All the talk around week one for the Cincinnati Bengals was about how well their defense played during the 33-27 win against Tampa Bay. However, the offense had a good game too. Apart from Joe Burrow's loose interception, there was a lot to like about the Cincy offense on Sunday.
However, the offensive production didn't come from the expected destinations of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins; it was instead tight end Mike Gesicki who was the real breakout star in week one. The former Patriots and Dolphins tight end recorded five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown against the Bucs.
Gesicki proved to be a reliable weapon for Burrow over the weekend, consistently open while the Bucs secondary focused on Higgins and Chase. The majority of his production came from running seam routes where Burrow was able to easily find him in stride down the middle of the field, something that could become a really handy weapon as the season progresses.
Gesicki can have another huge game against the Texans
Heading into Week 2, there is a lot to say for Gesicki replicating his week one breakout, and putting up huge numbers against a tough Houston Texans defense. Firstly, whilst strong, the Texans defense showed that they can be vulnerable in week one.
It is just one game, but Houston really struggled to contain Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid, who ended up putting up 130 yards in total. Seeing as Kincaid managed to go that hard in the season opener, why can't Gesicki have a similar type of performance?
Secondly, Ja'Marr Chase is likely to be locked down for a lot of the game. He'll line up against former LSU teammate and back-to-back first-team All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr., who could make life a lot harder for the oft-dynamic combo of Burrow and Chase.
Thirdly, the Texans are having somewhat of an injury crisis in the middle of the field. Linebacker Henry To'oTo'o is out with a shoulder injury, and Jake Hummel is doubtful with a groin issue. If both of them miss Week 2, the linebacker group will be significantly weaker, likely boosting the Bengals' chances for short completions over the middle, which is exactly where Gesicki thrives.
With all that in mind, there is no reason why the Bengals tight end can't follow up his Week 1 breakout with another big game at Houston, and that bodes very well for this Bengals offense.
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