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.
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