Cincy Jungle - NFL Week 2: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh SteelersWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2016-09-21T19:17:20-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/126807152016-09-21T19:17:20-04:002016-09-21T19:17:20-04:00Bengals vs Steelers - The Weekly Lineman: Just hold on
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<img alt="Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uBXHiBGsYbE6ZzHdP5dQmystzU4=/1x0:3129x2085/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50968021/607553520.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Week 2 saw the tight ends get dirty, pressure from the d-line, and questionable blocking from the Steelers in Week 2. </p> <p id="5W24CP">The games between the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> and the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> are usually decided by which offensive line can control the game the most. Of course, this is true for basically any contest between two football teams, but you know the narratives: AFC North, Bengals, Steelers, Lewis, Tomlin, hard-nosed, toughness-</p>
<p id="Pn9hqI">Blah-blah-blah.</p>
<p id="rGc9AJ">That’s enough small talk, let’s dive into another week of lineman play:</p>
<h1 id="td0Is3">
<span>Uzomah</span><strong> and </strong><span>Kroft</span><strong> display physicality</strong>
</h1>
<p id="IwBwHl">I’m well aware the series is called The Weekly <em><strong>Lineman</strong></em>, but blocking and the components of what lineman do transcend more than just those who have the title of a lineman. </p>
<p id="0fQPRx">So many times, pass protection and run blocking breakdown because the tight ends lose their one-on-one assignment, or they get lost in the second level. The Bengals pass protection and run blocking is far from perfect right now, but it has little to do with how <span>C.J. Uzomah</span> and <span>Tyler Kroft</span> are playing.</p>
<p id="jS3Di6">This play is a terrific example of how a bad result can skew an opinion of the blocking, Focusing on Uzomah (#87 in white), this is textbook:</p>
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<p id="MXs8pf">Again:</p>
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<p id="E0VfaZ">The controlled power Uzomah generates from his lower half is an impressive testament of his technique, but the important aspect is that he almost always finishes, taking his man out of the play for good. </p>
<p id="UdDoZZ">Kroft got much more playing time as he continues to come back from his preseason knee injury, and his blocking looks on par from what it was last season. Here he is motioning into the screen to the right (#81 in white):</p>
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<p id="QCSYp9">Due to the play action, the Steelers front started flowing to their left with the way the Bengals line started, this sets up the first half of the throwing lane for Andy Dalton. Kroft meets linebacker <span>James Harrison</span> on the play side, and manages to stay strong after the point of attack and establish the second half of the now wide open throwing lane for Dalton, leading to the completion.</p>
<p id="L4GWo4">Kroft also does a great job of finishing his blocks as seen here (far right):</p>
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<p id="vyAHPH">Hopefully we’ll see these two again in this piece later this season. As Tyler Eifert’s return may reduce their time on the field, they’ve shown they can stay on it when it comes to blocking. Now they just have to remember to wear gloves in the rain. </p>
<h1 id="PzX2ua"><strong>Pressure is Production</strong></h1>
<p id="jjoAdg">If you read last week, you may remember this phrase. Pressure is absolutely production, and there were a few instances this past week where we saw quality pressure from the Bengals defensive line, where the lineman did more than just run at the quarterback unblocked.</p>
<p id="mLgbCe">Coming in for <span>Geno Atkins</span> at defensive tackle, <span>Pat Sims</span> (#92 in white) does a fantastic job of setting up right guard <span>David DeCastro</span> for failure:</p>
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<p id="euJYec">It’s difficult to see from the endzone angle, but Sims at initial contact leads with his outside hand, his left in this case, and DeCastro responds by readying himself to counter with his inside hand to force Sims further to his right, and is faced far too outside in the process. Sims provides his own counter and swipes DeCastro’s punch and uses his positioning against him, and runs right to <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span>, whose throw is altered by the pressure.</p>
<p id="92881R">Later in the game, defensive end <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> (#96 in white) was showcasing play recognition that led to another Steelers incompletion. The Steelers pull the left guard <span>Ramon Foster</span> across the line and fake their variation of a trap run with play action. </p>
<p id="Gw9ZXC">Dunlap’s responsibility goes from contain to rusher, and as he realizes Foster isn’t going downhill; he utilizes good hip flexion and corners around Foster at the top of the edge. The result is him getting to Roethlisberger with ease, causing the throw to go high: </p>
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<p id="f0ZnaI">Now, incomplete passes for the defense is production, but better production is obviously sacking the quarterback. And the guy who winds up with the sack, isn’t always the only one who beats his man.</p>
<p id="V79yK2">On Will Clarke’s first sack of the year and first sack since Week 2 of last year, he transitions from a bull rush and rips his inside arm under left tackle Alejandro Villanueva’s and bends around to find Roethlisberger. </p>
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<p id="4uajRB">This is encouraging work by Clarke, but look at the other side of the line. We’ve all seen Atkins bench his assignment backward before like he does here, but watch <span>Margus Hunt</span> turn speed into power. He still has trouble disengaging, but he and Atkins diminish the pocket to where Roethlisberger has nowhere to climb and escape from the incoming Clarke.</p>
<h1 id="hpgjUh"><strong>The holds that weren’t holds</strong></h1>
<p id="pBeuJH">Oh boy there were a lot, A LOT, of uncalled holding penalties on the Steelers. And all of them were egregious. Just observe: </p>
<p id="cXwyO2">Johnson (#90) can’t break free of a hug:</p>
