The Bengals have started their season 0-2. The games have featured two polar opposite Cincinnati performances. Today’s opponent, the Buffalo Bills have began the season with road victories against both New York teams. Bengals victory at New Era Field is sure to be difficult. The following things are requirements for it to happen.
Keep Josh Allen in the pocket
The Buffalo quarterback has had a strong start to the season. Allen is very much a dual threat and already has a pair of rushing touchdowns this year. If the Bengals want to get to Allen, Sam Hubbard and Carlos Dunlap need huge games to keep Allen in the pocket and allow Geno Atkins to create havoc.
Control Cole Beasley
This may surprise you, but Beasley remains a solid slot receiver. This was established in his years in Dallas. With Darqueze Dennard and an already poor replacement in B.W. Webb both out at slot corner, the onus is left on Tony McRae and Darius Phillips. I for one, hope that it is the latter who sees the majority of the snaps.
Stop Buffalo’s depleted run game
Buffalo will be without Devin Singletary today. This leaves veteran Frank Gore to take the majority of the carries. The Bengals run defense last week can only be described as woeful. Improvements in this area from Nick Vigil and Preston Brown will be vital to force Josh Allen into making difficult throws.
An offensive line presence
So far this season, the Bengals have a grand total of 59 rushing yards – FIFTY-NINE! This is with a strong backfield in Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard. One of Buffalo’s strengths is their defensive interior with veteran Jerry Hughes and rookie Ed Oliver leading the line. If these stats are to improve, play across the line requires a stark improvement.
Big games from the tight ends
Having already allowed 9 sacks this season, even the most optimistic of Bengals fans knows the restrictions that come with a beaten up offensive line. Tight end is one of the stronger areas of the Bengals roster. C.J. Uzomah has recently been paid and Tyler Eifert being a known threat if he stays healthy. Short routes from the tight ends will be a solid way to negate the Bills pass rush and get the ball out of Andy Dalton’s hands quickly.