8 Things the Bengals Should Consider - A Fan's Point of View

The Bengals have now let two, must win games, against teams with losing records slip through their fingers. After a heartbreaking loss at home to the 1-3 Miami Dolphins, the Bengals went to Cleveland to face the 0-5 Cleveland Browns for the second time this season. Both games, the Bengals came in with a winning record, 3-1 and 3-2 respectively. Both games, the Bengals threw away. The same issues that have plagued the team all season, keep popping up and are now the reason why they are losing games. To get back on the winning side of games, the team needs to address these issues going forward.

#1 The overall defense still needs to improve, but it is time to start calling players out. Rey Maualuga is playing like a zombie. His downward spiral seems to be numbing. He is playing with no purpose. Going forward, some other options need to be looked at for the MLB position. Even if Burfict or another option isn't up to full speed in the NFL, Maualuga will be forced to look at his play and understand that he needs to get better to get back on the field.

#2 Speaking of the overall defense; the Cincinnati backfield still needs to improve. This position has been bogged down with injuries to key players all season. The guys that are left, though, are fully capable and good players with a lot of upside. These guys need to get the job done. They are missing routes, getting beat by receivers, and not finishing tackles. They need to find away to deter the runners if the speed isn't there on defense and wrap up the receivers up to get them down.

#3 The running game, to simply put it, is awful. BenJarvus Green-Ellis will break a 6 yard run and then turn around and rush for no gain. He can't get off of the line and though he is falling forward (which I keep hearing every game that Dan Hoard praises him), he and the other backs are not aiding us enough on the ground. A successful team is one that can run the ball to switch up the offense and keep the other teams defense on the field, not allowing them to score. The Bengals cannot seem to do that and the score board shows it on Sunday.

#4 During Sunday's loss to the Browns, the Bengals were 5-14 on third down conversions. This is after coming into the game as the 31st ranked team in the NFL for third down conversions. In order to score, the team needs to move the ball down the field. In order to move the ball down the field, they need to find a way to convert on the third down. It may be conservative play calling or players getting too far behind getting to third down. The combination of these issues needs to be corrected. The coaching staff may have to get more creative and the players are going to need to push.

#5 Ball security has become a huge issue as of late. If you want to win, you must have the ball. Last week, in particular, Andy Dalton threw 3 interceptions and lost 1 fumble. He isn't the only one at fault. In previous games, BJGE, Green, and Binns have all been at fault too. This is the last issue a team needs and if they are re-building and Marvin and the coaching staff need to concentrate on this issue in practice this week.

#6 This team seems to have no spark. There is no fire in their eyes. You can tell a few of them want to win, but no one knows how to get there. The coaching staff just claps their hands on the side line, and lets out a "let's go" once in a while. This is unacceptable. If we want the players to get fired up, the coaches should be fired up. These guys are young and impressionable. If Marvin is telling them it is okay and not showing emotions, these guys think it is okay. The team needs someone to step up like Ray Lewis or Bill Cowher or even their own Tim Krumrie. They need someone to get in their faces and motivate them when the game is on the line.

#7 Maybe it is time to start sitting guys. From a viewers perspective, these guys seem to be just out there running around. Gresham is dropping 2-3 balls a game. Maybe it is time that he finds the bench and has to watch the rookie Orson Charles do his job. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is churning his legs no where. Cedric Peerman has been itching to get on the field, why not see what he can do in more plays. Armon Binns is having issues freeing himself from defenders. Marvin Jones has shown he is an explosive receiver from the line of scrimmage. It is almost the middle of the season, maybe it is time to get him more reps.

#8 I don't want to disrespect Marvin Lewis. I like him, I think he wants to win. He is a good schemer and brings a lot intellectual ability to the coaching staff. However, looking at the big picture, is he really what the team needs at head coach? No. He is 72-77 during his long tenure in Cincinnati and he is 0-3 in the playoffs. If this were any other team, he would already be gone. I understand Mike Brown doesn't want to relinquish control and Lewis is the perfect puppet, but Mike Brown is certainly not his father and does not know how to win. He needs someone to teach him that. A new coach that is in complete control of the team, perhaps. 

