How the Bengals beat the Broncos.
The Cincinnati Bengals are still alive but with no margin for error.
Here is what they need to do to beat the Denver Broncos in Week 17.
Josh Newton
Rookie cornerback Josh Newton has looked good, but young cornerbacks always have ups and downs. He has not been challenged in the last few weeks, but the Broncos have a talented young passer in Box Nix and a very good receiver in Courtland Sutton. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo must take steps to protect Newton, and the rookie must be on his game this week.
Don’t Be Out-Coached
The Bengals’ embattled coaching staff has to step up this week.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph are both well-respected in the league and have done an admirable job of getting Denver into playoff contention. Zac Taylor has got to call a great game and not leave any points on the field. Lou Anarumo has got to get his defense to continue to produce turnovers the way they have in recent weeks.
Health Up Front
Orlando Brown Jr. will be back, and that is good news for Joe Burrow. He may be Superman, but we don’t need to see him flying around making touchdown throws. Let’s keep Burrow upright and clean in the pocket. Give him time and let him cook.
Explosive Plays
The Bengals have a wealth of playmakers on offense. They need explosive plays out of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, and Chase Brown to demoralize the Broncos and put this game away.
Eyes on the Prize
We all know what needs to happen for the Bengals to go to the playoffs. It’s fine for us as fans to sit around and discuss the scenarios from “there is no way this team will lose” to “that team will rest their starters,” but the Bengals can only think about this game. They have to be focused and execute to get the win and everything else will fall into place.
