Cincinnati Bengals: The Time to Win is Now or Never

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks down field during the second half against the Washington Redskins at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks down field during the second half against the Washington Redskins at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into their Monday night matchup against the New York Giants a game behind the Baltimore Ravens. A win will keep them at arm’s length, a loss could put them far outside looking in.

The Bengals are 3-4-1, as most of us know by now. The Ravens won their third divisional game and the Bengals are now looking at a win to keep the division close, a loss would drop them further out of contention.

The New York Giants come into week 10 at 5-3. The Bengals are 0-4-1 against teams above .500. They need a prime time win more than any other team in their division because let’s face it, the Browns are done and fighting for 1st overall pick.

Andy Dalton is seemingly better on the road, at least in his stats. The team as a whole is worse at 1-3 on the road. Dalton has five touchdowns, one interception, 104 completions for 1,255 yards passing, and 13 rushes for 65 yards. However, the receivers have lost both of their fumbles on the road in key turnovers.

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The rushing game has been terrible on the road, and because of playing from behind, less effective. Jeremy Hill, Giovani Bernard, and Andy Dalton have combined for 88 attempts for 319 yards, and an average of 3.6 yards per carry, and only two touchdowns.

The defense has been a whole different story on the road. They have recorded six of their 16 total sacks. They have had 15 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, and only one fumble recovery. Underperforming has been an issue for this Bengals defense, and it only was a glimpse of what was possible last week that got fans excited.

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The Bengals need to be better in the second half. They still have teams like the Eagles, Giants, Steelers, and Ravens (2x) all still on the schedule. It means they must win games that are close, and blow out teams, like the Browns, like they should. If they can find a way to win on Monday night, they will still be in full control of their destiny.