Cincy Jungle - Cincy Jungle midseason 2016 Bengals awardsWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2016-11-10T11:00:02-05:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/133193312016-11-10T11:00:02-05:002016-11-10T11:00:02-05:003 Bengals who need to play better for a playoff push
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>These Bengals players weren’t great for much of the first half of the season, so the Bengals will need them to be at their best going forward</p> <p id="fPhkPJ">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> have had a handful of problems in 2016 that have led to their current situation of being 3-4-1 on the season. Sure, they’re only a half game out of first place in the AFC North. But, that has more to do with the fact that the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> and <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> have both dropped the ball almost as much as the Bengals have to this point. Still, it’s a surprisingly favorable situation that the Bengals find themselves in, despite starting the season in such an average manner.</p>
<p id="EhGjQl">If the Bengals want to take advantage of their favorable AFC North stauts, they are absolutely going to have to step up their play in certain areas. That also means that certain players who have underperformed for much of the season so far are going to need to get their act together sooner rather than later.</p>
<h3 id="t8NhO3"><span>Jeremy Hill</span></h3>
<p id="tAvIu4">Jeremy Hill has played very well the last two weeks. Against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>, he racked up 244 yards and two touchdowns in addition to three receptions for 21 yards. He seems to be starting to get to the point where he can be effective as a running back this year, which is going to be critical to the Bengals’ push to make the playoffs in the second half of the season.</p>
<p id="12HiT2">The reason for that is the fact that he was so ineffective through the first six weeks of the season. Through those six weeks he only managed to record 271 yards and three touchdowns in addition to three receptions for 37 yards, and the Bengals’ record was 2-4. Most of that production came from a two week window against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> and <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> in which he started playing surprisingly well, recording 97 yards and two touchdowns against the Broncos and 71 yards against the Dolphins. In that stretch, the Bengals went 1-1. In the other four games, he never managed to break 40 yards in a game and only found the endzone once.</p>
<p id="zsibp0">That two week surge from Hill in Weeks 3 and 4 and the subsequent regression thereafter is exactly why he needs to step it up in the second half of the season. Sure, he has played well the past two weeks, but he needs to prove that he can play well consistently if the Bengals want a legitimate shot of competing for the AFC North division title.</p>
<h3 id="QMKLzq"><span>Michael Johnson</span></h3>
<p id="yoqHBB">One of the Bengals’ biggest disappointments this season has been the performance of starting right defensive end, <span>Michael Johnson</span>. In 2015, he came back to the Bengals after a year in Tampa Bay and was unable to get back to the high level of production that made him such a high-profile free agent when he left Cincinnati for the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a>. His five sacks, two pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and 29 tackles weren’t bad in 2015, but we expected a lot more from a guy who put up 11.5 sacks, 35 tackles, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in 2012.</p>
<p id="ZMGe6Z">He was expected to improve upon that performance in 2016, but he hasn’t even lived up to his 2015 production so far. Many thought Johnson’s 2015 play was hindered by playing through injury. But, healthy through eight weeks of 2016, he has recorded 1.5 sacks, 14 tackles, and a pass deflection. The Bengals’ pass rush has been ineffective this season (21st in sacks - 16), despite the admirable efforts of <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> (five sacks) and <span>Geno Atkins</span> (3.5 sacks). With a questionable amount of potential at the other defensive tackle position, the Bengals absolutely need <span>Johnson</span> to step up going forward to create an effective pass rush.</p>
<h3 id="u6ktmB"><span>Cedric Ogbuehi</span></h3>
<p id="gRfC4e">By far the biggest under performer of the Bengals’ 2016 season has been second year right tackle <span>Cedric Ogbuehi</span>. He has been benched in each of the Bengals’ last three games in a learning effort. He’s also the biggest culprit behind <span>Andy Dalton</span> being sacked 25 times on the season (third most in the NFL) and has allowed more hits than anyone else on the line.</p>
<p id="xgRjYs">The Bengals absolutely must find some way to get more out of their right tackle position. Whether that be Ogbuehi actually improving his play, or the Bengals sitting him more often so the less exciting, but more consistent <span>Eric Winston</span> can keep the right edge under control. This position is one that absolutely must see more production going forward. Hopefully Ogbuehi was busy during the bye week figuring out how he can be more effective in second half of the season.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/10/13574022/3-bengals-who-need-to-step-upKyle Phelps2016-11-09T14:59:49-05:002016-11-09T14:59:49-05:00Bengals midseason report card: Special teams
