Joe Burrow may be out for the next several weeks, but that doesn’t mean the season is over.
The Bengals talent at receiver, running back, and tight end is unparalleled, and Jake Browning has been excellent in Burrow’s absence in the past. The offensive line will only get better as Dalton Risner and Dylan Fairchild get more comfortable in the system. The defense has given up some points, but they have stepped up in big moments.
The Bengals can still be a very good football team. It starts with four games against 2024 playoff teams, three of which are on the road. If they can go 2-2 in this tough stretch, they will be in a great situation to make the playoffs.
Here is what they need to do to get that done.
Brian Flores is an excellent defensive coordinator who loves to bring the heat. If the Bengals find themselves in a lot of third-and-long situations, it will be a very long day for Browning.
They must find early down success in order to stay ahead of the chains and out of predictable passing situations. Getting into manageable second and third-down situations will give them more options and prevent the Vikings defense from teeing off on Browning.
Play from the Front
With the 2-0 start, the Bengals finally got to a fast start for the season; now they need to get to a fast start in a game.
If the Bengals can score early, it will allow them to control the game. If they can maintain a lead, it will force the Vikings to go to the air, creating more opportunities for Trey Hendrickson to do what he does best.
Playing with a lead will allow the Bengals to be balanced offensively, taking pressure off Browning and time off the clock.
Run the Ball
With Burrow out this team needs Chase Brown and the running game to step up.
We need to see an increase in the volume of runs as well as the number of explosive runs going for long gains.
With the former in mind, it could be time for Samaje Perine to get some carries. With the latter in mind, it should be time for Tahj Brooks to get some carries.
Turnovers
The Bengals defense has given up a lot of yards through the air, but they have also had two interceptions per game.
Of course, Jake Browning also threw three interceptions in less than three quarters last week, making his last-minute heroics even more compelling.
The Bengals need to win the turnover battle this week.
To do so, Browning needs to be smart with the ball, and the Bengals defense needs to continue to create turnovers.
I’m feeling two more picks this week, one for Geno Stone and one for Logan Wilson.
The Middle Eight
“The middle eight” is the last four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half.
The idea is this. Scoring just before halftime, then being the first team to score in the second half, is basically a free turnover. It’s two scores in a row without the other team being able to answer
Much like scoring a touchdown on offense, then getting a turnover that leads to another score, it compounds your lead. This forces the other team into bad positions as they try to catch up.
Winning the middle eight would go a long way towards getting the win this weekend.
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