The fans are already starting to jump ship and the team is facing a matchup on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If they can't turn it around before heading into their bye in week 8, the team will officially be in trouble to finish the season after all of football set the bar so high for this team. As Cincinnati knows, from very recent history, the fans will turn their backs on the team and they will be left on Sunday will a half full stadium on game day. Something needs to change. Will the talking heads in Bengals front office get it done?

Bengals or Bungles?

After a 3 game win streak, the Cincinnati Bengals finally fell on Sunday to a 1-3 Dolphins team at home in front of a sold out crowd. Something about this loss was more painful than other losses that we have seen over the past few years, though. Maybe it was the fact that Miami is led by a rookie head coach in Joe Philbin. Maybe it is because Miami is led by a rookie quarterback in Ryan Tannehill. Maybe it is was the fact thaat Kevin Coyle was on their side of the ball now and he knew the Bengals as well as anyone after spending so many years with the organization. Maybe it was even because Miami had a losing record. Maybe, it's possible it stung so bad, because it was a loss by only four points. Maybe it was as simple as, the Bengals played terrible, coached terrible, and the better team did not win.

Many fans are starting to put on the life vests now after a horrible showing by the team on Sunday. There is not one player on this team that is not to be blamed for this loss. The defense is still improving, but still missed key tackles and blocks. The secondary did not contain Hartline as well as they should have. He is Tannehill's only weapon and his name was still called all day. Even Nugent and the special teams players did not play at the top of the their game. Nugent missed a late field goal try and Huber, unsually known for his great ball placement while punting, shanked a punt and kicked a couple other balls too short. On offense, Dalton threw two interceptions, AJ fumbled and recovered twice (was only recorded in the log once, though), and guys missed routes or dropped critical passes. The running game was non-existent, albeit for a couple of big breaks to the outside by Scott before he left the field with a season ending ACL injury. The coaching was too conservative and Marvin Lewis dropped the ball on a horrible coaching call with 3:00 left in the 4th quarter. He called for a field goal on 4th and 5 on the Miami side of the field that would still keep the Bengals trailing Miami by 1 point even if it was made. Instead of going for the first down and taking a shot at the end zone for possible winning situation, the fans watched Nugent sail the kick wide right and the Bengals still trailed by 4. Even if he would have hit the field goal, Cincinnati would have still trailed. Marvin said he was just hoping the defense would get a stop and the offense would get the ball back to kick a field goal and win.

When I heard Lewis say that, I instantly thought of The Replacements movie. Gene Hackman was the coach of a replacement football team during a lockout and he says to his scab quarterback Keanu Reeves, "Winners always want the ball when the game is on the line." I guess that is true, unless you are Marvin Lewis. You want to kick it, hope it goes through the up rights, give it to the opposing team, hope they don't score, and hope your defense, which has been a sore point of the team all year, can get the ball back for you...all in the final three minutes of a football game. Maybe Marvin should take a second and review that film. Conservative doesn't pay in the NFL, unless you have a running game, a phenomenal defense, or are in the lead. None of which the Bengals possessed.

The good news is, the 3-2 Bengals are heading to Cleveland this week to face a 0-5 Browns team in the Dawg Pound. This should be a good match up and has every chance to be another win for Cincinnati. The defense will have to show up again, though, and contain Richardson on the ground. Last time these two teams faced each other in week 2, the rookie running back was able to break free from the Bengals and have a big game. The Bengals secondary is also going to have to step it up and finish tackles. Weeden has found his footing in the NFL and has been able to rack up passing yards when needed. The Browns record definitely doesn't show it, but if they aren't contained they can put up big numbers. This game will probably come down to what the Cincinnati defense can withstand.

Andy Dalton and the receivers should have no problem slicing and dicing their way through the Pound, as long as they are careful with their ball security and Andy is able to step up in the pocket. I look for BenJarvus Green-Ellis to share carries with Leonard and Peerman more this game. This should open up the run for the Bengals, which is something they desperately need to keep this team moving forward.


I know many people are worried about the direction of the Bengals since Sundays loss, but here are some encouraging notes: Cincinnati still has a winning record at 3-2. That is the same record as the Giants and Patriots who both saw Superbowl action last year and are always contenders for another. Dontay Moch is back from suspension and looks great since returning to the team 12 lbs heavier. He should be able to get some playing time on Sunday, which will be a huge help on defense. Kirkpatrick is still practicing and looks to return for the Denver game the week after the bye. This is all a step in the right direction for the Bengals and the team should be fine moving forward. Hopefully, Marvin will decide he wants the ball this week when the game is on the line.

