Having won back-to-back home games, the Cincinnati Bengals had reason for optimism until the side were picked apart by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Offensive Struggles
The blow out loss outlined continued struggles with the run game. Zack Moss, Chase Brown and Joe Burrow totalled up 20 rushing attempts which averaged for a mere 2.9 yards.
The run game has been stiffed due to a poor offensive line, which has been hindered further following a knee injury to Orlando Brown Jr.
So far this season, the Bengals have rushed for just 718 yards, with Joe Burrow contributing to over 100 yards from quarter back scrambles.
Head Coach, Zac Taylor has had to rely on the passing game in order to put points on the board. Ja’Marr Chase has been the beneficiary of the team’s pass game, totalling 674 receiving yards. The former LSU receiver averages 14 yards a catch which has provided a form of excitement for the Bengal fans.
Chase’s explosive style contradicts the way the Bengals have started the season. Despite an early touchdown against the Eagles, the Bengals have a reputation for being slow starters who let the opposition find their groove and dictate the tempo.
There has been a growing frustration that Burrow does not have the time in the pocket to embrace his accurate right arm during plays. Instead, the franchise quarterback has proven himself by throwing with defenders in his face as well as maenovering around the pocket to evade pressure.
Burrow has stressed the importance of taking responsibility for himself and his team, having thrown late interceptions in various games. However, the play caller has received criticism for his poor decision making that have lead to punts.
One issue that must be accounted for is that Andrei Iosivas is struggling to find space in the slot. The Tokyo born receiver is primarily an outside weapon who is better suited to long strides rather then the sudden sprints and turns performed by a slot receiver.
The Bengals might have to sacrifice Chase’s long range threat and utilise his speed and agility in the slot to help revive the short passing game.
The Bengals offence is still deemed as a top-10 offensive unit in the NFL, which can be improved upon if the run game is addressed.
Defensive Struggles
The Bengals defence allowed the Eagles for 397 total yards. 161 of which were rushing, highlighting the panic that the Bengals have defending the run.
The defensive line continue to disappear on run plays as they struggle to fend off blockers. A lot of this can be put down to the lack of aggression and physicality by the Bengals defence who leave gaping holes for the opposing backs to attack.
It often seems that the Bengals defence are focusing on damaged limitations rather than seizing the ball back for their offence.
The secondary had their backs to the wall from the get go, as their zone coverage was picked apart due to the time in the pocket for Jalen Hurts. This issue has been a constant theme that has failed to be addressed.
The bengals defence is ranked one of the worst in the NFL, who have below 30% pressure rate on opposing quarterbacks so far this season.
The Bengals must look to shift momentum if they have any hope of making the play-offs this time around.
Wether it be a trade, a statement win or a stroke of fortune, the fans from Cincinnati are crying out for change as they risk back to back seasons outside the Super Bowl picture.
The Bengals will hope to get back to winning ways against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9. Various injuries have weakened the Raiders who will be gunning to upset the Bengals.