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<p id="J9wfEI">Clarke has his collar grabbed: (left side of screen)</p>
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<p id="qXsFuw">Dunlap gets formed tackled: (right side of screen this time)</p>
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<p id="dtVAxy">Johnson gets choked part 1 (featuring a Foster hold next to him on the left):</p>
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<p id="NOqzio">Johnson gets choked part 2 (left side of the screen again):</p>
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<p id="6gIXFn">And finally, my favorite, Johnson gets bear-hugged to the ground (left side of the screen yet again):</p>
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<p id="ObSdFO">The fact that NONE of these were called is just absurd, especially when almost all of them were from one guy: Villanueva. Yes, offensive holding is by far the most frequent infraction that takes place regardless of if it’s called or not, but the fact that this performance by the Steelers offense went completely unpenalized for the entirety of the game is just bonkers. </p>
<p id="8jXK4h">But, this is not an article to bash the refs, so I will not directly go there. Instead, this is to show people how to play offensive line. If you want to show them how to get away with murder, maybe we can continue down the uncalled penalty trajector.</p>
<p id="SBDqKG">That’s all I have for this week. I know for a fact that I left some uncalled holds out, but there were so many that I couldn’t get to them all. I’ll see y’all next week to breakdown the lines’ performances against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/9/21/12992900/bengals-vs-steelers-the-weekly-lineman-just-hold-on-uncalled-penalties-week-2John Sheeran2016-09-21T18:43:47-04:002016-09-21T18:43:47-04:00SIISWIS podcast: Bengals will take frustrations out on Broncos
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<img alt="Denver Broncos v Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KFheT4P1V2tDWlZsO1ZTPJdH-Jg=/265x0:2647x1588/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50967699/460789640.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Bengals left Pittsburgh with a bitter taste in their mouths. Now they face the 2016 Super Bowl champs in their home opener. In this episode of Sorry If I Spit When I Speak, we tell you why we think they can put it all together and make a statement. </p> <p id="iTKS1I">What’s the best way to put a frustrating loss behind you? By taking down the best there is. And the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> will have that chance this Sunday. In the Week 3 podcast of Sorry If I Spit When I Speak, we talk about the positive (and negative) takeaways from the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> game and provide an extensive preview of the upcoming matchup against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos:</a><br></p>
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<p id="Pl0eQv">It might seem that this is a bad time to face the league champions. Cincinnati has concerns on both offense and defense. The Bengals have struggled in the running game, and only have two sacks on the year (after getting 42 last year). But with the Bengals’ secondary playing the way it did against <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span>, it seems apparent that <span>Trevor Siemian</span> will struggle in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, the Broncos actually haven’t been particularly stout against the run, allowing 120 rushing yards per game. Furthermore, <span>Jeremy Hill</span> gashed them for 147 yards the last time these two played at Paul Brown Stadium (in Hill’s rookie year of 2014). So there’s good reason to believe that it will all come together for the Bengals on Sunday. </p>
<p id="TCY9Of">What do you think? Be sure to <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/siiswis">subscribe to Sorry if I Spit When I Speak here</a>!</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/9/21/13002824/siiswis-podcast-bengals-look-to-take-frustrations-out-on-broncosDadio Makdook2016-09-21T16:15:33-04:002016-09-21T16:15:33-04:00Coach Talk: Interpreting Marvin Lewis' post Steelers’ press conference
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<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/62TIYy4NYxmTJ_66H74IGNrxqZE=/4x0:4924x3280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50964811/usa-today-9535335.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Marvin Lewis held another press conference on Monday following the Bengals’ loss in Pittsburgh. What did he say, and more importantly, what did he really mean? We try to decipher the differences.</p> <p id="j42NBn">This week, <span>Marvin Lewis</span> had a wild game against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> to talk about in his press conference. So, as we do each week, we’re trying to bring some clarity to what he said... and meant.</p>
<p id="sThTLu"><strong>Question: </strong>How do you feel about some of the questionable calls that were made? Do you feel they could have gone differently?</p>
<p id="Kj7e4w"><strong>Marvin Lewis’ response: </strong>I can’t change those calls. My opinion doesn’t really matter, nor will I voice it.</p>
<p id="b4CjtV"><em>Many have said that NFL stand for ‘not for long’. It is especially true for players, and even a coach won’t last forever. Lewis understands that he won’t be making good money as an NFL head coach for the rest of his life. Being vocal about horrible officiating (which has now occurred in two consecutive games against the Steelers) may be a gratifying way to vent frustration, </em><em>but </em><em>won’t change the outcome - it will only empty his wallet.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="oUBUBo">
<p id="P3aQqa"><strong>Question: </strong>What was the discussion about challenging the Uzomah catch? Was there a reason not to?</p>
<p id="t3N97n"><strong>Marvin Lewis’ response: </strong>Yes. We saw one view at the end that we thought that there wasn’t evidence to overturn. You have to have clear evidence. The coaches don’t get all the views that the media and broadcasters get. That’s a fallacy of television. We have to go to the next play. TV announcers say things like that time and time again, but that’s not the way it works. It has to be a quick judgement from the person in charge, and then we have to go from there. Even at the end, when they showed them, everyone on the field obviously thought the opposite. “The (stadium) screens didn’t show a replay of that (Uzomah play).</p>
