Week 11 Grades: Bengals at Saints
Nov 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) tries to elude New Orleans Saints defensive end Brandon Deaderick (95) in the first quarter of their game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The first question I had watching Sunday’s game was, is this the same team that lost to the Browns just 10 days ago? The answer is yes, but a much more inspired and desperate team to make sure week five through week 7 wasn’t repeated. The second and final question was, where has this team been hiding? That has yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure, they can’t afford to go back into hiding. Here are our week 11 grades for your Cincinnati Bengals.
Quarterback: A
The only knock I have against him this week was one or two bad throws, but nobody is ever going to be 100% perfect. He had a QBR of 143.9 in this game and went 16 for 22 and 220 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was very effective and efficient. If he can figure out how to carry this over to the rest of the year, the Bengals will be very dangerous on Offense.
Running Backs: A+
The only thing better than watching an accurate Andy Dalton, is a determined Jeremy Hill. He returned home to Louisiana on Sunday looking to prove that he can get the job done and did he ever. He had 27 carries for 152 yards and the only thing he didn’t do was score. He continued to expose holes in the Saints defense and he made the most of the second level break away runs. Including a 62 yard run that looked like it could have gone all the way at the end of the first half. Rex Burkhead did little in the run game but contributed from the backfield for 3 targets and the second most receiving yards against the Saints.
Wide Reciever: A-
AJ Green capped a great 127 yards day with 1 touchdown that was upheld during a review. Looking good for a group that was just blanketed 10 days before. Mohammed Sanu made a little noise but not much to push the grade to the top.
Tight Ends: A-
Jermaine Gresham had the only almost disaster moment when he fumbled the ball at the one but then recovered his own fumble for the score and then scored again in the 3rd quarter. He has been much better in the more recent weeks, outside of the Brown’s whopping on Thursday Night Football.
Offensive Line: A
Only one blemish in a spectacular performance by this offense. They kept Any Dalton clean for most of the game. They opened up running lanes for Jeremy Hill that gave him numerous opportunities to break loose. The best of all they gave Dalton time!!!