this void seamlessly and, if Green sits out, he may have to do so this coming weekend.  His ability to play all over the field and move in motion can present match-up difficulties for the Titans’ linebackers if he is utilized correctly.  But what better mind than that of Hue Jackson’s to put the Titans’ linebackers in exploitive positions.

If the Bengals are to pull this game out while potentially missing so many weapons, they’ll need additional production from several different players.  Based on past Bengal games, no player will be more important than Giovani Bernard.