There are intriguing subplots in the Cincinnati Bengals’ second game of 2021.
As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare to face off against the Chicago Bears, one must keep in mind that there are several individual matchups that could tip the scales in each teams’ favor. Still, in the end, the hope is that the Bengals come out on top.
Let’s take a moment and examine a few of the more intriguing subplots.
Lou Anarumo vs. Justin Fields
One of the most important one-on-one matchups the Bengals must win is Lou Anarumo versus Justin Fields. The Bengals’ defensive coordinator must be prepared for the change of pace that Fields gives the Bears’ offense. Cincinnati has historically been subpar versus dual-threat quarterbacks.
Yes, Andy Dalton is capable of picking up a 3rd and 6 with a seven-yard scramble, but he isn’t the mobile threat that Fields is.
Anarumo must come up with a package to hold Fields in check. It cannot look like the Bengals’ defense has been caught off guard. Hopefully, they won’t have to change much. Their defensive front should be able to do the trick.
Maybe a simple tweak will suffice, replacing the defensive ends with two linebackers while keeping the same formations for instance. Whatever the plan is, It will be a challenge to have the Bengals’ defense ready for Fields and the change of pace, but for Bengals fans everywhere the rallying cry is ‘In Anarumo we trust.’