Dalton and Green...A Match A Made In Heaven

The years of suffering may finally be over for Bengals fans. Last year we watched two rookies lead our team to the playoffs. Not only did they lead us to the playoffs, they broke the all-time NFL record for yards and receptions by a rookie quarterback/wide receiver tandem. They shocked and amazed us week after week. These two guys brought excitement back to the city and they gave the fans hope.

When A.J. Green and Andy Dalton came into last season, no one knew what to expect.  A.J. Green was the Bengals 4th pick in the first round of the 2011 draft out of Georgia. Sure he was great in college, but could that skill translate into the NFL? Andy Dalton was a 2nd round pick out of TCU. Bengal Nation was still holding on to the, "we are mad at Carson, but what will we do without him" notion. So when the Bengals drafted the quarterback in the 2nd round of the draft, the fans were all on the edge of their seats. No one really got a chance to see them in practice, due to the lockout, so there was a lot of unknown surrounding the new players and the team. Would Palmer come back? Would Mike Brown actually trade him? Can this Dalton kid handle the pressure?

Dalton and Green answered those questions as the season progressed. Dalton threw the football for 3,398 yards and 20 touchdowns with an 80.4 passing rating in his 2011 rookie season. He passed his way right into a Pro Bowl trip to Hawaii. This season, people worried he would go through a sophomore slump, killing the Bengals playoff chances. Instead, he is now at the top of the league and leading his team in high flying aerial attacks on offense week after week. Already in the first four games in his second NFL season, Andy Dalton has thrown for 1,111 yards and 8 touchdowns with a quarterback rating of 103.0. That rating, ranks him 5th overall for starting quarterbacks this season and places him ahead of Brady, Brees, and Rodgers, arguably, the best quarterbacks playing today.

Though Andy has been able to spread the ball around more this year with a lot of guys stepping up, Green is still at the top of the receivers. In his rookie season he racked up 1,057 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. That was enough to eclipse a 1981 franchise record set by Bengals phenom Cris Collinsworth for most receiving yards by a rookie. After a breakout rookie season, he was a hands down favorite for a trip the Pro Bowl where he was the first rookie wide receiver to go to Hawaii since Anquan Boldin did it in 2003. This season has been no different for Green. He has already racked up 428 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. He is ranked second in the league behind Miami's Brian Hartline, whom he can take first place from when the teams match up on Sunday. Green is already on pace to hit 1,712 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his second season in the NFL. The league is taking notice of his play on the field this season too. His name is once again being spoken with the best, as Green has been honored with the AFC Offensive Player of the Month distinction for September. This is also another big feat for the team, as no Bengals player has won the award since Carson Palmer in 2005.

For the Bengals, being in the limelight for good news is something they don't have much experience in. However, with their 3-1 record, their spot at the top of the AFC North standings with Baltimore, and the explosive play of their best quarterback/wide receiver tandem, they better get to used to it. These two guys are proving they are here to stay and bring respect back to Cincinnati. Most of all though, they are making Bengal Nation believe again.

Injured Players brings Familiar Faces

The Bengals defense has been suffering from injuries since before the season even started. Their first round draft pick, Dre Kirkpatrick, was out with a knee injury before training camp began, their fifth round pick Shawn Prater has been on the IR list since preseason, Clements, Hall, Allen, and Newman have been back and forth with injuries, and DE Dunlap just returned to action last week against the Redskins. This week, the Bengals found themselves in even more trouble to start the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars when Clements and Allen moved to the doubtful list and Hall was given the questionable status and did not practice this week. They have been forced to pick up players from the free agency, play rookies that have no game time experience, and go back to the drawing board to utilize each players' strength.

This week has been no different in the acquisitions department for the team. With the defensive backfield looking more like a battleground filled with fallen soldiers, they had to no choice but to turn to other options. This week the Bengals even signed a familiar face to fans in S Chris Crocker. You may remember the Bengals cut him just 8 months ago at the end of last season. Now he is back on the team acting as a leader and teacher to a ravaged defense. They also had to make a call to the practice squad, calling up a new, lesser, known face in CB Chris Lewis-Harris. Lewis-Harris came to the Bengals as an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee-Chattanooga during camp. He is being brought up as insurance, but will probably see his first bit of NFL action in Jacksonville today.