<p id="c9JpOX"><em>Sometimes you’ve got to “poo or get off the pot” as they say. In the NFL you don’t have the luxury of taking a crossword puzzle or book into the bathroom with you. They have a quick play clock, so you only have a few seconds to decide if you are going to dump the challenge flag on the field, or wait and try again later.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="mx7ucP">
<p id="Uec0kr"><strong>Question: </strong>So do the officials to tend to err on the side of caution when making review calls?</p>
<p id="P9rOUh"><strong>Marvin Lewis’ response: </strong>No. The officials are instructed to get it right. They’re not supposed to err one way or another, because they’re graded on what they do. You can’t officiate that way. Their job is to get it right. We had another ball, the punt, that was ruled a fumble. Their job is to get it right. They’re graded based on being right, not on the effect of replay. Replay doesn’t come into their job description.</p>
<p id="FMX4uf"><em>Apparently if Pro Football Focus were to grade the officials the way they grade the players, Lewis doesn’t think the PFF grade for the crew would have been very high. Perhaps even in Bodine (negative) territory.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="MML2qz">
<p id="u8k9Mo"><strong>Question: </strong>Is there anything you can pinpoint the running game struggles on?</p>
<p id="LckUPh"><strong>Marvin Lewis’ response: </strong>We can’t have one-person breakdowns...we can’t have one-person breakdowns and instead of it being a 10-yard gain, it’s a three-yard gain. We have to do better at that...</p>
<p id="JRbSEQ"><em>A couple times in his reply Lewis clearly refers to a “one-person” breakdown. So the question becomes who is this one person that is being referred to? It could be Bodine, who tends to get graded as negatively as a pile of electrons. But Lewis leaves the identity up for speculation.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="VQmX0O">
<p id="PBExLC"><strong>Question: </strong>Is it easier to address if it’s a one-person breakdown?</p>
<p id="J0gt58"><strong>Marvin Lewis’ response: </strong>Yes. It is.</p>
<p id="FklJpA"><em>So if Lewis refers to a one-person breakdown, and admits it’s easier to address, this leads one to ask why, if it is only one person, and it’s easy to fix, why isn’t it being addressed.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="0A6wrQ">
<p id="OFYOZf"><strong>Question: </strong>The Steelers ran it a lot. Do you think you’re running it enough?</p>
<p id="WTKN1T"><strong>Marvin Lewis’ response: </strong>Our offense and their offense are two different offensive schemes. They’re going to do what they feel successful at, we have to do what we feel successful at.</p>
<p id="C5RILQ"><em>The </em><a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a><em> punted a lot, but I doubt the Steelers got asked if they were punting enough. Seriously though, back in 2011 the </em><a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a><em>’ quarterback </em><span>Drew Brees</span><em> threw the ball 657 times, while their top rusher only attempted 122 rushes that season. I doubt anybody asked the Saints if they were running enough, as they marched to a 13-3 record while scoring 543 points that season. Ultimately it doesn’t matter how many times you run – it matters how many times you win. Had the Bengals won on Sunday, nobody would care </em><em>whether </em><em>they threw t</em><em>he ball </em><em>four times or 54 times.</em></p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/9/21/13002688/coach-talk-interpreting-marvin-lewis-post-steelers-press-conference-nfl-week-2DeusVult2016-09-21T11:00:06-04:002016-09-21T11:00:06-04:00Vincent Rey ranked among PFF’s top linebackers after Week 2
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<figcaption>Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Bengals have seen great production from their linebackers, particularly from veteran Vincent Rey. </p> <p id="Rd82lT">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> are entering their third straight game without the services of <span>Vontaze Burfict</span>, who is close to returning from his three-game suspension.</p>
<p id="Q3M3aQ">In his absence, <span>Vincent Rey</span> has given the Bengals great production at weakside linebacker. Through two games, Rey has racked up 15 total tackles, including several big stops during Sunday's narrow loss in Pittsburgh. Rey has also been very good in coverage when matched up with speedy running backs like <span>DeAngelo Williams</span>, or quality tight ends like <span>Jesse James</span>. </p>
<p id="Y4zZ0O">In fact, Rey finished as one of <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fpro-best-player-at-every-position-in-nfl-week-2%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2016%2F9%2F21%2F12996836%2Fvincent-rey-ranked-pff-top-linebackers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus' top </a><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fpro-best-player-at-every-position-in-nfl-week-2%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2016%2F9%2F21%2F12996836%2Fvincent-rey-ranked-pff-top-linebackers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">two </a><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fpro-best-player-at-every-position-in-nfl-week-2%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2016%2F9%2F21%2F12996836%2Fvincent-rey-ranked-pff-top-linebackers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">linebackers of Week 2</a>:</p>
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<p id="j49SVL"><strong>Linebacker: Vincent Rey, Cincinnati Bengals, 91.6</strong></p>
<p id="URJ5Ve">In the slippery conditions caused by the rain, Vincent Rey was a force against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, attacking the run well and recording five defensive stops. He also surrendered just one reception for 7 yards in coverage.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="QUebTQ">It's good to see the special teams ace finally getting more recognition for how much of an impact he can make on defense. He's been playing a lot there over the past three years with Burfict missing time due to injuries and now suspension. However, Rey is playing some of the best football of his career right now, registering as <a href="https://grades.profootballfocus.com/#/ratings/positions/show/LB">PFF's second-highest graded linebacker through two weeks</a>. </p>
