Grading the Bengals Against the Tennessee Titans
Sep 21, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) dives for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Tennessee 33-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals earned a perfect 3-0 heading into the Week 4 bye after a big win against the Tennessee Titans. A huge win in many ways, it was the first time the Bengals started 3-0 since 2006, and set a franchise record 11 wins in a row at home. The Bengals were not perfect in all aspects of the game on Sunday but did make a large statement in the win. They are not giving away the division crown easily.
Bengals Offense: B+
The offensive line kept Dalton clean for the 3rd game in a row. Dalton threw his first interception of the season but on a tipped pass and made a receiving touchdown for 18 yards. The Bengals got 3 of the 4 touchdowns on the ground in the run game and was led by 2nd year running back Giovani Bernard. Hue Jackson’s offense has made a big difference in this team. The only stat that I can complain about is the overall yardage. It was dwarfed by the yards allowed on the other side of the ball.
Bengals Defense: B+
The defense proved once again that it’s bend but not break play is going to prove very dangerous for other teams, as they get frustrated settling for field goals and long fields. The Defense also made 2 very important interceptions. The second of the 2 was a drive killer, as it came off the tipped interception against Dalton and gave the Titans a very short field.
Bengals Special Teams: A-
Mike Nugent was perfect and it was very important coming off a very bad game against the Falcons. Kevin Huber had 4 punts and 3 of them were placed inside the 20, giving the Titans a very long field to work with. Overall great performance and great game.
Bengals Coaching: A
Hue Jackson and the Flea Flicker was the perfect example of this team’s ability to just have fun and love the game. Paul Guenther has taken a few early injuries on defense and continued to be consistent in the game plan even with Vontaze Burfict’s early exits and absence.
Overall Grade: A-
A few mistakes overall, but I don’t think many people can complain about a 33-7 victory at home.