My fellow Bengals fans,
Things were looking really good w/ that 5-2 start.. Now, things are a bit shaky. They're 2-3 in their last five games w/ a head scratching loss to the Jets, blowout loss to the Browns & an awful start against the Chargers which lead to a loss.
The stretch run doesn't get much easier.
vs 49ers this Sunday
@ Denver
vs Baltimore
vs Kansas City
@ Cleveland
They're likely going to need 3/5 in order to grab a spot in the post season. The division still could be won w/ the amount of injuries Baltimore has sustained in the secondary & Lamar Jackson not playing great. I'd say their best bet is beating the 49ers, Denver & Baltimore due to so many injuries. Kansas City is the least probable win, in my opinion.
Cincy has been pretty fortunate w/ injuries this season but Logan Wilson is likely out a few weeks, Burrow has that dislocated pinky, Awuzie appears to have a foot injury & the o-line had Reiff & Hopkins out last week. Nothing appears to be season-ending as of now.
Chase's production really declined after that big game against Baltimore. It appears team are doubling him & leading to Higgins having more production since. On another note, he's got to stop dropping the ball. That INT Burrow had this past weekend was perfectly placed in his hands for a TD & we all know what happened. That being said, Burrow has forced some ill advised throws this year. If they do make the postseason, that's gotta get under control.
Offensive line is still the weakest portion of the team. They have absolutely no depth. Trey Hill had a horrendous outing this past weekend. Better than last year but couldn't get much worse! When the starting five are in (or they bring in Prince as a 6th OL), the run game has been serviceable to good.
The defense continues to be hit or miss but still solid. Their ability to rush four & get modest / good pressure has certainly aided the turnaround significantly. Same for Reader eating up the middle & being a much better run stopping defense. Eli Apple surprisingly has played pretty well. Had some moments but overall hasn't been a major liability.
Anyway, do you guys think Cincy makes the playoffs or stumbles down the stretch?
