There was not much to like about this game. The Bengals got pounded and couldn't really fight back. Andre Caldwell made some nice catches and on certain plays the Bengal corners made good plays.
However, when you give up almost 500 yds of offense there is not much to celebrate. Add onto that the fact you lost two of your defensive stars for the season (Odom is out, Peko is probably out) and this loss hurts that much more. The Bengals have a couple of obvious areas they need to improve on.
1. Tight end - I understand we have had injuries at the position, but the level these guys are playing at is horrible. Not only do they struggle with catching the ball, when they do it ends up in a turnover. You can't have those mistakes and count on the position.
2. Head Coach - Two games this season the Bengals have been riding high and have been humbled by an opponent. First the Browns in a game they pulled out and second against the Texans in a game they were obviously not ready for. Part of Marvin's job is to make sure the team is motivated and prepared for their opponent. They were obviously not prepared for this game.
3. Bob Bratkowski - What happened to establishing the run? In the game today where the Bengals are facing an opponent that gives up an average of 125 yds a game at 4.9 per carry, Bob decides to run the ball fewer times than he has all season. Don't try and out think yourself. Stick with what has been working and pound the ball. 17 attempts against a team that has trouble with the run is pathetic.
4. Zimmer - I hate to call you out, but seriously I think the Texans figured out that our defense can not cover a screen pass. You failed to adjust to that. The same plays killing us in the first quarter where killing us in the fourth.
The Bengal offensive production is something I am struggling to figure out. The pieces seem to be there, there is protection in the passing game and Cedric led the league in rushing coming into this week. However, the points are not coming. Are the plays not working? Are the players not executing? Where is Chris Henry? He spent a ton of time on the field today and was never looked at. All this guy has done this season is come up with one or two big plays in almost every game. In single coverage you have to give this guy a chance. Coles is not cutting it. He had a good TD catch today and then followed with a bad third down drop. Carson does not seem to be making very good reads and looks only to Chad and Andre. Tight ends as mentioned above are terrible.
The Bengals lost this game with a performance on the field that was uninspired. I can't imagine having an attitude like that anytime after coming off of a 4 win season. Yes you swept the division and yes you are in first place. That means nothing 5 games in. Finish the season playing every game like it is a playoff game. There is still a lot to prove.
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