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<p id="QEcV9p">While having Burfict this past week would have been nice, the way Rey played, it may not have made a big difference in the outcome. That's how good Rey is playing thus far, and while it's not realistic to think he'll be one of the five best linebackers in the NFL this year, his production thus far is really helping the defense offset the absence of Burfict.</p>
<p id="qvX4CM">Now, Rey will get a tough test against a <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> offense geared more toward the run. They currently ranked fourth overall in rushing offense, not to mention <span>C.J. Anderson</span> is a tough back to keep track of. He's been a threat on the ground with 166 yards on just 40 carries to go with seven catches for 66 yards through the air. </p>
<p id="VxTLNv">Keeping Anderson contained will be largely determined by how well Rey plays Sunday. If he plays like has the past two weeks, the Bengals should be in good shape in that regard. </p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/9/21/12996836/vincent-rey-ranked-pff-top-linebackersJason Marcum2016-09-21T10:00:05-04:002016-09-21T10:00:05-04:00Film Room: Why Bengals' secondary excelled in PIT
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<figcaption>Justin K. Aller/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With the help of some pouring rain, the Bengals' defensive backs only allowed a couple of big plays while keeping the best receiver in the game in check. Kirkpatrick was the good news, but Dennard showed up a little rusty on Sunday.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> lost to the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> on Sunday but the defense had a very good outing. They faced one of the hottest offenses in the NFL and one of the more deadly quarterback - receiver combos in football. Cincinnati also stopped the run until they ran out of gas, forcing Pittsburgh to punt eight times. We go to the tape to take a closer look at what happened at Heinz Field when it comes to the Bengals' defense.</p>
<p>It's a stretch to say Cincinnati shutdown <span>Antonio Brown</span>, as the rainy conditions, a bad throw by <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> on fourth down and a drop were big factors in his performance, but <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/9/19/12962528/nfl-week-2-bengals-at-steelers-cincinnati-s-secondary-steps-up-in-loss">we can say the secondary in particular held its own</a>. They did allow a couple of big plays, but those are not the reasons the Bengals lost either.</p>
<p>With terrible weather, the Steelers didn't attempt a pass until their second drive. Pittsburgh faced a third-and-six and despite defensive coordinator Paul Guenther's best efforts to confuse Big Ben, he found Brown for a 16-yard gain. The Bengals ran a cover 2 with two of their cornerbacks deep and <span>Shawn Williams</span> and <span>Adam Jones</span> double-teaming Brown. Cincinnati was showing cover 0, but only rushed their four defensive linemen.</p>
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<p>It was a smart thing to do, but Williams misread Roethlisberger's eyes and went for the sidelines, thus creating a perfect spot for the pass, catch and first down.</p>
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<img alt="CINvsPIT2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9aOTFIKf2EEvz6TVJRxOMoq0UU8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7136617/CINvsPIT2.0.gif">
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<p>The look the Bengals threw at the Steelers should have worked, but Big Ben had a lot of time to find Brown with Pittsburgh keeping six in protection. This was the second longest catch of the day for the talented receiver.</p>
<p>Roethlisberger had time to throw often, sometimes because of holds the referees didn't see, sometimes because of his ability to avoid the rush and sometimes because the Bengals couldn't get him. That is where breaks like this happened and Cincy was happy that he didn't see the open receiver.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="CINvsPIT3" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LlZx1SRLyUuRpksLYG2wl5e7V-s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7136645/CINvsPIT3.0.png">
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<p>This is why it's so hard to play against the Steelers' quarterback, even though he threw it out of bounds on this play. If one of your corners messes up in cover 3, you're probably doomed.</p>
<p>On his first interception, the Bengals went all blitz on fourth down and got lucky again that Big Ben just missed Brown badly. The receiver was running a deep in route and despite the pressure - Williams was a free runner on the play - Roethlisberger had time to set his feet and throw accurately, but he didn't.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="CINvsPIT4" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2d0VkbwSJ8HIgO4HvGCguGTQjzs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7136685/CINvsPIT4.0.png">
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<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="CINvsPIT5" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/09NDLS9jsViBjBdsbgBbvPWJ6eg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7136691/CINvsPIT5.0.png">
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<p>Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus says <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fpro-bengals-cbs-only-part-of-story-in-quiet-day-for-antonio-brown%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2016%2F9%2F21%2F12994522%2Ffilm-room-bengals-secondary-holds-its-own-against-steelers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">he believes the throw was affected by the rain given "its funky flight"</a>. Jones was in fact beaten on the play. He gave Brown a 6-yard cushion that should have allowed the Steelers to get a first down, and I think it was because they saw what happened on Monday to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Redskins</a> in the same situation. Pittsburgh loves the big play and Jones was expecting a go route isolated one-on-one against him.</p>
<p>I'll take the interception even though an incompletion would have been better for the Bengals, but it's hard to take credit for this play.</p>
<p>On the Steelers' next drive, they got their first key play of the game, a 44-yard pass to second-year receiver <span>Sammie Coates</span> on third-and-nine. Much has been said about <span>Darqueze Dennard</span> and how he got beat, but I think we can't forget just how much time Roethlisberger has to throw and keep the play alive.</p>
