Pivotal.
That’s one word for it.
The Bengals’ season is in the balance every week from here on out.
Can they make a rally with an improved defense and a healed quarterback?
Only time will tell
The Burrow Bump
One can only hope that the return of Joe Burrow energizes this team and pushes them to a whole new level.
Of course, you can’t expect him to do it on his own. He has only played two games this season, and that was months ago. He’s going to be rusty. Hopefully, the rest of the club ups its collective game to support him.
The offense has actually improved since Burrow was last under center. The offensive line play has taken a huge step forward. This may be the best protection that Burrow has seen in the NFL.
They have also really stepped up their game in the running game. The offensive line has been able to open up some serious holes, and Chase Brown has had some nice chunk plays. `
Mitchell Tinsley has also stepped up in recent weeks, which is good because the team will be without Tee Higgins this week. There is also Andrei Iosivas, who has been slumping in Burrow’s absence.
Finally, the tight end play with the combination of Mike Gesicki, Noah Fant, and a dash of Tanner Hudson gives Burrow a well-rounded set of tools.
Chase’s Comeback
After missing the last game due to suspension, Ja’Marr Chase needs to make up for lost time. The Bengals need a huge game out of Chase as Joe Burrow returns, and they look to knock out a top division rival on the road in prime time.
This is a huge game, and they need their biggest stars to step up.
Without Higgins in the lineup, they will depend on Chase to be their guy. I expect Chase to get a ton of targets, and if the Bengals are to win, he will need to capitalize on them.
Get the Ball Back
The defense has been improving in recent weeks, but in a game like this, they need to force a lot of turnovers. Burrow is just coming back from injury.
He isn’t going to be perfect, which means he’s going to need more opportunities. They need to get the ball in Burrow’s hands as much as humanly possible.
I look to the defensive line and challenge them to create pressure and strip the ball out of Lamar Jackson’s hands.
This could also be the time for the linebackers to step up and get some picks.
D Situations
This defense hasn’t been great, but they have often been terrible in key situations and key moments of the game.
The Bengals’ defense must force kicks.
On third downs, they need to force the other team to bring the punter out.
In the red zone, they need to call out the kicker.
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