Bengals’ second season starts with win at Green Bay
By Emile Pierce
The Bengals have dug themselves an 0-2 hole. But, a strong showing against the Green Bay Packers could help right the ship.
Two games don’t make a season. But, the Cincinnati Bengals have experienced a year’s worth of disappointment in just two Weeks. The home opener against the Ravens was, to say the least, a disaster. Primetime against the NFL appointed rivals from Houston was a flop. The Texans escaped with another close win. But, all is not lost. The Bengals’ get to reboot the year in Week 3. A trip to Green Bay could get things going.
What’s the biggest problem with the Bengals this season? The offense is a dumpster fire that won’t quit burning. There, I said it. Hate me, if you must. But, the truth is often a bitter pill to swallow. Under the guidance of Ken Zampese, the Bengals offense never seemed to get untracked. The gory details? In two games, the Bengals offense has scored a whopping nine points. Man, those weapons are really gettin’ the job done.
There’s a rumor going around that Andy Dalton’s days are numbered. There’s also been recent talk about that quarterback from the Bay Area replacing him. Please. Drop the nonsense and just focus on what has to happen. Dalton is the franchise quarterback until Marvin Lewis is told to start AJ McCarron. Oops, that came out wrong. When Lewis and new OC Bill Lazor feel it’s necessary to make a move, it’ll happen.
That Old NFC Magic
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Believe it or not, the Packers may be just what the Bengals need to break out of this temporary funk. No. I’m not saying that Cincy is going to walk onto Lambeau Field and smash the Pack. But, history shows that there’s a decent amount of scoring done when the teams hook up. At this point, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. But, the Bengals and fans need something to get hyped over.
Per Bengals.com, in their seven wins (7-5) against the Packers, the offense is averaging 28.4 points. If the Bengals manage to score just half of that, Dalton will be given a parade through downtown Cincinnati.
The Orange & Black has a three-game winning streak against the Cheeseheads, including a close call in Green Bay. Does that mean Sunday’s game is a gimme for the Bengals? No, not at all. But, it does provide something to think about. Overall, the Bengals are 98-82-3 (.544) against the NFC. Meanwhile, they own a 246-328-1(.429) mark playing AFC teams. Maybe they should consider switching conferences.
Does this mean you can count on a win for Week 3? It’s an interesting way of looking at the situation, but it’ll take more than a few numbers to make this Bengals offense click.
New Beginnings
If nothing else, there should be a desire to win for nostalgic reasons. There’s history and pageantry surrounding the Packers. Additionally, Aaron Rodgers is a dangerous quarterback who doesn’t shy away from the spotlight. Being in primetime is nothing new to him. With the game being in the 4:30 EST slot, it will have a playoff feel.
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Lazor will be back in the saddle calling plays and this will be a chance to prove the season isn’t done. The Fat Lady hasn’t entered the building…yet. But, a disappointing loss at Lambeau could make her start warming up.