What I thought was going to happen on Sunday didn’t happen. It didn’t even come close, actually.
And I couldn’t be happier about it.
The Bengals came in riding a three-game losing streak, and even though Joe Flacco and the offense found a little rhythm in the second half against the Packers, what were the odds he’d keep it going against the Steelers’ defense? Slim to none — or so I thought.
I’m not often happily wrong, but I am this time.
After the Packers game, I said that if the Bengals could stack two halves the way they played the final two quarters in Green Bay, there wouldn’t be many teams they couldn’t beat. I just didn’t think they’d actually pull it off. I mean, it’s Cincinnati. How often do things really work out here?
I’m still worried about the defense. Without Trey Hendrickson, old man Aaron Rodgers sat in the pocket and extended plays like he was 15 years younger. When a defense lets a quarterback get that comfortable, he’s going to find somebody open.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden needs to figure out how to generate pressure without relying solely on Hendrickson. First-round rookie Shemar Stewart recorded just one hurry against the Steelers and posted a 7.1% win rate, compared to Joseph Ossai’s 14.8%. Myles Murphy, another former first-rounder, wasn’t much better at 8.7%. For context, Hendrickson’s win rate this season sits at 22.6%.
If Flacco and the offense can keep scoring 30 points per game, though, the defense won’t constantly be playing on a short field or with their hands tied behind their backs. There aren’t many teams left on the schedule they can’t hang with if the offense keeps humming.
Next up: the winless Jets come to Cincinnati. Aaron Glenn still hasn’t said who will start at quarterback — Justin Fields, who was benched in Week 7, or veteran Tyrod Taylor. Fields is younger and more athletic, but personally, I’m more concerned about Taylor.
There are only about 96 quarterbacks employed in the NFL at any given time—give or take—, counting practice squads. Taylor has been among that top group since 2011. He’s got experience, poise, and a history of keeping teams competitive. If I’m the Bengals, I’d rather see Fields.
After that, the Bears come to town. They’re better than the Jets, but still a team Cincinnati should be able to handle. If the Bengals take care of business these next two weeks, they’ll head into the bye with a winning record — a sentence I didn’t think I’d be typing after Week 6.
So yeah, I’m saying there’s a chance…
Random thoughts from Week 7:
- DJ Turner was outstanding against the Steelers. He leads the league in pass breakups and made one of the most incredible interceptions you’ll ever see. He’s emerged as CB1. Hopefully this continues so Golden can focus on fixing Cam Taylor-Britt’s issues.
- Turner doesn’t make that interception without Geno Stone’s perfectly timed hit on DK Metcalf.
- Ja’Marr Chase is the best wide receiver in the NFL. Period. Pittsburgh played man coverage all night, and Chase punished them for it.
- Tee Higgins not only caught a touchdown and racked up 96 yards, but his decision to slide late in the fourth quarter instead of scoring was as unselfish as football can get. Most receivers take that into the end zone — and at least one probably drops the ball before crossing the line — but Higgins made the veteran move. Bravo, Tee.
- Chase Brown topped 100 rushing yards, and the Bengals looked like they remembered how to run the football. That’s going to be one of Flacco’s best friends moving forward. If defenses have to respect the run, it’ll open up the play-action and the downfield passing game.
- Dalton Risner started at left guard over Dylan Fairchild in Week 7, despite Fairchild being a full participant in practice all week. Maybe it was just a short-week decision, but it’ll be interesting to see who lines up between Orlando Brown Jr. and Ted Karras on Sunday.
- Logan Wilson played more than the 12 snaps he got against Green Bay, logging 26 defensive snaps against the Steelers. Rookie Barrett Carter played all 57.
- Hearing fans chant “Thank you, Cleveland” after the game was incredible. No matter how bad things get in Cincinnati, it’s comforting to know it’ll always be worse in Cleveland.
- The white uniforms are still the best in the NFL, and the league needs to let them wear them more often.
Show a little faith,
there’s magic in the night.
You ain’t a beauty,
but hey you’re alright.
Oh, and it’s alright with me.
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