<p>All five options are covered, including <span>DeAngelo Williams</span> by linebacker Vinny Rey on the top of the picture.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="CINvsPIT6" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mvD1GBR9zEAzX9adJ-GpW-44GOA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7136705/CINvsPIT6.0.png">
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<p>I agree that Dennard looked really slow but this should have been a coverage sack had the Steelers' left guard not held Margus Hunt. That missed hold allowed Roethlisberger to pull a spin move and find <span>Coates</span> deep, setting up their first touchdown of the game two plays later. Dennard has to play better nonetheless if he wants to keep the nickel back job with <span>Josh Shaw</span> waiting in the wings. The former first round pick gave up another first down to <span>Eli Rogers</span> on Pittsburgh's next drive.</p>
<p>That drive ended with a great play by Jones, who diagnosed the Steelers' intentions and prevented <span>Darrius Heyward-Bey</span> from making the catch and getting the first down on third-and-three. The veteran cornerback read Roethlisberger's eyes all the way and made the right play, reacting as quick as possible and hitting the receiver hard to turn the ball loose.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
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<p>Jones wasn't as good two drives later, as on third-and-10 he got saved by Brown's drop. The Bengals were playing cover 2 man and he was caught expecting the deep comeback to the sidelines. Instead the Steelers' receiver turned inside and with the middle of the field wide open almost caught Big Ben's desperation heave. It should have been a 20-yard gain but instead it forced Pittsburgh to punt.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="CINvsPIT8" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GJbWMxq1Idwy-MrOUvaXl8eZwXk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7136817/CINvsPIT8.0.gif">
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</p>
<p><span>Shaw</span> was better than Dennard and he already showed what he could do in the Bengals' Week 1 game against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a>, but it seemed like the Bengals didn't trust him in man coverage. A good play on a deep throw to <span>Rogers</span> should change that. It was a poor throw by Big Ben but Shaw stayed with the receiver strike by strike.</p>
<p>On the Steelers' last drive before halftime, and just a play earlier than Kirkpatrick's interception, Pittsburgh converted a third-and-two this way.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="CINvsPIT9" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aP__jVgcQvNs2tMYpRatQys29eI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7136957/CINvsPIT9.0.png">
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<p>Coverage on the play was perfect, and only that pump fake and the "work" of the left guard allowed them to convert.</p>
<p>The Bengals got the ball following it thanks to Kirkpatrick's pick nevertheless. The much-talked about Alabama product had a very strong game on Sunday and this play was a great example of what he did well. He stayed with Coates and when the receiver turned his head to locate the football, so did Kirkpatrick. That awareness of where the football was going allowed him to slow down and gave him advantage to catch the ball. It wasn't an easy catch, though, just a great play. In a contract year, these kind of plays could be huge for his future earnings.</p>
<p>His speed showed again in the second half and again matched up against Coates, but that time he dropped the interception, although the Steelers were on third down. At 6-foot-2 and with his athleticism, it's fair to wonder what could he become if he were to play like that on a weekly basis.</p>
<p><span>George Iloka</span> could have had another pick on the next drive, as he read Roethlisberger's eyes perfectly and broke up a pass intended to Brown. This time the Bengals ended up paying for it, as the Steelers scored a touchdown a few plays later after converting a third down on another impressive effort by Roethlisberger under pressure. Had Cincinnati had more success rushing the quarterback - or had the referees called some more holds, the game could have been way different.</p>
<p>Pittsburgh then took a shot at Dennard, who was outside filling in for Kirkpatrick; Shaw manned the slot. Coates easily blew past by him and Williams, the deep safety on cover 3 and was at the right side to provide help against Brown. This is just a good design by the Steelers to beat the coverage, taking advantage of the one on one.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
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<p>Coates had two catches for 95 yards, all on Dennard.</p>
<p>Besides Dennard's two miscues the other big play given up by the Bengals' secondary was a 17-yard gain to Brown in which the receiver beat Williams badly on third down at the beginning of the fourth quarter. That time Brown was again double-teamed as Jones was closely behind Williams to help. Williams seems to be one to blame as well for the last touchdown of the game, as he was supposed to cover the right flat but left the running back wide open for the score.</p>
<p>DeAngelo Williams would also produce a 20-yard gain of a short check down, but that was mostly a product of the Bengals' defense being gassed and unable to tackle after yet another short drive by the offense.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="CINvsPIT13" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cs7stnoxtq3dV1t1bYfIfMVRMlc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7137225/CINvsPIT13.0.gif">
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<p>Adam Jones might not have been able to cover Brown on his own for the entire game, but he still showed he's at the top of his game with the game on the line. On third down and with more than three minutes left, he gave his team a chance at a comeback blanketing Brown one-on-one. Jones got away with a little bit of contact, but as the referees were allowing the Steelers to hold in the line of scrimmage, I don't think that should be concerning. This was a great play by Jones.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="CINvsPIT14" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RTfwGvGfrs5yQMunLLfjwTAYb_8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7137259/CINvsPIT14.0.gif">
