Six things the Bengals need to improve upon before they reach the playoffs
The Cincinnati Bengals Feel like you are one of the most dangerous teams in this year’s playoffs and could even be more than the Super Bowl winning team from last year.
But that doesn’t mean things are perfect.
In a playoff format where the margin for error is small and mistakes amplified, the Bengals could easily be one-and-done or fall well short of a repeat Super Bowl appearance if they don’t address some of the notable issues.
The Bengals need to improve their offensive line and consistency in order to make another run for the playoffs.
Consistency across all four quarters
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The Bengals have not been consistent over the course of any game recently and the no-contest didn’t help. They lost 17-0 to the Bucs in Week 15. In Week 16, they nearly lost a 22-point advantage against the Pats, and then took a 17-0 lead in the season finale against the Ravens. The playoffs are tougher than ever with more competition and mistakes. To avoid elimination, the Bengals must play complete games.
The running game
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Cincinnati’s rushing attack was Fine It has been a difficult year for some. However, it ranks among the lowest five at 95.5 yards per contest and Joe Mixon ran just 27 yards with a 2.5-per-carry average in Week 18. In the playoffs, the Bengals have to be better here in order to finish games and limit opportunities for the other offense, even if it’s a second or third-string quarterback. With the offensive line down to two starters, this is especially important now to limit Joe Burrow’s hit.
The offensive line plan
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Speaking of that offensive line, it’s now down two of the four starters who upgraded the unit this past offseason. Right tackle La’el Collins is out for the year and while details are scarce, right guard Alex Cappa could be too. That means Hakeem Adeniji in Collins’ spot and Max Scharping in Cappa’s slot. Is that going to change the name of runs? Do you think it means an offensive-wide shift to support that side? The run blocking will be worse on paper, but pass protection may be better. No matter what the plan, there’s only one chance to succeed.
Kicking
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Speaking of possible mistakes that are grossly amplified in the playoffs — Evan McPherson. Last year’s rookie hero has missed five kicks this year missed four extra points. He’s had a change at long-snapper and holder (due to the punter change), but it’s concerning that he doesn’t miss from 50-plus, but only shorter kicks. Coaches have said on longer ranges his power compensates for other issues he’s still improving. But one has to wonder — can he go perfect in the playoffs again? Is it possible for coaches to consider areas below 50 where they can keep the offense active on fourth downs.
Turnovers
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The Bengals don’t turn the ball over a ton but there are some concerns. Joe Burrow leads the NFL in tipped passes. For most of the year, he picks up those tips. That can’t happen in the playoffs. They turned the ball over once in Week 18 and three times against the Patriots in Week 16, including a Ja’Marr Chase fumble. It might seem like nitpicking but the playoff margin of error is extremely small. tiny.
The noise
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The Bengals must shut out all the noise and focus on their game. They’ve done a good job all year of leaning into the disrespected angle to keep some of that underdog edge. But they’ve been in the media a ton this week criticizing the Ravens for cheap actions in Week 18. Chase has maintained its leadership role. talk about it in the days leading up to the game.
This isn’t saying the Bengals are in the wrong about the Ravens and they certainly weren’t wrong about how the NFL handled the no-contest and playoff seeding rule changes on a whim. It is important to focus on the plan and ignore the noise.