Barrett Carter
Carter has supplanted Logan Wilson as a starting linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals. The fourth-round rookie has shown some flashes of promise over the past few weeks.
He has also given up several big plays against the run. He and Demetrius Knight Jr. are both missing tackles at a high rate this season. Carter has eight missed tackles on the season already. He has a 14.8% missed tackle rate.
He will be tested once again this week against the running game of the Bears. D’Andre Swift is averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He averages almost 67 yards rushing per game. Kyle Monangai is averaging almost 27 yards per game as his backup. There will be a heavy dose of both guys against this Bengals defense. Carter will need to be more consistent if the Bengals are to win this game.
Dylan Fairchild
Fairchild was impressive as a run blocker against the Jets’ defense. He opened up multiple lanes on some of the best rushes of the game. Establishing the run will be key again against the Chicago Bears’ defense. They enter this week ranked 28th overall in rushing yards allowed per game. The Bengals are actually one spot above them at 27th overall. That is saying quite a bit when we have watched just how bad this run defense has been lately.
It will be equally important that Fairchild holds up well in pass protection. Gervon Dexter Jr. has 3.5 sacks on the season for the Bears’ defensive line. Keeping him in check could go a long way toward Flacco and the Bengals’ passing game being able to continue generating points at a high rate.
Jordan Battle
Battle comes into this game off a less-than-stellar performance. He was hesitant on a blitz that was completed for a touchdown. He also looked hesitant on multiple long runs in the second half. He has to be reliable in run support this week from the safety position. If he isn’t, I don’t think the Bengals can win this game.
Battle has bounced back with good games on multiple occasions after a down week. His three interceptions on the season are leading the team. Caleb Williams has thrown four already this season for the Bears. Battle coming up with a big turnover could be the difference in coming out with a close win this week.
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