Here is our week 3 statistical breakdown of the Bengals - 49ers game. We will begin with five good stats followed by five bad stats.
Statistics that make you smile
- Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter were held to 68 yards rushing combined. The pair only averaged 2.6 yards per carry as the Bengals defense shut them down all day.
- Defense combines for five sacks. The Bengals got to Alex Smith five times with Jonathan Fanene leading the way with two sacks.
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Andre Caldwell leads Bengals in receiving. With Jordan Shipley out for the year and Jerome Simpson's availability in question it was nice to see Caldwell step up with six receptions for 53 yards.
- Bengals held 49ers to 13 points. The Bengals defense had a good day in holding the 49ers to only 13 points. The defense has the potential to keep the young Bengals offense in practically every game.
- Brandon Tate averaged 10.3 yard per punt return. Tate has yet to break a long punt return but he looked to be close on a few occasions. He's got some shifty moves and is exciting to watch when he gets a chance.
Statistics that make you frown
- Dalton with two interceptions. The Bengals went the first two games of the year without a turnover and you knew it was going to happen eventually. Both picks came as Dalton was trying to lead the Bengals down the field after the 49ers had taken the lead.
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Cedric Benson only averaged 3.76 yards per carry. Benson struggled to get going for the second game in a row. He may have been a little distracted by his potential upcoming suspension however. It's time to get Bernard Scott more involved in the offense.
- 1-10 on third down conversions. Once again the Bengals struggle on third down. Marvin Lewis and Jay Gruden need to figure out a way to get Dalton and company in position to convert third downs. The inability to convert third downs is absolutely killing this offense.
- Bengals lose time of possession. The 49ers were able to hold on to the ball on offense for an extra 10 minutes. In a game decided by one score, each possession counts and those extra 10 minutes certainly gave the 49ers an edge.
- Two red-zone trips resulted in two field goals. Twice the Bengals had to settle for field goals once they entered the red-zone. The Bengals need to do a better job of converting on those opportunities when they get them because they do not come around that often.