Bengals Struggle Early in Tampa Bay

Nov 30, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs past Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Emmanuel Lamur (59) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Andy Dalton has three interceptions to his credit, the run defense has been the worst we have seen on the three game road trip. The Bengals have been successful in moving the ball down the field before the second interception killed that drive.

The Cincinnati Bengals will head into halftime with a 10-7 deficit ahead of them after Andy Dalton got some redemption after he got a 5 yard running touchdown. The Bengals offensive line has allowed Dalton to be sacked once and hit one other time. They have also allowed for 3 tackles for loss. They offense will need to keep Dalton clean and give him time. After a late turnover by Terrance Newman’s first interception of the season in Tampa Bay territory, Dalton made a poor choice for his third turnover.

The Bengals defense has struggled early letting an early field goal and then Doug Martin to score a touchdown on a 7 yard run. They marched 71 yards on the Bengals in that scoring drive and the field goal wasn’t on the defense as they allowed -5 yards but a turnover gave the Buccaneers a short field to take the early lead.

The Bengals will need to pick up the pace if they want to keep themselves a top of the AFC North and not fall to the Buccaneers as the Steelers did earlier in the season. Dalton will need to limit his mistakes and the Bengals will need to force at least one more turnover to give them a chance to win and escape Tampa with a perfect 3-0 road trip.