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<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We conclude our midseason grades for the Bengals with an often-forgotten unit on the team. </p> <p id="x1TmcI">The special teams unit on football teams can often go overlooked. Unfortunately, when they come to the forefront of fan attention, it’s usually when things aren’t going well. Darrin Simmons, who has overseen 13 previous years of quality play from the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>’ special teams groups, is witnessing some all-encompassing issues this year. </p>
<p id="ZhK40d">It’s a prevalent theme to an overall underachieving Cincinnati team in 2016. We’ve already looked at <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/8/13543424/bengals-midseason-report-card-offense">the mixed reviews on offense</a> through eight games, as well as the <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/8/13565142/bengals-midseason-report-card-defense-2016">largely-disappointing performances on defense</a> so far, but now it’s time to look at the third unit of the team.</p>
<h3 id="5GUTgs">Coaching: C+</h3>
<p id="QNLUSc">Simmons has done a good job this year in working through issues, especially in losing unit MVP in <span>Cedric Peerman</span> for most of this year, but there are still deficiencies. Like many of the other facets to the Bengals this year, it’s been a pretty pedestrian effort from the special teams unit. </p>
<p id="jPFLyg">From where I stand, the struggles we’ve seen in the return game and in field goal kicking isn’t wholly a coaching issue. Sure, Simmons could be indicted because of his likely backing of <span>Mike Nugent</span>, even though he continues to let down the team, but most of special teams is about execution by the players. Scheme is more of an emphasis on offense and defense than on special teams--especially with recent rule changes affecting kickoffs. </p>
<p id="zhrZes">Still, based on past production and the multitude of recent high picks who are biding their time by working on special teams, one would think the group would be a bit more electric than it has been. </p>
<h3 id="We2h9F">Kicker: D</h3>
<p id="pH2ycf">Somewhat-predictably, Nugent has had both great and awful stretches this year. He is currently tied for No. 15 with 14 field goals made this year, but his 74% conversion rate on field goals comes in at 26th in the NFL this year. He’s also just 4-of-9 from kicks 40-plus yards this year, prompting the continued criticisms of his inability to make the long kicks. </p>
<p id="iJLu3T">The Bengals <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/2/13500010/bengals-working-out-free-agent-kickers-during-bye-week-forbath-bullock">brought in kickers for a tryout</a> over the bye week, but seem prepared to ride with Nugent through the rest of the season. These workouts come on the heels of two straight weeks of struggles from the veteran kicker, although we have seen him rebound from past tough stretches before. </p>
<p id="E7wGn4">What’s particularly concerning is the stretch of games the Bengals have in the second half of the season that might come with harsh whether. Aside from four games at home at Paul Brown Stadium in the months of November and December, Cincinnati also travels to New York, Baltimore and Cleveland to finish the year. Nugent will need to be sharp with possible inclement weather in those seven games. </p>
<h3 id="ilvXir">Punting: C </h3>
<p id="1sNM8N">Truthfully, there isn’t too much to report here with Kevin Huber. The former Pro Bowl player has had a couple more shanks than usual, but he isn’t consistently costing the team field position. </p>
<p id="LWyqm4">Currently, Huber ranks 21st in overall punt average, but is 27th in net average. He also ranks No. 24 in punts with 11 inside the 20-yard line, which isn’t that great compared to his 37 total punts. </p>
<p id="FNQcIx">None necessarily paint the entire picture of Huber’s 2016 performance, as he’s been asked to make a kick after decent drives stalled out. Obviously, a shortened field in this sense would negatively affect those numbers, but Huber doesn’t appear to be Pro Bowl-bound once again this year. </p>
<h3 id="eV4azO">Kick Coverage: B</h3>
<p id="fG762n">In the form of covering punts and kickoffs, the Bengals are largely doing their job—even without the valuable Cedric Peerman. Not allowing a touchdown in either punts or kicks is obviously a pretty large barometer for success in the coverage area, and it’s one that has been a Simmons staple under <span>Marvin Lewis</span>’ watch. </p>
<p id="sfUNnt">The unit has been aided by a bunch of talented defensive backs, who are reserves on defense and have done work at gunners and other spots on special teams. Again, nothing crazy-special to report here, but rather a facet of special teams that is quietly doing its job. </p>
<h3 id="K4En9w">Return Game: D</h3>
<p id="Cs8rhi">This has to be the most disappointing facet of special teams and one of the biggest issues for the team this year. <span>Brandon Tate</span> has left to the pleasure of many fans, but the combination of <span>Adam Jones</span>, <span>Rex Burkhead</span> and <span>Alex Erickson</span> on punts and kickoffs has been uninspiring. It’s often leaving the Bengals with terrible field position on an all-too-regular basis.</p>
<p id="rDLDL2">When Tate wasn’t making things happen on occasion for the Bengals over his five-year Cincinnati career, Jones would come in and seem to almost always provide a spark. However, Jones, a former All-Pro selection as a return man for the Bengals, has not looked as comfortable this year. He has a long punt return of 12 yards, as well as a critical lost fumble against the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> on a return, and just a long of 23 yards on kickoffs. </p>
<p id="PQYIzN">Erickson, the unanimous preseason MVP, finally popped a big 65-yard kickoff return last week, but he has struggled mightily in the regular season. Whether it has been with calling for fair catches inside Cincinnati’s own 10-yard line, or a lack of big plays, he hasn’t been the answer for Tate as of yet. </p>