It is no secret that the Bengals defense has been a sore thumb every time the team has taken the field this season. If the offense were not playing out of their minds right now behind the 2nd year quarterback Andy Dalton, the team would be 0-3, instead of 2-1 heading into the 4:15pm game against the Jaguars today. It could be because of the injuries or because they are just not at the top of their games. Maualuga is one player we are waiting for to step up this season. Whatever it is, I know that Bengal nation would like to see something productive out of them soon and this is the game to do it. The Jaguars have struggled on both sides of the ball led by quarterback Blaine Gabbert. They do have a not-so-secret weapon, though, in RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Today he has a great match up against the worst run defense in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals. If they can contain him and Dalton, Hawkins, and Green can continue to put up crazy numbers than the Bengals may walk away still tied with the Ravens for the AFC North at 3-1. It would be crazy to think they got there with the arguably one of the worst, most injured defenses in the NFL...but I believe.

Who Is Mohamed Sanu?

By now, almost everyone knows Mohamed Sanu’s draft story. Watching in anticipation for his name to be called in the 2012 NFL Draft, Sanu’s phone rang. When he answered, he heard the person on the other end tell him that they were representing the Cincinnati Bengals organization and the team was going to select him with their 27th overall pick in the draft. The pick came and went and Mohamed Sanu’s name was never called. It was a prank and a bad one, at that. The Bengals caught wind of the news and called Sanu to apologize. He was on their list of receivers, but they weren’t ready for him just yet. The next day when the draft resumed, Mohamed got the call that he had been waiting for. This time receiver’s coach James Urban was on the other end.

“Hey Mo, it’s James Urban. You want to be a Bengal - - this time, for real?” Urban said.

Sanu accepted the team’s offer in the third round and he and the Bengals could not be happier. He was arguably one of the most talked about receivers in Cincinnati during the preseason. Everyone was anxious to see what he was capable of and if he could be the guy to line up next to Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green. Though, the latter is yet to be seen with the coming out of wide receiver Andrew Hawkins and the dynamic preseason play of rookie Marvin Jones, he has definitely proven that he is an exciting option in the offense.

Before the game against the Redskins, fans were questioning why the speedy Marvin Jones was not active for the road trip and the less proven receiver Mohamed Sanu would be suiting up instead. The Washington Redskins and the Cincinnati faithful did not have to wait long for their answer. This past Sunday, against an ailing defense in Washington D.C., the Bengals offense opened up with the wildcat. Quarterback, Andy Dalton, ran out wide, leaving Sanu lined up behind center. Once the ball was snapped, Sanu threw it for a 73 yard touchdown bomb to Green. His fantastic pass and catch with A.J. was just the beginning of an offensive showdown that did nothing but impress that day.

So, who is this Mohamed Sanu and why haven’t the Bengals utilized his hidden talent earlier? Let’s begin his story in New Jersey, where he was born, raised, and played college football at Rutgers. Many may not know this, but Sanu started his journey as a quarterback at South Brunswick High School. In his final season as a Viking, Sanu led his team to their first playoff berth in almost 40 years. He then went on to Rutgers University in 2009, where he was used in a different way. Coach Greg Schiano, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, started him as a true freshman at wide receiver. He had a stellar year, posting 51 receptions for 639 yards and 3 touchdowns. Sanu also ran 62 times for 346 yards and 5 touchdowns. That same year, the young receiver then went on to win MVP honors at the 2009 St. Petersburg Bowl. In 2010, he was a consensus preseason All-Big East wide receiver. Then in 2011, Mohamed tied a Big East record with 13 receptions, to only break that record the very next week by catching 16 passes. Sanu went on to break the Big East single-season reception record with 115 receptions for 1,206 yards that year. A record previously held by NFL superstar Larry Fitzgerald.

