Bengals: Five keys to victory over the Chargers in week one

Win the turnover battle

In the NFL, winning the turnover battle is a major key to coming away with a win. For the Bengals on Sunday, things will be no different. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s unit will need to get the ball more than the Chargers’ defense if the Bengals are going to start the season 1-0.

Chargers’ quarterback Tyrod Taylor rarely throws interceptions, but the Bengals will have to change that on Sunday. With ball hawks like Jessie Bates III and Darius Phillips in the Bengals’ secondary, all it will take is a mistake or two for Taylor to throw an out-of-character interception.

However, if Taylor’s safe passing is as advertised, the Bengals’ new-look-defense will have to find other ways to get the ball. Offseason addition Vonn Bell could lead the way for the Bengals, the former New Orleans Saint recovered 5 fumbles in 2019, the highest total in the NFL.

The Bengals defense struggled to get turnovers in 2019, totaling only 16 on the season. That aside, they have added a slew of new faces to the defense. D.J. Reader, Josh Bynes, Mackensie Alexander, talented rookie linebackers, and the previously mentioned Bell will all play a part in changing the Bengals’ turnover woes.

While the defense had one of the lowest turnover rates in the NFL in 2019, they will have to buck that trend in their opener to come away with a win. It may be a tall task for a crew that has had past difficulties with turnovers, but with a lot of new faces on the defense, Anarumo could get it done.

If the Bengals can be safe with the ball on offense and get a turnover or two on defense, it could be the difference in what will likely be a close defensive game.