<p id="3kbRGZ">There was once a time when if the Bengals were struggling, they could rely on getting a big play from special teams to change the momentum. While relying on a potential big return on a near-weekly basis isn’t exactly a viable long-term strategy, it’s one that paid dividends for the Bengals over the years. </p>
<p id="XXrExg">Getting more big returns from Jones and Erickson would be a welcomed sight for Cincinnati. It’s especially imperative as the team attempts to work through their issues during the bye and as they adjust to the new 2016 personnel </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/9/13572108/bengals-midseason-report-card-special-teamsAnthony Cosenza2016-11-08T17:30:33-05:002016-11-08T17:30:33-05:00Bengals midseason report card: Defense
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<figcaption>Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With the Bengals reaching the midway point of their 2016 season, we assess the performance of the team’s defensive unit.</p> <p id="ELxuZa">Since 2009 and under the coaching of two defensive coordinators, the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> could always depend on their stout defensive unit. There were occasional hiccups, particularly in postseason games, but in recent years, Cincinnati’s defense has largely been among the top of rankings. </p>
<p id="abUNCU">Unfortunately, aging of critical players, free agency attrition and coaching turnover have hit the unit particularly hard this year. Heading into the second half of the season, we’re going to assess multiple aspects of the unit through the first eight games of the season. </p>
<h3 id="uP6wXA">Coaching: C-</h3>
<p id="PkID1U">When it comes to coaching, for those of us on the outside looking in, a chicken-or-the-egg type of argument ensues. Is it a group of aging veterans simply underachieving this year? Or are the players not responding to the messages and schemes the coaches are giving them? Maybe it’s both?</p>
<p id="O6OEJ6">Though the Bengals’ defense was one of the best in the league last year, the unit just hasn’t been the same since Paul Guenther took the reins from Mike Zimmer back in 2014. Injuries have occurred and it hasn’t helped that star linebacker <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> has missed 21 total games (including the postseason) over the past two and a half years. </p>
<p id="OuZIh3">Cincinnati’s unit is currently ranked at No. 25 in total yards allowed per game, they are a pedestrian No. 21 with 16 sacks as a team, but are in a tie for 11th with seven interceptions this year. They are also No. 21 against the pass and 23rd against the run, bringing criticism to the trio of new position coaches Kevin Coyle (secondary), Jacob Burney (defensive line) and Jim Haslett (linebackers). </p>
<p id="x7Zgem">Reasonable questions about the staff are beginning to arise with Coyle filling in for the well-liked Vance Joseph. We’ll see if they can use the bye week to remedy the issues, but it’s a pretty steep hill to climb for the defense to get back to its recognizable dominance at this point in the season.</p>
<h3 id="33rtq7">Defensive Line: C</h3>
<p id="ICVqvd">As with many aspects on the Bengals’ defense this year, the play by the once-dominant front has been, for a lack of better words, “meh”. Aside from their lower-end rankings in the three above-mentioned areas, general consistency has been a major issue. </p>
<p id="pszZpG"><span>Geno Atkins</span> has had a strong season, but it hasn’t been like the truly dominant ones we saw in 2012, 2013 and 2015. Normally that would be fine if others on the line were stepping up, but they aren’t. <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> is having a solid season, but not the franchise record-breaking one of last year, while his bookend, <span>Michael Johnson</span>, is probably the worst performing starter on the line. </p>
<p id="e8brRp">It was great to see <span>Margus Hunt</span> and <span>Will Clarke</span> shoot out to hot starts this year, but they have cooled down greatly of late. Cincinnati did work this week in the form of bringing in multiple veterans for workouts, but only signed one in Wallace Gilberry. The hope is that his fit and familiarity in the Bengals’ defense can bring a missing dimension. </p>
<p id="rTHgM4">Still, we have to look at the Bengals’ questionable approach this offseason. After such a disappointing finish to 2015, they preferred to look inward in free agency and didn’t sign any outside pass-rushing help. And though they added bulk at defensive tackle in <span>Andrew Billings</span>, they didn’t get any true pass-rushers in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> either. What’s worse is that Billings is out for the year and his absence has hurt up front. </p>
<h3 id="r4hhPy">Linebackers: D+</h3>
<p id="29Kn0K">The low rankings against the run and the pass aren’t just the fault of the front four. Cincinnati’s linebackers have been shaky at best this season, even with Burfict back in the lineup. </p>
<p id="9YQSHd"><span>Karlos Dansby</span> was one of the prized free agent acquisitions by the Bengals this season, but I’m sure the feeling is that they would have loved to got the deal done when they originally courted him back in the 2014 offseason. He has been a primary culprit in the allowing of some massive games to opposing tight ends the past few games, but he isn’t alone. </p>
<p id="K5VmF7"><span>Vincent Rey</span> always seems to be chasing after players instead of stopping them, and that’s when he’s not dropping possible interceptions. In today’s pass-happy NFL, <span>Rey Maualuga</span> is lucky to be considered a two-down linebacker at this point and he hasn’t forced a turnover, nor has he gotten to the quarterback in 2016. </p>
