It’s worth noting that a lot still has to play out in Week 3 for all the teams in the AFC North. While Baltimore is the class of the division, it’s by virtue of beating a tanking Miami Dolphins team and a Cardinals team who isn’t quite sure who they are just yet. Additionally, those who think the Browns are a disaster waiting to happen, keep waiting. Cleveland has issues, but they are also a team closer to the top than the bottom.
For those who think Week 3 isn’t all that, I’d urge them to take a look at the schedule. Losing to Buffalo isn’t a death sentence, but it’s pretty close. Further, a win at Pittsburgh simply based on no Big Ben is remarkably arrogant, even for the most die-hard of fans.
Don’t get caught thinking A.J. Green solves everything either. You can make a very reasonable argument that over two weeks, Green is expendable. I mean, does a healthy Green win that game in Week 2? The Bengals didn’t need another passing yard as much as they needed a run game. If Zac Taylor can work Green into the rushing attack, then again, maybe.
Odds are whatever Bengals team fans see play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday is the real team for 2019. Another loss means Taylor has his hands full trying to navigate a schedule that gets tougher in October, November, and December.
Week 3 is critical. The Cincinnati Bengals need a win not just to salvage the 2019 season, but to validate what is looking more and more like a hoax in Seattle, and to have a chance at anything other than last place in the AFC North.