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?
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