<p id="ENQSiK">Burfict has been the best of the bunch, but he looks like he’s still trying to get into “football shape” after missing a lot of time this preseason, as well as the first three games of the season. Still, those trademark impact plays he has made so often haven’t occurred yet. </p>
<h3 id="i5m0XZ">Secondary: D</h3>
<p id="2lohlz">What’s been frustrating about this group is the amount of offseason pay allocated to various players in the secondary, but what they have netted has been totally disparate to the new contracts. After allowing <span>Reggie Nelson</span> to walk in free agency, the Bengals made sure they signed <span>George Iloka</span> and <span>Shawn Williams</span> to long-term deals. </p>
<p id="zNV5dI">Iloka has been relatively decent through eight games, while Williams has looked inconsistent, at best. Iloka isn’t immune to criticism though, as he is partially responsible for the recent big games from <span>Rob Gronkowski</span>, <span>Jordan Reed</span> and Vernon Davis. Meanwhile, Williams has dropped interceptions and when he finally corralled one in, he fumbled it back on the return. </p>
<p id="bg9kGE"><span>Adam Jones</span> was the other member of the secondary to sign a big offseason deal. After finally making the Pro Bowl last year as a corner, it seemed like Pacman was getting better with age. But, his play has dipped this year. More concerning is his recent penchant of getting into teammates faces when he feels they aren’t pulling their weight. While it’s nice to see him try and be a team leader, one has to wonder if internal eye-rolls are occurring because of what transpired in last year’s Wild Card game. </p>
<p id="IrFBZN"><span>Dre Kirkpatrick</span> is having a decent season, but has been far from perfect. The best note on this year’s resume is his combined effort with Jones against <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> wide receiver <span>Antonio Brown</span>, who had the worst game of his season against the Bengals. </p>
<p id="Gn8Gn2">Beyond that, it’s basically a bunch of young guys struggling. <span>Josh Shaw</span>, <span>Darqueze Dennard</span> and <span>Derron Smith</span> have all been on the wrong end of highlight reel plays by the opposition. <span>Shaw</span> did have the game-clinching interception in Week 1 against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>, but after a quality opener, he has struggled in pass coverage. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/8/13565142/bengals-midseason-report-card-defense-2016Anthony Cosenza2016-11-08T13:00:03-05:002016-11-08T13:00:03-05:00Bengals 2016 midseason awards: Biggest disappointments
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<figcaption>Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A losing record means there have been some big disappointments thus far. We look at the biggest of them through the first eight games. </p> <p id="SbPw54">With midseason awards in full swing, it’s time for a look at the guys who have failed to live up to expectations this season.</p>
<p id="AI0UjU">Unfortunately, this <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> team is full of them while sitting at 3-4-1. Football is a team game, so for this award, we went with a unit instead of one single player. It was too close to call with a number of players giving reason to be the biggest disappoint, not to mention no one player deserves to be called the ‘biggest’ disappointment with so many guys struggling badly at different points this season...</p>
<p id="OBgd7u">Without further ado, the award for biggest disappointment goes to...</p>
<h4 id="NhOJgs"><strong>The Bengals Secondary</strong></h4>
<p id="j4780e">According to Spotrac, the Bengals have the <a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/positional/secondary/">seventh-highest</a> paid secondary in the NFL. They’ve gotten a terrible return on their investment this year. The defense has been the biggest reason why this team has failed to live up to expectations, and the pass defense is the biggest culprit. </p>
<p id="lyHc5Y">They’re a big reason why this defense rank 25th in total defense, 19th in scoring defense, 21st in opponent third-down conversion rate, 23rd in opponent passer rating, 23rd in passing scores allowed, and 24th in yards per pass allowed.</p>
<p id="IVUrAu">That’s below average across the board for a unit that had been elite on an annual basis. For the kind of <span></span><a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/3/10/11191794/grading-adam-jones-new-3-year-contract-with-the-bengals">big-money deal the Bengals gave Adam Jones</a><a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/3/10/11191794/grading-adam-jones-new-3-year-contract-with-the-bengals"> this offseason</a>, he hasn’t provided a good return on the investment. Jones has struggled on a weekly basis at a rate we’ve never seen during his time in Cincinnati.</p>
<p id="gTBWdk">Ever since Jones became a full-time corner in 2011, he’s been a very reliable defender, and even played at an elite level in 2015. However, we’re seeing him take a big step back this year, but can we really be surprised a 33-year-old corner is struggling? </p>
<p id="4rOF9X"><span>Darqueze Dennard</span> has also struggled to live up to his billing as a first-round pick in 2014. He has been ineffective anytime he’s been on the field and has been benched as the slot man in favor of 2015 fourth-rounder <span>Josh Shaw</span>. </p>
<p id="4WJc9N">But no corner on this defense has struggled more than Dre Kirkpatrick. Entering Week 9, Kirkpatrick is Pro Football Focus’ <a href="https://grades.profootballfocus.com/#/ratings/positions/show/CB">103rd-rated corner</a> out of 117 players. Jones isn’t much better at 98th, but watching both guys, it’s clear who has struggled more recently and for the majority of his NFL career.</p>
