If Cincinnati Bengals fans think the recent acquisition of Jadeveon Clowney isn’t a game-changer, then you’ll feel foolish on Sunday afternoon. He will make an impact. More important, is what does the Bengals offense do to offset what could be a long day for Dalton?
Without question, Zac Taylor will have to account for Clowney and what will be relentless pressure from Pete Carroll’s defense. If he has a game plan that has any resemblance of what he was a part of in Los Angeles, expect a lot of motion and Dalton NOT under center.
Taylor will have to work to keep his quarterback out of harm’s way. Motion and a lot of Mixon catching the ball out of the backfield will help to keep the Seahawks pass rush honest.
Additionally, Bengals fans will find out how good the Cincinnati pass-catchers will be. Auden Tate, John Ross, and newest discovery Damion Willis will have to hit the ground running and make an impact in Week 1. Any chance of an upset victory in the Pacific Northwest will require one of those three to have earned a game ball for their effort.
Beating the Seahawks and the vaunted 12th Man is no easy task. The Bengals will need a Herculean effort on offense to earn a Week 1 victory in a city few NFL teams do.