Cincinnati Bengals: 3 bold predictions for Week 9 vs Browns

Bengals Bold Predictions – Special teams do special things

What in the name of Brandon Tate has our return game become? It truly is a sad state of affairs when we as fans are just happy for five yards and no fumble on a punt return. Darrin Simmons is one of the best special team coaches in the league, so how does he adjust, or coach up his squad to get better results where the return game is involved?

Truthfully I don’t know. Brandon Wilson has shown flashes of brilliance as a kick returner in the past but has yet to come close to breaking anything significant this year. He is absolutely capable of breaking off a long return or a score.

Darius Phillips, on the other hand, has been absolutely awful as a punt returner. To say watching him tiptoe and dance and run east/west every return is frustrating, would understate the obvious. For Pete’s sake man, just run forward! Take a page from Pac-Man Jones’ book and just put your head down and get what is available.

So why am I optimistic something special will happen Sunday via special teams? Because this is a “bold predictions” article! What prediction could be bolder than predicting a special teams touchdown? Short of a week late visit by the great pumpkin, I’d say nothing.

Though considering the orange helmet situation at Paul Brown Stadium Sunday, a pumpkin sighting isn’t out of the question. I’m going way out on a limb, or vine if you please, and predicting a special teams touchdown that ultimately might be the difference in the game. My feeling is Wilson will hit, but would we complain either way? Probably not.

There you go kids, the absolute boldest of the bold, pumpkin-spiced flavored prediction. Ultimately the only thing that matters is getting a win so we can all enjoy the bye week in peace. Enjoy the Battle of Ohio!