<p id="DuHbVw">The safeties haven’t been much better. <span>George Iloka</span> has been decent in most games, but has also been a liability in coverage (67 safeties have a better <a href="https://grades.profootballfocus.com/#/ratings/positions/show/S">pass coverage grade on PFF</a>). <span>Shawn Williams</span> is hit or miss every week. Cincinnati is paying those two a combined $9 million this year, so you’d like to think they’d be making a bigger impact. </p>
<p id="EuUAZd">Again, there have been a lot of players on this team struggling, but as much as the secondary is being paid, there is little question they’ve been the biggest disappointment thus far. </p>
<p id="NYYUvN"><strong>The Dis-honorable Mentions</strong></p>
<p id="GEuzar"><span><strong>Cedric Ogbuehi</strong></span> has been awful, but he’s a second-year player, effectively in his rookie season with as much time as he’s missed due to injuries over his first two years. The Bengals are the biggest culprit here for thinking <span>Ogbuehi</span> would be ready with so little preparation and experience.</p>
<p id="6IeTUQ"><span><strong>Tyler Boyd</strong></span><strong> </strong>hasn’t gotten a lot of chances to make plays with only 4.8 targets per game, but he’s done little with the chances he has gotten. He’s on pace to finish his rookie season with 50 catches for 566 yards and no touchdowns. His inability to do more and get in sync with <span>Andy Dalton</span> has helped lead to this offense struggling. </p>
<p id="zj731z"><span><strong>Michael Johnson</strong></span> has been a ghost more often than not, despite being paid like an upper-echelon defensive end. He has just 1.5 sacks through eight games and is on pace to finish with just three, marking the fewest he’s had since 2010 (2.5). </p>
<p id="odLkB9"><span><strong>Rey Maualuga</strong></span> is another guy who’s paid like a high-quality player, but has been a ghost on a defense that’s struggling. He is <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/7/13551502/bengals-mid-season-pro-football-focus-grades-point-to-disappointment">rated among the worst linebackers in football</a> and should be benched if his poor play keeps up. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/8/13557698/bengals-2016-midseason-awards-biggest-disappointmentsJason Marcum2016-11-08T12:00:03-05:002016-11-08T12:00:03-05:00Bengals midseason report card: Offense
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<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We take a look at the Bengals’ offense eight games into the 2016 season. How is the unit faring halfway through 2016?</p> <p id="kAhVrv">Grades. For those of us in the millennial or Gen X/Y demographics, it’s a word that brings tingles to the spine. </p>
<p id="dRuB1A">Still, for so many reasons, the metric to gauge performance is apropos, even when talking about NFL teams. The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> currently sit at a disappointing 3-4-1 at the midway point of the year, but <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/6/13542446/ravens-win-over-steelers-keeps-afc-north-race-wide-open-nfl-week-9">stumbles by division foes</a> have left the door cracked open for an improbable sixth straight postseason berth. </p>
<p id="aafkBm">With the midway point of the season upon us and the Bengals resting on their bye week, it seems like an opportune time to assess the performance of Cincinnati’s positional units. The offense has quite a bit of firepower, even with free agency departures this offseason, and 2016 has had its ups and downs. </p>
<h3 id="gh69VJ">Coaching: C+</h3>
<p id="mueG2A">Ken Zampese has had big shoes to fill, given his two predecessors. Jay Gruden has his critics, but his development of both <span>Andy Dalton</span> and <span>Kirk Cousins</span> in recent years has to be noted. Hue Jackson engineered a breakout season from “The Red Rifle” in 2015, so Zampese just kind of needed to continue the momentum this year. </p>
<p id="aAwYh3">At the risk of sounding like a poor analyst, the rookie offensive coordinator has both succeeded and failed in that endeavor this year. Zampese has largely let Dalton do his thing and build off of his MVP-like 2015 campaign, but inconsistent play-calling and poor protection, both in scheme and player execution, has led to mixed results. </p>
<p id="LjnqXy">Jackson and the Bengals’ offense propelled the Bengals to a 8-0 start last season, with many impressive statistical outputs. Cincinnati had 27 or more points in five of those first eight games last year, while Zampese’s group has cracked the milestone just twice in 2016. With the defense struggling, the Bengals’ inability to get high scores this year has come under the microscope. </p>
<p id="9dCI6g">Through the first six games, the Bengals’ deficiencies in the red zone and on third down were apparent. They have since remedied these issues the past two weeks against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>, which is partially masking the issues <span>Mike Nugent</span> is facing as the team’s kicker. </p>
<p id="4ovDFf">On one hand, we have to give Zampese a bit of a break. He’s a first-time offensive coordinator following two coordinators that conducted two of Dalton’s most productive seasons, and some of the best in team history. The team wanted him to merely carry the baton from Gruden and Jackson, but it’s difficult to do that with two new receivers and tight end <span>Tyler Eifert</span> missing six games. </p>
<p id="pSoYeh">On the other, long dry spells lacking production and the missing of creativity seen under Jackson has come to light. Sure, execution is largely on the players, but Jackson was known as a bit of an in-your-face coach who demanded quality play and Zampese’s lax demeanor might be contributing to a backslide from 2015 to 2016.</p>
<p id="Skjzzu">We also have to take into account the decline of the Bengals’ offensive line, which points to Paul Alexander. His stubbornness in relying on certain players when they are clearly struggling has hurt the team and 3-4 defensive schemes still seem to puzzle the mammoths they employ up front. </p>