In his three seasons at Rutgers, Sanu caught 210 passes for a total of 2,263 yards. He scored 19 touchdowns and gained 3,019 all-purpose yards. He was utilized often in the wildcat formation, not only rushing, but completing 8 of 18 passes for 207 yards and 4 touchdowns. Sanu averaged 10.8 yards per reception over his college career and decided to declare a year early for the NFL draft, leaving before his senior season.

With numbers like these, he had the potential to be drafted much higher in the NFL. The Bengals got lucky, though. He was a diamond in the rough after a poor Scouting Combine appearance. Sanu ran his best 40-yard dash at a time of 4.62. His speed was not elite. His draft report card on NFL.com even stated that he is “slow off of the line and is not an explosive athlete”. So, Sanu and all of his talent fell a few places in the April draft. He fell into the right hands, though, at the right time. Cincinnati was looking for a big, strong receiver, with great hands, and ability after the catch. They were looking for another miracle like what they found in Andy Dalton and A.J. Green the year before. They were looking for Mohamed Sanu and what they are getting is a fresh, dynamic offensive threat; a receiver with 0 regular season receptions and a 158.3 perfect passer rating. Even though Sanu remains unproven at the receiver position for the Bengals, I think it is safe to wipe our eyes after Sunday’s performance and ask, “Tebow who?” Well played Cincinnati, well played. 

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NFL and NFLRA Reach Agreement

The NFL and the NFLRA have finally come to an agreement to end the lockout that has kept the regular officiating staff of the field this NFL season. It couldn't have come at a better time, with the controversial call heard around the world on Monday Night Football when the replacement referees made a game deciding call on a catch that gave the Seattle Seahawks the game. It sent the Green Bay Packers packing and left all of America with a salty taste in their mouth.

The NFL and the Referee Union have been in talks for a while to get a new contract worked out, but have failed on countless attempts to find common ground. The meetings became sporadic and the NFL worked with what they had in the replacement refs. However, after all of the backlash from last weekend's officiating, the talks heated up again this week. Wednesday, the two sides met and the negotiating lasted until well after 11:00pm EST, according to a league source. By the time they had separated, an agreement had been made.

While all of the details of the contract are not yet known at this time, as the papers have yet to be signed, we do know that NFL and the NFLRA agreed to create a developmental program as a compromise to the league's demand for the addition of 21 officials to the current contingent of 121 NFLRA members. These referees would not be considered part of the Union, would not work games, and would not be eligible to be subbed in initially. They would be required to be mentored by an existing referee and work one day a week with them. The pool of money for the existing officials would remain the same. As the developmental referees improve and reach the standards of NFL officiating, they would be considered for NFLRA membership. At that time the pool of money would be adjusted accordingly.

When a prominent regular official was interviewed earlier this week, he stated that the regular referees would be ready to go on a days notice. They have been keeping up with the sport and would not need transition time. This is welcome news with a Thursday night game slated for tonight between division foes, the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. With the deal being made late on Wednesday night and the officials being ready for action, Roger Goodell stated, "Our officials will be back on the field starting Thursday night." This is a relief to everyone involved in the NFL, fans included.

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Anderson Moved To IR, Gilberry Signed

During Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, with just 1:50 left in the 4th quarter, Bengals backup DE Jamaal Anderson went down for what seemed like an eternity to those of us in the stands. When the dreaded cart was brought out, we all knew that it was not a good sign for an already injury plagued Bengals Defense. After being taken to the locker room, the team doctors determined that Anderson tore the quad above his right knee. With the injury, Jamaal's next stop was the season ending Injured Reserve list. This is definitely not good news. At the time of this injury it left the Bengals with just two healthy DE players in Michael Johnson and Robert Geathers.

So, after hastily moving Anderson to the IR, the Bengals hit the Free Agent market. They immediately signed Wallace Gilberry in the fifth year of his NFL career. Though, he came by way of a Friday release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he actually played the first four years of his career in Kansas City. He was a productive player for the Chiefs, playing in 54 games including a postseason appearance. He started every game from 2009-2011 and managed to rack up 14 sacks, 46 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries before being released at the end of the 2011 season. This is a plus for the Bengals, since the only players with more sacks are Geathers with 30 and Lawson with 16. Dunlap is tied for 14 with the new DE.

