Cincinnati Bengals: They Need to Ride the Offense
The Cincinnati Bengals defense has been one of the worst in the NFL. Even with the addition of Wallace Gilberry, the Bengals offense is what could lead this team to it’s sixth straight playoff appearance.
If you listen to Men in Stripes, you are no stranger to my criticism of Paul Guenther and this Bengals defense. Domata Peko causing penalties and the need for veterans to step up, like Carlos Dunlap or Geno Atkins. So far, we have not seen this defense play inspired and last week was the first time we saw a blitzing defense.
The Bengals offense however has been a different story. In every game they have been in past the third quarter, this offense has been the big reason. The Bengals offense has averaged 395.4 yards per game, which is sixth in the NFL, Andy Dalton has thrown for 275 yards per game, fifth in the NFL.
The issue comes when the Bengals offense was not very good in the red zone. So far in 2016, the Bengals are 52% in red zone attempts for touchdowns. They were 65% in efficiency in 2015 for red zone attempts for touchdowns. If the Bengals convert 65%, they win against the Steelers and even compete against Dallas.
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A.J. Green has been the best receiver in the NFL so far this season, and definitely one of the most consistent. He has averaged 112 yards per game, although he only has three touchdowns. He is averaging 15.2 yards per catch, and Richard Sherman even went as far to say he is one of the toughest to defense.
The run game between Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard has been inconsistent. The 120.2 yards per game still ranks sixth in the NFL. Hill has five touchdowns and Bernard has two on the ground and one through the air. This team is still very much balanced, but needs help to win games.
The Bengals offense should have little to be embarrassed about over the past few game offensively. I have been critical of Ken Zampese, but it seems like his system is starting to click. Can the defense make a stop or two to give them a chance in the second half of the season? We will have to wait and see.