<p id="eIe5Dl">The running backs are playing pretty well, so a tip of the cap to <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKyleCaskey/status/794679270362796032">future dad</a> and recent <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/7/13551556/kyle-caskey-nominated-bengals-salute-service-award-2016">Salute to Service Award nominee</a>, Kyle Caskey there. </p>
<h3 id="eq8haE">Quarterback: B+</h3>
<p id="s3HeaC">It hasn’t been the type of year we saw from Andy Dalton in 2015, but he’s largely taking good care of the football and keeping the Bengals in games. He’s also adjusting to new personnel, while also battling through an incredible regression from the offensive line this year. </p>
<p id="JM14Yg">Through eight games this year, Dalton has 11 total touchdowns (nine passing, two rushing), against just four turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble lost). The Week 8 tie against the Redskins displayed good and bad from Dalton, but with the struggles on both sides of the ball being prevalent, he’s had to shoulder a lot of responsibility—even for a franchise signal-caller. </p>
<p id="ht9inX">Dalton has had five games with a 100-plus rating, including three above the 110-mark. He’s at 98.0 for the season, which is saying something while getting acclimated to two new receivers and awaiting Eifert’s return. </p>
<h3 id="019Fry">Receivers and Tight Ends: A-</h3>
<p id="qcCWwV">Most of the high marks here have to do with <span>A.J. Green</span>. Some may dispute it, but 2016 is looking like the best season from the perennial Pro Bowl receiver. So far this year, Green has made the likes of <span>Josh Norman</span> and <span>Darrelle Revis</span> look silly, and is on pace for nearly 1,800 receiving yards at this point. </p>
<p id="Czvwgx">Even though <span>Brandon LaFell</span> has had dry spells, he still leads the team in touchdown receptions with four and has provided a bit more electricity to the offense than many predicted when he was signed as a free agent. <span>Tyler Boyd</span> has yet to fully hit his NFL stride, but he’s made some big catches this year. Unfortunately, he hasn’t found the end zone yet and that might need to change down the stretch. </p>
<p id="wCivbx">Eifert’s return in two games has come with completely opposite results. After logging one catch in his 2016 debut against the Browns, he totally dominated the Redskins in London. Eifert had his second career 100-yard receiving game and should give the Bengals a nice spark down a stretch where they can ill afford to lose more than two games.</p>
<p id="GDoyw6"><span>C.J. Uzomah</span> was the surprising choice as Eifert’s replacement over <span>Tyler Kroft</span> and his six-game stint came with mixed results. Big plays were seen from the second-year tight end, but other dropped passes frustrated the Bengals’ offense. <span>Kroft</span> has 10 catches this year after logging 11 all last season, so some progression appears to be occurring. </p>
<p id="XyfUnF"><span>James Wright</span> has only four catches, while <span>Alex Erickson</span> has one and has struggled to regain his excellent preseason form in the return game. </p>
<h3 id="sXAS5W">Running Backs: B</h3>
<p id="k0eFWX">Again, the offensive line’s inconsistent performance has to be taken into account here. It was a slow start this year for both <span>Giovani Bernard</span> and <span>Jeremy Hill</span>, but things have picked up over the past two weeks. Against Cleveland in Week 7, the dynamic duo rushed for 248 yards and two scores, and followed it up with 128 yards and a touchdown apiece against the Redskins. </p>
<p id="kpK1VQ">Hill’s fumble issues have seemed to be remedied, as the football hasn’t even left his hands in 111 touches (104 carries, seven catches) and he’s averaging 5.0 yards per carry. It’s a nice turnaround from a 2015 campaign where he had just a 3.6 yards per carry average. </p>
<p id="tWuKw1">Bernard continues to be a quality multi-dimensional back for the Bengals. Though his yards per carry is at 3.9, he already has as many rushing touchdowns as he had in 2015 (two) and has 31 receptions on the season. He’s also <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/2/13489904/film-room-giovani-bernard-pass-blocking-skills-unheralded-nfl-week-8-2016">contributing mightily as a pass blocker</a>, which has seemingly gone unnoticed. </p>
<p id="ZIbYlE">The oddity in the group remains H-Back Ryan Hewitt. After signing a big extension this offseason, he continues to be used sparingly as a blocker or even reserve tight end. Moreover, <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/2/13503566/former-raiders-fullback-marcel-reece-worked-out-for-bengals">the team brought in</a> Pro Bowl fullback <span>Marcel Reece</span> for a workout over the bye week, prompting more questions about fit, scheme and the like. </p>
<h3 id="eVo7oW">Offensive Line: D-</h3>
<p id="e587Ni">Can that still get you through a class? Whatever—the line has been an unmitigated disaster this season. <span>Andrew Whitworth</span>, while still solid, is starting to show his age, allowing a few sacks this year, while the guard play by <span>Kevin Zeitler</span> and <span>Clint Boling</span> has either been excellent or atrocious in any given week.</p>
<p id="SeKvFU">Unfortunately, two young starters have become easy targets for the issues. A lot of people still hate on <span>Russell Bodine</span>, but this is his best season yet—is that even saying much, though? The other guy with a bull’s eye on his back is first-time starter, <span>Cedric Ogbuehi</span></p>
