The Cincinnati Bengals will have a chance to get back to .500 this week if they can notch a win over the 0-7 New York Jets. While the Jets offense has looked abysmal to start the season, the Bengals defense hasn’t looked much better. Cincinnati is ranked 31st out of 32 teams in yards per game allowed.
Demetrius Knight Jr.
One major issue with the Cincinnati defense has been missed tackles. Demetrius Knight Jr. was credited with four missed tackles alone against Pittsburgh. If Knight is going to continue playing 80% of the snaps, he has to become a more reliable tackler.
The Jets will feature Breece Hall. They will attempt to get their running game going early and often, regardless of who is starting at quarterback for them this week. Demetrius Knight Jr. and the rest of the Bengals’ defense have to contain the running game.
Geno Stone
Stone’s play has been up and down throughout the season. He has laid some big hits that have ended up becoming big plays for the Bengals.
Stone has also been responsible for some big plays on the back end of the defense in coverage. His play in coverage is one of the reasons the Bengals currently rank 31st in passing defense.
If the Jets can suddenly hit some big plays down the field that they haven’t been able to hit all season, it could allow them to get some confidence on Sunday. Limiting the explosive plays could be key for the Bengals getting the win.
Chase Brown
The Bengals were able to run the ball effectively against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chase Brown rushed for 108 yards on just 11 carries. The Bengals found quite a bit of success rushing behind Orlando Brown Jr. and Dalton Risner.
The Jets come in to this game with a top ten defense in passing yards allowed. On the flip side, they are ranked 23rd in the NFL in rushing yards. Chase Brown could be looking to go over the century mark for a second straight week. Effective running will continue allowing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to go off in the passing game.
Who are some of your key players this week versus the Jets? Sound off in the comments.
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