5 ways the Bengals can bounce back for week 14 vs 49ers
By Josh Miller
Smarter Personnel Decisions
It is a question that still irks me, and will until I know he is okay. That question is thorough and clear — “WHY IS LOGAN WILSON ON SPECIAL TEAMS?” There is no reason in my mind for him to be out there. That is dancing with the Devil, and Zac Taylor is leading.
The decision to keep Wilson on the field during punts has come back to bite Cincy right where it hurts, as Wilson had to be carted off after suffering a shoulder injury. I understand that Markus Bailey was a little banged up, but put a fan in before risking the quarterback of the defense. This cannot happen again.
Another personnel decision that still squanders me to this day is the continual return to throwing to Drew Sample. I believe he is good for the offensive scheme, but not for catching passes. What I believe the Bengals should do more of is keeping him at H-back and as a pass-blocking running back.
Samaje Perine has not been good enough in blitz pickup. It might be time to change it up in the backfield. If Chris Evans can be back for Sunday, Taylor will need to get him more and more involved.
Start with your Best Game, Don’t Build Up to it
The Bengals have only scored on their starting possession twice this season and both resulted in wins. Cincinnati did the exact opposite against the Chargers, though. Starting down 24-0 isn’t going to win you many games.
However, once the Bengals stopped the bleeding, they clawed their way all the way back into contention. While this showed how resilient this team is, the debt became insurmountable. The schedule is only going to get harder and harder. You can’t do this against the Chiefs, against the Ravens, and heck, against the Browns!
Once blood is in the water, those teams are coming for the kill shot.