<p id="GmQvgM">Unfortunately, the experiment with the second-year tackle has been an utter failure. He has been regularly responsible for pressures, sacks and penalties and has forced the team’s hand in rotating him with Eric Winston. While veteran reliability is appreciated, one has to wonder why Cincinnati won’t give <span>Jake Fisher</span> more looks at the position to see if they have something there. </p>
<p id="ddH527">Even with not every team having their bye yet (10 teams yet to have theirs), the Bengals currently sit at a tie at 29th in the league with 25 sacks given up this year. Dalton may have run into a couple of those, but anyone who has watched Cincinnati this year, knows that pressure has been given up with eye-popping regularity. </p>
<p id="dObjad">Along with some of the issues on defense, Cincinnati’s clean-up of the offensive line issues will be paramount to a surge in the second half of the season. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/8/13543424/bengals-midseason-report-card-offenseAnthony Cosenza2016-11-07T15:36:01-05:002016-11-07T15:36:01-05:00Midseason awards: Offensive and Defensive MVP
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<img alt="Cleveland Browns v Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4nLsxA8DCAuu84dVK8rAJpOgKI=/0x0:4089x2726/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51722657/617499754.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Through the first half of the year, these players are the biggest reasons why the Bengals still have a slight hope to make the playoffs.</p> <p id="HYp7FF">It hasn’t been a great start for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> through the first eight games of the 2016 NFL season. Four losses and a tie stain a record that only includes three wins. Due to almost equally poor starts from the 4-4 <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> and <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>, as well as the abysmal 0-9 start from the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>, the Bengals still have a completely realistic shot at winning the AFC North and making the playoffs.</p>
<p id="tr5M6B">Through the first eight games, the Bengals do have a select few players that have actually been playing very well and deserve credit for keeping the Bengals in the playoff discussion. With the NFL’s most receptions (59), second most receiving yards (896), three touchdowns, no turnovers, and a handful of mind-boggling catches, <span>A.J. Green</span> is the absolutely undisputed MVP of the team at the halfway point in the season. Cincy Jungle already wrote about the stellar season he is having and gave him the <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/7/13541628/bengals-midseason-awards-2016-most-valuable-player-in-cincinnati">more notable team MVP award</a>, so in this post I’m going to recognize a different player who hasn’t been quite as consistently spectacular as Green, but has been a big factor in any success the Bengals’ offense has had this season.</p>
<h3 id="A5TQtR">Offensive MVP</h3>
<h4 id="qRo6uA"><span>Andy Dalton</span></h4>
<p id="lXdGxH">Last year, Andy Dalton ‘arrived’ as a quarterback who appeared to have taken the next step as a passer. Unfortunately, he fractured his thumb in Week 14 against the Steelers and was unable to finish off his incredible season with a playoff run. But, in 2016, he seems to be off to a similar start. Heading into Week 10, even with only eight games played, Dalton ranks eighth in the NFL in passing yards (2,349). He also ranks sixth in quarterback rating (98.0) and has thrown the least interceptions (three) among quarterbacks with at least 190 attempted passes on the season.</p>
<p id="9dZYHV">The one area he could use improvement in is scoring. He currently ranks 18th in the NFL in total touchdown passes thrown (nine). But, now that <span>Tyler Eifert</span> is healthy and playing like his old self, those fortunes should change very quickly. Dalton and Green have essentially been the only constants keeping the Bengals’ offensive head above water this season, so the full addition of Eifert should make this offense a scary one to deal with in the second half of the season.</p>
<p id="2Haj7Q"><em>Honorable mention: </em><span><em>Andrew Whitworth</em></span></p>
<p id="yDJr8W">Although I feel like Whitworth’s impact is not quite as impressive as Dalton’s this year, I do believe it is important to mention. While the only consistent problem for the Bengals on the offensive line has been at right tackle, Whitworth has been the only consistently great performer on the offensive line this season. Unfortunately, his impact has not translated to better play from his fellow members of the offensive line, so it’s hard to recognize a player who is part of a unit that has given up 25 sacks on the season.</p>
<h3 id="yEGQkN">Defensive MVP</h3>
<h4 id="cxJEIl"><span>Carlos Dunlap</span></h4>
<p id="wfkbB7">The Bengals really have not had many ‘great’ performers on the defensive side of the ball this season. At the moment, they are allowing the eighth worst yards per game (378.5), the 13th most points per game (23.6) and the second lowest total fumble recoveries (seven). Any member of such an under-performing unit can’t deserve much recognition for their accomplishments, right?</p>
<p id="paEH2c">To an extent, that is a perfectly valid way to feel. But, it would be unfair to Carlos Dunlap if we did not recognize the fact that he is playing very well this season. Through the first eight games, he has recorded five sacks, which ranks seventh in the NFL among all defensive ends. He has also forced two fumbles and has recorded 19 tackles, more than any other defensive end on the Bengals. His seven pass deflections are also the most of any player on the Bengals, which is very impressive for a defensive end.</p>
<p id="2Z55id"><em>Honorable mention: </em><span><em>Karlos Dansby</em></span></p>