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<p>Overall, I think the Bengals' secondary had a pretty solid outing. Of course it was probably harder on the quarterback given the weather conditions, but it's not an easy task to go up against one of the best offenses in the NFL. Jones was solid, Kirkpatrick was surprisingly good and Shaw did his job again. Williams is still a work in progress in coverage, and Dennard needs to find his way back into form if he wants to stay involved. I said last week that I like the Bengals' depth here and Sunday's game just confirmed it, despite losing.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/9/21/12994522/film-room-bengals-secondary-holds-its-own-against-steelersmuertedeatenas2016-09-20T17:59:57-04:002016-09-20T17:59:57-04:00Andy Dalton battles through elements to be Bengals MVP vs Steelers
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1YpieNYgqY8XYgMBF_98a6wN04o=/0x114:3942x2742/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50947123/usa-today-9550152.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Even though it wasn’t a perfect game by the Bengals’ signal-caller, he did enough to get the Bengals in a position to tie the game as time expired.</p> <p id="QCkHhq">We knew it was going to be a hard-fought game between two heated rivals and big plays predictably came at a premium. Both teams struggled with consistency in the run game and had their best receiver shut down by the opposition, so quarterback play was at the forefront of the contest’s outcome.</p>
<p id="HdYxND"><a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> quarterback <span>Andy Dalton</span> battled through poor weather and officiating, a hostile environment, and even a slow start from himself to get the Bengals back in position to potentially tie the game as the two-minute warning hit the clock. It was by no means his best day as a pro, but the sixth-year signal-caller took the team on his back with 54 pass attempts and didn’t turn the ball over. </p>
<h3 id="ucxjlw">Other areas of Dalton’s value:</h3>
<p id="A3qj3S"><em><strong>Nine Receivers with Catches: </strong></em>Even though <span>A.J. Green</span> was bracketed by the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> defense, Dalton distributed the ball to a bunch of different players. <span>Tyler Boyd</span> was the best of the wideouts, hauling in six passes for 78 yards, but the use of so many weapons was also impressive considering <span>Tyler Eifert</span> is still out of the lineup. </p>
<p id="u68Nin"><em><strong>Changing the Game Plan: </strong></em>Ken Zampese and Dalton had a plan to utilize Green, but had to make in-game changes. Dalton found creases in the middle of the field and then took what Pittsburgh was giving them by using <span>Giovani Bernard</span> en route to a comeback.</p>
<p id="zSi5Ng"><em><strong>Drops and lack of a run game: </strong></em>Aside from all of the above-mentioned issues the Bengals faced on the day, the lack of help Dalton received was startling. Bernard and <span>Jeremy Hill</span> combined for 17 carries and just 39 yards, while receiving options dropped a whopping eight passes on the day. The Bengals had a total of 18 dropped passes in all of 2015, <a href="http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/stats?season=2015&week=100&category=RECEIVING&opp=0&sort=11&qualified=0&sortOrder=0">per FOX Sports</a>.</p>
<h3 id="Q2IbMm">Best Plays:</h3>
<p id="sAoBax"><em><strong>25-Yard Pitch-and-Catch to Gio Bernard: </strong></em>Down 24-9 and things looking extremely bleak with just under seven minutes to play, the Bengals took over on a drive. Dalton found Bernard often to make it a one-possession game. The security blanket had three of his nine catches on the drive, including the 25-yard scamper into the end zone.</p>
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<p id="EBuI1u"><em><strong>29-Yard pass to Tyler Boyd: </strong></em>Late in the third quarter, the Bengals’ offense put themselves in quite a hole. Back-to-back penalties put Cincinnati in a 1st-and-25 situation after struggling to move the ball with consistency to that point. Dalton threw a dart across the middle to Boyd, who converted a huge first down. It helped lead to a <span>Mike Nugent</span> field goal. </p>
<p id="eqQvkA">Who gets your nod for the Bengals’ MVP against the Steelers in Week 2?</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/9/20/12990848/andy-dalton-battles-through-elements-to-be-bengals-mvp-vs-steelersAnthony Cosenza2016-09-20T16:40:09-04:002016-09-20T16:40:09-04:00AFCN: Ravens win; Steelers hang on; Browns down another QB
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<img alt="NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lo_H_9sb4uwg8OCeodrnRN9rtak=/0x0:3558x2372/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50945127/usa-today-9550569.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Browns are down to their third quarterback already. The Ravens overcame a 20 point deficit to beat the Browns. Pittsburgh won, but it was a good game for Cincinnati, in ways. Plus more from the two AFC North showdowns this week. </p> <p id="XYtta3">Well this weekend didn’t exactly shake out well for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> in the AFC North. Not only did Cincinnati lose to Pittsburgh, but the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> let a huge lead slip away to Baltimore, who are now tied with Pittsburgh for first place in the division. Let’s take a deeper look at how each matchup affected each team.</p>
<h4 id="Uxd9jp">
<a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> (2-0) beat Cleveland Browns (0-2): 25-20</h4>
<p id="z8spir"><a href="http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2016/09/browns_josh_mccown_out_with_le.html">Cleveland loses ANOTHER quarterback</a></p>
<p id="z7bwHi">I think most of us assumed we’d see all three of Cleveland’s quarterbacks this season, but I doubt anyone had them each starting the first three weeks of the season. After Josh McCown injured his left shoulder, <span>Cody Kessler</span> entered the Week 2 contest for his first NFL action. McCown did return and finished the game, however, it appears everything was not alright as he will miss Week 3, and it hasn’t been determined when he will return.</p>