Speaking of Dunlap, he looks like he has a real shot at coming back to the active list for this weeks game in Washington DC against the Redskins. He has been back to practicing with the team and seems to be recovered well enough to play. This would be a much welcome relief for all of the defensive ends, but none more than Michael Johnson. These guys have been putting in a lot of game time, which is hard on the body and knees. Johnson played 90% of the snaps during the game against Cleveland. If Dunlap comes back this week, that will give the team 4 healthy defensive ends and will relieve some of the pressure on the new guy Gilberry, who will be expected to start on Sunday.

Hopefully, with Gilberry and Dunlap's possible return, the lackluster defense will get a much needed spark. Here's to hoping! Who Dey!


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Worried Yet?

The Bengals won their first game of the season in week two on Sunday. It happened in front of a sold out home crowd in Paul Brown Stadium. The game was exciting, the fans were loud, the Jungle was rocking, and the offense was dynamic. The final score against our rivals, the Cleveland Browns, was 34-27. We as fans in Who Dey nation should be happy, right? Right? We got a win, we are essentially tied for the #1 spot in the AFC North, yet I am still left disappointed. I feel bad for feeling this way. A win is a win, right? Do I expect too much from this team, from these individual players? I can't be the only one that feels this way.

The offense looked good for the most part. The offensive line, filled with young and inexperienced guys, looked decent. They did break down more than a few times, though, allowing Dalton to be sacked 6 times. This is something that they need to work on, but will definitely change week to week as they mold together as a unit and get more game experience. The running game, on the legs of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, was solid again. The Law Firm managed 75 yards on the ground and 30 yards through the air. He was a bright spot in the offense again. The O-Line didn't seem like they were as sturdy in the blocking department this week, or I feel like Green-Ellis would have had triple digits on the ground. Peerman was used for one carry this week, but he was only able to get 1 yard. So it looks like the Bengals may be ready to say Green-Ellis is the full time back. I know that Scott is still not back from injury, but the game seems to be good on the ground without the running back by committee approach.

The receivers really stepped up this game. The ball was spread around more and Dalton was more precise on his throws. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done there. He was still overthrowing guys at very inopportune times, but he did look a lot better. Andrew Hawkins came up big again and proved that he can make the tough, smart run after the catch. He has a good eye for holes on the field and missed coverage. I think he may be good option for Andy this year and is quickly becoming the safety net for the quarterback. Tate had a coming out party, as well, on Sunday. He picked up 71 yards on 3 receptions and had a touchdown, followed closely by Binns at 66 yards, Green at 58 yards, Hawkins at 56 yards, and Gresham at 37 yards. All together Andy Dalton threw for 318 yards, 3 TD, and 1 interception. The fourth touchdown came from a punt return to open the Bengals first possession from PacMan Jones in the first quarter. Overall the offense and special teams shined.

Now for the ugly part of the game. The part that leaves me empty and killed the mood of a home win. At the beginning of the season everyone talked about this Defense and how great they were going to be. I was there at training camp, I saw them. They looked great. They were big up front, fast, and able to penetrate. Sports writers raved about them. Many saying they were quietly going to be in the top 5. I feel like that was years ago and we are talking about a completely different defense now that the season has started. These guys up front can't stop the run, they barely get penetration, and the backfield is virtually non-existent. There are bad tackles, blown coverage, and the backs and safeties look like they just can't keep up. Is Leon Hall done? Was this last injury too much? I heard the gentlemen talking beside me and one put it best. The older man said, "Did you notice Mays isn't out on the field right now?" In response, the younger guy said, "Did you notice Hall is on the field right now? Because he isn't playing." It is so true. Hall is out there, but he isn't playing at any kind of pro level. It isn't just him either. Clements didn't look that great and Nelson isn't even mentioned this year. With the talent in this division, the Bengals are never going to survive like this. You can't let a team like the Browns score 439 yards and 27 points on you. Just the previous week against the Ravens it was another 430 yards on this defense. This is basically like losing and it will be losing if Dalton and the offense isn't as great every single game as they were yesterday afternoon. The defense, alone, is what makes me feel yesterday was still a loss and rips all hope away from me and the other fans. The schedule is too tough and we all know that the offense just isn't consistent enough yet behind Dalton. This isn't the Patriots of last year. We aren't a 50 point a game offense. So the defense needs to step it up or you can guarantee this will be another losing season for the Orange and Black.


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