Bengals Winners and Losers vs. Jaguars

Nov 2, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety George Iloka (43) intercepts the ball during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Jacksonville 33-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Loser: Takeaways

The Bengals could’ve secured the win much earlier in the game yesterday had they taken advantage of the several turnovers they gave away.  It’s a problem that the defense has struggled with all year and will need to correct going forward.

Yesterday, the Bengals dropped three potential interceptions.  Emmanuel Lamur had two opportunities at interceptions himself.  One was at the end of the first half on a pass intended for Cecil Shorts III.  The second was again intended for Shorts near the end of the third quarterback.  Terence Newman dropped the final interception on a pass intended for Allen Hurns at the end of the first half.  Had Newman caught the ball, the Bengals could’ve potentially ended the half with some additional points as the Bengals would’ve taken over around the Jaguars 30-yard-line.

Terence Newman in particular has struggled with dropped interceptions throughout the year.  He dropped one against the Ravens in Week Eight.  This after dropping what would’ve been a sure-fire pick six against the Tennessee Titans earlier on this year.  Newman has had a largely successful 2014, but if he had three interceptions and a touchdown, his year would be considered fantastic.

The Bengals have given away far too many opportunities at turnovers this year.  It hasn’t effected them negatively yet, but with the Bengals facing a difficult second half of the season, they will need to take advantage of every turnover opportunity.  So often fans hear coaches and players refer to the “turnover battle” being the difference in games.  If the Bengals are to win more of these battles going forward, they’ll need to make the most of these turnover opportunities.