<p id="Zrj3Gg">There is the obvious comical value that comes from the Browns starting three different quarterbacks in three week, but what can’t be joked about is that McCown is one tough player. He stayed in the whole game, and gave them a great shot to win. If not for a questionable taunting call that was a result of Terrelle Pryor tossing a ball that ended up hitting a safety after a catch putting the Browns on the Ravens 10 yard line, the Browns could have ended up winning. Instead, McCown threw an interception on the next play.</p>
<p id="0wt7kE">McCown was hit early and often and Kessler, the rookie third round pick, isn’t exactly known for his size. The way the Browns’ offensive line has been playing, the prospect of Cleveland having to start a fourth quarterback isn’t insane. They have signed veteran quarterback <span>Charlie Whitehurst</span> to their roster. Whitehurst spent the 2015 season in Indianapolis, with now Browns associate head coach/offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, who was the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>’ offensive coordinator before being fired in November 2015.</p>
<p id="7TVsJv"><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-recap-ravens-browns-20160918-story.html">Did Cleveland blow it or did Baltimore earn it?</a></p>
<p id="JvTxhA">After Corey Coleman scored his second touchdown of the day on Sunday, it gave the Browns a pretty 20 to nothing first quarter lead. The ensuing point after attempt changed everything. Baltimore blocked the extra point and returned it for two points. Not only was that the last time Cleveland scored, but it began a huge comeback for the Ravens.</p>
<p id="ZfdU8C">The real question is: was it more of a meltdown or a comeback? While the Ravens did score 25 unanswered, they never took the lead until the fourth quarter with 11 minutes remaining. That means it is kind of hard to put blame on a defense that isn’t particularly talented. The Browns know they probably won’t win any games if their offense can only score 20 points.</p>
<p id="ByqJ1n">Really this is more of a bad team coming out hyped to play against one of their divisional opponents at home, and the Ravens probably weren’t too concerned with this team going in. After being shocked by the Browns strong start, and sparked by a big special team play that ended up making a huge difference in the final score, the game we all expected finally started playing out.</p>
<p id="8sH1jH">The Ravens looked past the Browns, and people may point to Cleveland’s strong start and say they were wrong to. Really though, the way Cleveland finished proved they were worthy to be looked past.</p>
<p id="S6hwdC"><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-preston-column-0919-20160918-column.html">Ravens have yet to impress</a></p>
<p id="PnTYHE">The Ravens are 2-0, but they haven’t looked great against less than impressive competition. It is early in the season, but their lack of a running game could hurt them against top tier teams. So far the Ravens only have 163 rushing yards through two games. They have also been played to the wire by teams who don’t have playoff aspirations this year.</p>
<p id="TFXHDc">It isn’t all bad for Baltimore. Mike Wallace has three touchdowns in two games, and <span>Dennis Pitta</span> had a throwback game against the Browns with nine catches for over 100 yards. Their defense has also played pretty good if you forget about the 20 point outburst early in the Browns game. Yet none of this looks intimidating on the field. I’m not sure anyone is watching the Ravens thinking “man I don’t want my team to play them soon.” </p>
<p id="ef20pN">Again it is early, and in the NFL you can’t control who you play, but the Ravens simply aren’t looking good against teams they should look good against, despite winning.</p>
<h4 id="RYmAi3">
<a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (2-0) beat Cincinnati Bengals (1-1): 24-16</h4>
<p id="aJgN7I"><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2664414-deangelo-williams-defying-father-time-in-sparking-steelers-to-enviable-start">DeAngelo W</a><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2664414-deangelo-williams-defying-father-time-in-sparking-steelers-to-enviable-start">i</a><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2664414-deangelo-williams-defying-father-time-in-sparking-steelers-to-enviable-start">lliams solid, again</a></p>
<p id="GTVoMr">It is frustrating seeing the Steelers replace the production of Le’Veon Bell, who is out the first three games due to suspension, so easily. Through two games Williams has scored three times and racked up over 250 total yards. Sunday the Bengals held <span>Antonio Brown</span> in check with only 38 yards, and you would think the Bengals would probably win that game, but Williams was a reason the Steelers held on. The questionable, at best, refs also helped. </p>
<p id="v91TB9">The Steelers only have one more game without Bell, and if they manage to go 3-0 without him, that’ll be a huge achievement for them. It also must be comforting knowing if you’re without your Pro Bowl running back, you can call up a 33-year-old veteran to come in and keep the running game going. Although less than 100 rushing yards on 32 carries isn’t <em>THAT </em>good.</p>
<p id="x7G9h5"><a href="http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/09/roethlisberger-steelers-fight-through-mistakes-hold-off-bengals/">Steelers win has bright spots for Bengals</a></p>
<p id="a5MakA">The Steelers won, and there is no changing that. However, the Bengals weren’t as outplayed as the general media keeps playing it out as. This was a close game between two really good teams. What makes the difference in games like that often isn’t much, and it would’ve just taken a few calls going a different way or a ball bouncing a different way, and I’d be sitting here writing about how close the Steelers were to winning instead of the Bengals.</p>
<p id="XvzkOf">We have all been told the ins and outs of how the refs screwed up on Sunday, but even with their help, the Steelers had a realistic chance of losing. The Bengals were able to get in the red zone several times, but weren’t able to punch it in consistently, and meanwhile, the Steelers did. Even with the Bengals’ only touchdown coming in the fourth quarter, they were within one score of tying it. When in the red zone, the Bengals finished with zero touchdowns on three attempts. Meanwhile, the Steelers scored on both of their red zone trips. The Steelers also lost the turnover battle, but the Bengals had their only turnover at the worst time. It may not have actually been a turnover.</p>
