StripeHype
FanSided

Cincinnati Bengals: Damian’s Three Stars of the Week

By Damian Parson

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter during their game at CenturyLink Field on September 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter during their game at CenturyLink Field on September 08, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Cincinnati Bengals lost a close game against the Seattle Seahawks to open their 2019 campaign. After the dust has cleared from Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season, here are my stars of the week for the Cincinnati Bengals.

John Ross

John Ross was the topic of my piece last week and he is off to a good start as far as reaching my bold predictions for him this season. Ross came out with a bang. Andy Dalton targeted the third year wideout twelve times, which led the team on Sunday.

Zac Taylor seemed comfortable with the toys at his disposal. He used an array of alignments and route combinations to give Ross the best opportunities possible. Ross finished the game with seven receptions for 158 yards and two touchdowns. He was an easy call to be one of my stars this week.

Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton shined bright during Cincinnati’s tough loss. Factor in not having A.J. Green, Cordy Glenn and losing Joe Mixon during the earlier portion of the contest, Dalton carried the offense on his back. Dalton finished second in the NFL is passing attempts with 51 behind Kyler Murray for week one and led the league in yards. Lacking a running game on the road is not ideal for any quarterback.

Related Story. Cincinnati Bengals: One hidden statistic that hurt in Seattle. light

Regardless of the handicaps, Dalton was able to find success and rhythm with  his speedster, Ross. The Bengals wouldn’t have been in this game without the performance of the Red Rifle. A healthy Dalton is a capable and underrated quarterback and this won’t be his last big time performance of 2019.

Sam Hubbard

The second year edge defender was a man on a mission Sunday afternoon.  Hubbard led the defense in tackles for loss (TFL), quarterback, hits, and sacks in Seattle. The former Buckeye finished his rookie season with six sacks while playing 81% of the defensive snaps.

Hubbard is building a case to receive more defensive snaps as the season progresses. He exhibited discipline, quickness, and strength during his season debut. If this level of play is sustained, he can become an every down starter in this league.

Home/Bengals News