The Bengals started the season 3-0, but that seems like a long time ago…. in a galaxy far, far away, even.
So what’s the problem, exactly? What happened to the Bengals that we saw for a brief stretch of games at the beginning of the season?
Well, a lot happened.
First off, injuries have absolutely devastated this team. All three of the team's starting linebackers are now injured after Vontaze Burfict exited the game with a cervical strain. Leon Hall exited with a back strain. Bengals fans already know all about the wide receivers…or lack thereof, currently.
The coaching, while faced with a difficult time in the face of so many injuries, has been atrocious, specifically vs. the Colts. Passes were called when the team should have been running, and runs were called when we should have been unloading from the pocket. I really, quite honestly, have NO CLUE how we hope to win a football game when the call is a run on 3rd and goal from the 8 yard line.
Um, what?
The defense provided a little cushion in this game, though the final score doesn't look like it did. After giving up 80 points in the first two games, yes, they gave up 27 to the Colts. However, it could have been far worse with Andrew Luck under center. Given the injuries in the secondary and in the middle of the field, there were small glimpses of hope, granted to us among the pile of horse manure by Carlos Dunlap, Darqueze Dennard, and Adam Jones.
As far as finding the cure for the Bengals, health plays an obvious role. Leadership is another.
When the Ravens visit the Jungle next week, the solution is easy for the Bengals: Don't look like the high school team that took the field vs. the Colts.
And that, folks, is sadly all I’ve got. Feel free to share your thoughts (more properly termed "venting") in the comments below.