<p id="7ux3P0">The Bengals could easily play better. Their defense pressured <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> even with the Pittsburgh offensive line holding early and often. It would be hard to believe that the Steelers get as fortunate with the refs the next time around. It would also be hard to believe the Bengals perform as poorly in the red zone again. Needless to say, Week 15 can’t come quickly enough.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/9/20/12984652/state-of-afc-north-ravens-win-dramatically-steelers-hang-on-browns-down-another-qbPatrickJudis2016-09-20T13:14:35-04:002016-09-20T13:14:35-04:00Bengals rookie report: Boyd 2nd leading receiver in 2nd career game
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<img alt="Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U1IMid8FXv0XvWdKc7_fJ2RRmtk=/0x0:4253x2835/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50941523/607560078.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Despite his “fumble” late in the fourth quarter, Tyler Boyd came to play against Pittsburgh</p> <p id="IhkNqt">Remember last week when we said <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> rookies are rarely put in a position to make a significant impact in a game? Well, it happened again this week. The team’s highest drafted active rookie was involved in the turning point of the first Bengals-<a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> showdown of the year. Here’s our Week 2 rookie report.</p>
<h2 id="9MhTQh"><strong>Active:</strong></h2>
<ul id="CSicJZ">
<li>Tyler Boyd</li>
<li id="8imwpH">Alex Erickson</li>
<li id="uX5cP7"><span>Clayton Fejedelem</span></li>
<li id="iO66wY"><span>Nick Vigil</span></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="WKv1r9"><strong>Inactive:</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="MdMbhW">Cody Core</li>
<li id="43uYia">Jeff Driskel</li>
<li id="4WcfrR"><span>KeiVarae Russell</span></li>
<li id="PaJI5y">Christian Westerman</li>
</ul>
<h1 id="ZWWRLX"><strong>Tyler Boyd</strong></h1>
<p id="4Sjp0J">It took a whopping two weeks for Boyd to be fully integrated into the offense, and it was everything the coaches and fans were expecting. Boyd caught six of eight targets for 78 yards, all coming out of the slot in the Bengals’ 11 personnel. Boyd has plenty of experience playing in Heinz Field, his college home field, and has lit it up on several occasions as the focal point of the University of Pittsburgh’s offense for three years. But this was a different experience, as he was wearing the visitor’s uniform for the first time. Being the enemy didn’t seem to phase him much. </p>
<p id="zE7JHH">His biggest play of the day came on this 29-yard seam route on a 1st and 25:</p>
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<p id="uhtllM">Unfortunately, the moment that people will remember the most about Boyd in this game is the fumble that was or wasn’t (but really wasn’t). Late in the fourth quarter, trailing by eight, the Bengals were on the Steelers’ 39 yard line, and targeted Boyd for the eighth and final time of the game. After securing the pass over the middle, Boyd turned upfield and was met by linebacker and notorious hard-hitter <span>James Harrison</span>, who popped the ball loose right when Boyd’s knee hit the ground:</p>
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<p id="LCXo1U">Because it was ruled a fumble on the field, head referee Pete Morelli and his crew were looking for inconclusive evidence to overturn the call, and apparently, they couldn’t find any. It was a terrible way to end Boyd’s day, but it shouldn’t take away the progress he’s made in such a short time. With the offense leaning on a pass heavy scheme as they’re set to play the stingy <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> this Sunday, look for a similar number of targets coming Boyd’s way.</p>
<h1 id="vDuBqN">Alex Erickson</h1>
<p id="nYBApX">It was a <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/9/20/12982980/alex-erickson-preseason-charm-missing-in-lackluster-week-2-showing-bengals-kick-returner">rough day for Erickson</a> as he fair caught three punts inside the 10 yard line and returned a fourth one for no gain, pinning the offense back very close to their own endzone on all four occasions. Special teams coach Darrin Simmons is counting on Erickson to be an upgrade over recently cut return-man <span>Brandon Tate</span>, and Sunday wasn’t a good day for to reflect on that decision. </p>
<p id="GLiJkP">There was a bright spot for Erickson though, as he recorded his first career catch on his first career target for a 20-yard gain:</p>
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<p id="FrKZ02">Check out the slow-mo mid-air adjustment:</p>
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<p id="z3cFKq">Erickson is still behind <span>James Wright</span> in terms of chances of seeing the field on offense, but you could definitely expect to see Erickson rotate with Boyd in the slot on some empty sets like this one as the year goes on. Remember, the Bengals didn’t just keep him for returning kicks and punts.</p>
<h1 id="Ieq3n2">
<strong>Nick Vigil and Clayton Fejedelem</strong> </h1>
<p id="sQLlLU">Both Vigil and Fejedelem were active, but didn’t get any snaps as defenders, playing special teams only on kickoffs and punts and recorded no tackles. Expect this to continue barring injury at linebacker and safety.</p>
<h1 id="w5Wmtz"><strong>Coming up</strong></h1>
<p id="5lM6L7">This is the first home opener for these guys and it’s against the defending <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> champions, but there is no excuses once you’re out there with the coaches’ trust behind you. Boyd and Erickson expect to have an impact on what should be another busy day for <span>Andy Dalton</span>, and Erickson looks to bounce back in the return game as well. </p>
<p id="ZaYCDA">It’ll be interesting to see if newly-acquired cornerback KeiVarae Russell is activated just a week after he was claimed by the team off waivers. Russell was released by the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, who spent a 3rd-round pick on him this past April. Odds are he won’t be, as the team’s top five corners on the roster are healthy, but they must see something in him, so we’ll just have to wait and see. For now, expect Russell to continually be a gameday inactive unless there’s an injury to a cornerback on the roster.</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/9/20/12973346/week-2-bengals-rookie-report-boyd-2nd-leading-receiver-in-2nd-career-gameJohn Sheeran