The Cincinnati Bengals have been labeled as one of the deepest and feared line-ups in today’s NFL, but what happens when they lose so many players that they don’t have a single 1st string player starting??? That’s an overstatement, as that obviously will never happen. However, Cincinnati has had to fight through some pretty impactful injuries thus far.
Let’s start with the offense. A.J. Green, widely regarded as a top 3 receiver in the league, has been plagued with foot problems all year so far. It’s all been minor, I realize that. Even minor injuries, though, can add up and contain catastrophic results. Say A.J. were to have to miss time, because his ankle and toe got worse as the year progressed. The Bengals are going to have some serious matchups down the stretch, including New Orleans, Denver, and Baltimore, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh, and doing that without their fiercest offensive weapon is frightening. It’s possible to win, as demonstrated with their whomping of Atlanta, but tougher than us fans want it to be.
Besides A.J., notable losses in Marvin Jones and Tyler Eifert have occurred. Eifert and Jones are both red zone threats, which is exactly what Dalton and his Bengals need. Their one weakness this year has been the red zone, with Andy having NO touchdown passes beyond the 20 yard line so far this year. That’s 100% unacceptable for a team that wants to be considered the best in the league. However, that could all change with the return of Jones and Eifert. Marvin had nine red zone touchdowns last year, and is projected to return week five for the Sunday Night showdown against the Patriots. His presence alone should spark the offense into not only one that’s functional and well-tuned (like it has been so far), but one that absolutely demolishes other teams’ defenses. Eifert, expected to come back week seven or eight, will only add fuel to that fire, making the Bengals a truly dominant team in every aspect of the game.
The defense so far has held up better than the offense has, only really losing two major components. Vontaze Burfict, all-star linebacker, has had two concussions in two consecutive games this year, resulting in him finding a new home on the Cincinnati bench, at least for a few weeks. He’s officially been cleared for week five, but it’s likely that he will be held out unless he’s desperately needed in order for him to recover to full health. The other notable loss was Margus Hunt, defensive lineman. In his second year in the league, he’s risen from the title of “talented rookie” to “definite starter,” and has undoubtedly proven that he earned the spot. He’s lifted 320 lbs of linemen off of their feet in order to get to the quarterback, and if that doesn’t impress you, I’m not sure what will. He left the game in week three but is expected to play against the Patriots, only adding to the amount of pressure Brady is gonna face.
The Bengals have major talent in EVERY single position on this team, and even their backups have enough ability to fill in their shoes effectively when need be. The constant injuries, however, are going to cause a major setback. Week three against the Titans, Cincinnati had six starters leave the field and not return, which is not a promising sign, especially given that it was all in one day. Their key to success is staying healthy, and if they can do that, there’s not a team out there that they can’t beat. Go ahead, quote me on that, I’ll be happy to rub it in your face when I’m right. Who Dey?!?!
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