<p id="z1e8Gf">The Bengals have a few bright spots other than Dunlap. <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> has been effective since returning from suspension (30 tackles, one sack, two pass deflections) and <span>Josh Shaw</span> is stepping up in the slot. But, it has been the impact of Karlos Dansby that has been particularly impressive all season. Through the halfway point in the season, the Bengals look fortunate to have signed Dansby in the offseason. He leads the team in tackles (34), has recovered a fumble, and deflected three passes. There’s something to be said about stabilizing a position that was looking to be a huge problem for the Bengals last season.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/7/13549878/bengals-midseason-awards-2016-offensive-and-defensive-mvpKyle Phelps2016-11-07T09:00:04-05:002016-11-07T09:00:04-05:00Bengals midseason awards 2016: MVP
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<img alt="Cleveland Browns v Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XkJCa6U8jrL1F3FWmeAtHpOTy0Y=/0x0:3290x2193/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51708193/617474426.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There’s no use in trying to create suspense, A.J. Green is the obvious choice for this award.</p> <p id="RaK1vh">It’s time to hand out the first of many midseason awards for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, but there’s no room for suspense in this post, as the winner for this award is obvious. The Bengals’ most valuable player over the first half of the season, without question, is <span>A.J. Green</span>. Green’s first-half of the season performance — 59 catches (first in the NFL through eight weeks), 896 yards (first in the NFL through eight weeks) and three touchdowns — warrants recognition, and people are certainly noticing.</p>
<p id="cazte1">Green’s league-leading 112 receiving yards per game have helped him separate himself from his competition, as the receiver’s dominance has turned heads and earned league-wide respect.</p>
<p id="C23Xot">Green was the only Bengals player to earn recognition on <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000732777/article/position-rankings-midseason-allpro-team-offense">NFL Network’s Chris Wesseling’s</a> midseason All-Pro team:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="pEZBso">"Minus Hue Jackson, Marvin Jones, <span>Mohamed Sanu</span> and (for most of the way) <span>Tyler Eifert</span>, Green almost single-handedly kept the Bengals’ offense afloat with a string of spectacular performances in the first half of the season. He's been the most consistent big-play receiver in the league."</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="ytKv80">Green also earned recognition on <a href="http://www.si.com/nfl/photo/2016/11/02/nfl-midseason-all-pro-team-2016">Sports Illustrated’s</a> midseason All-Pro team:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="oQdFJv">"Green has been so dominant for so long that it almost feels like we take it for granted sometimes. He has been making physics-defying grabs all season and leads the league in yards, yards per game and receptions."</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="Yc9Cez">"Sometimes" would be an understatement. <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000711510/article/aj-green-desean-jackson-among-top-10-deep-threats">The NFL’s best deep threat</a> has been making game-changing plays throughout his career and has been otherworldly in 2016, dating back to Week 1, when he embarrassed Darrelle Revis. We’ve been writing about Green as a guy who can be the NFL’s best <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/5/29/11776238/can-a-j-green-become-the-nfls-best-wide-receiver-in-2016">since early in the offseason,</a> yet people are just now catching up.</p>
<p id="QgYj6D">Even still, Green hasn’t gotten the recognition he deserves. <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2672530-bleacher-reports-midseason-nfl-all-pro-team/page/6">Bleacher Report,</a> for example, gave him recognition on their midseason All-Pro team, but Green got half the votes <span>Julio Jones</span> did. That’s not to say Jones hasn’t been fantastic this season, but Green has put up better numbers against better competition than the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>’ receiver who, coincidentally or not, has benefitted from breakout campaigns by several teammates including <span>Matt Ryan</span>, <span>Devonta Freeman</span>, <span>Tevin Coleman</span> and multiple offensive linemen.</p>
<p id="32MXyB">Wide receiver debate aside, Green has unquestionably been the Bengals’ best player through the first half of the 2016 season. It’s no coincidence that in his best games — Week 1 against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>, Week 4 against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>, Week 7 against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> and Week 8 against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a> — the Bengals either won or tied, while in every other game, they fell up short of a victory. While Andy Dalton doesn’t have to force the ball to Green like he once did early in the two players’ careers, the Bengals’ offense runs through Green. Especially in Eifert’s absence, the veteran receiver was tasked with beating double-teams and making plays downfield despite opponents’ knowing the ball would come his way.</p>
<p id="zk3Sxv">As the season has progressed, Green has gotten more help from his teammates. He’ll need even more assistance if the Bengals consider themselves serious playoff contenders. But as of now, there’s no questioning which player has been the best in Cincinnati through eight weeks. That title — midseason MVP — belongs to A.J. Green.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/11/7/13541628/bengals-midseason-awards-2016-most-valuable-player-in-cincinnatiConnor Howe