Both Sides Of The Statistical Coin

Here is our week 6 statistical breakdown of the Bengals - Colts game. We will begin with five good stats followed by five bad stats.

Statistics that make you smile

1. Bengals offensive line allows zero sacks. Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith played Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis mostly one-on-one and held the prolific pass rushing duo sackless for the entire game.
   
2. Leon Hall records an interception. Hall's pick was the first interception by a Bengals defensive back this season. Now that we got the first one out of the way, hopefully they start to come in bunches.
3. Brandon Tate averaged 17.5 yards per punt return. Tate had a good day in the return game. He seems to be getting more comfortable as a punt returner and he could take one to the house at any time.
   
4. Jerome Simpson records six receptions for 101 yards. With defenses focusing their attention on A.J. Green, the Bengals need a second option to emerge. Simpson has all the physical ability in the world, he just needs to keep his head on straight and stay out of trouble.
   
5. Bengals win time of possession. The Bengals were able to sustain some offensive drives and win the time of possession by keeping the ball for 33:36.
   

Statistics that make you frown

1. Mike Nugent misses a makeable field goal. Nugent misses for the first time all year and ended the game 2/3. 
2. Cedric Benson averages 3.56 per rush. For a team that is supposed to be able to rely on their running game, Benson has not been delivering. The Bengals can't rely on rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green to win every game and need Benson to pick up his game.
   
3. Bernard Scott averages 2.6 yards per rush. For a running back who is supposed to excel in the west coast offense and provide that break-away ability, Scott has not lived up to expectations.
   
4. Colts were 6/12 on third downs. The Bengals defense needs to get off the field on third downs and can not allow a 50% conversion rate to opposing offenses.
   
5. 11 penalties for 111 yards. The Bengals had been fairly disciplined so far this year so I am not too concerned with the fact that they racked up 11 penalties. If this starts to become a trend, then it could pose some major problems for a young team.