Cincy Jungle - NFL Week 15 Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota VikingsWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2017-12-21T11:30:02-05:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/165406992017-12-21T11:30:02-05:002017-12-21T11:30:02-05:00The Orange and Black Insider: The times they are a changin’
<figure>
<img alt="Pittsburgh Steelers v Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YkQw6wfOs2yMvtyP0WidM6h7Vb0=/0x0:3264x2176/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58070315/885806232.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>On this week's show, we give some fantasy football advice for championship week, answer fan questions and give our best Marvin Lewis memory. We also look at another step in the process of fixing the team in the 2018 offseason.</p> <p id="MZuJB3">Even though there are two weeks left in the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>’ 2017 season, everyone’s eyes seem to be focused on the offseason. Who will be the team’s coach next season? What are the moves they should make to greatly improve the team?</p>
<p id="Q2o0N2">Scott Schulze and I talked a number of topics on this week’s episode of The Orange and Black Insider, as everyone is looking to what looks like an offseason of major transition. Here are the areas of discussion of this week’s episode:</p>
<ul>
<li id="g9203p">Who are some of the best plays in the championship week of fantasy football?</li>
<li id="1lLqtU">Did the news of <span>Marvin Lewis</span>’ impending departure have a direct effect on the terrible loss to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> in Week 14?</li>
<li id="qx6AKi">Even though people have soured on Lewis the past couple of years, there were some great moments in his Bengals tenure. What are some that stand out the most?</li>
<li id="hCqgip">Aggressiveness in either the draft and/or free agency </li>
<li id="zm3m7V">The listener questions this week surrounded the teams’ quarterback position, as well as the taking in of another talented, but troubled player. </li>
</ul>
<p id="OYYQrX">You can join us every episode here at Cincy Jungle and on YouTube to submit your questions and comments. Thanks for those who joined us for the live broadcast! </p>
<p id="01Emzj"><small><em><strong>If you’re unable to join us live, all Orange and Black Insider content is here on Cincy Jungle, as well as on our </strong></em></small><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fuser-608248362" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><small><em><strong>SoundCloud</strong></em></small></a><small><em><strong> and </strong></em></small><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVaXlewzr5_f-iEhxa6ij_g"><small><em><strong>YouTube channels</strong></em></small></a><small><em><strong>, and </strong></em></small><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fthe-orange-and-black-insider%2Fid1142320492" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><small><em><strong>on iTunes</strong></em></small></a><small><em><strong>! You can tweet us </strong></em></small><a href="https://twitter.com/BengalsOBI"><small><em><strong>@BengalsOBI</strong></em></small></a><small><em><strong> or get in touch with us via email at theobinsider@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!</strong></em></small></p>
<div id="3VK2ds"><iframe width="100%" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F372424403&show_artwork=true"></iframe></div>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/21/16800966/the-orange-and-black-insider-bengals-podcast-times-changinAnthony Cosenza2017-12-21T07:00:02-05:002017-12-21T07:00:02-05:00What they are saying about the Bengals and the report of Marvin Lewis leaving
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K8Am4NgNxbcibFoq591H4TQ_wBg=/0x0:4530x3020/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58064157/usa_today_10478434.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What is everyone saying about Marvin lewis leaving and is potential replacements?</p> <p id="84JUg4">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> had quite the day on Sunday from a news prospective. A media bomb blew up early, and then the Bengals blew up against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>. It created the perfect storm that people are still talking about.</p>
<p id="HFTP67"><strong>The Biggest news from Sunday happened before the game </strong>when <a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21792494/marvin-lewis-planning-leave-cincinnati-bengals-season">Adam Schefter reported that Marvin Lewis planned to leave the Bengals after the season</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="JCIi5S">After 15 seasons in Cincinnati that have made him the longest-tenured head coach in franchise history, Marvin Lewis is planning to leave the Bengals after this season to pursue opportunities elsewhere, league sources told ESPN.</p>
<p id="6xAs0a">As he has done in the past, Lewis willingly opted to enter 2017 on the final year of his contract, but unlike in other years, this time he is planning to leave Cincinnati, sources said.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="pvNBIY">This led to plenty of speculation from fans and writers alike, but it really wasn’t surprising to hear. It seemed like posting two losing seasons after the debacle against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> in the 2015 playoffs was the final nail in the coffin. It is more just finally getting concrete news towards the finale of the Lewis era made it real to so many people. </p>
<p id="oKr5fW"><strong>The Bengals still had a game against the Vikings</strong> on Sunday, but the Bengals may have forgotten that considering the beating they took. The game also didn’t help the news of Lewis leaving go away as <a href="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Vikings-dominate-34-7/322c1f30-b8a3-419d-a572-03f57efb5651">Geoff Hobson wrote</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="5icsSw">Kicking the game off with a report that head coach Marvin Lewis isn’t coming back for a 16th season, his offense went nearly on track for its worst performance in his 15 seasons when the Bengals promptly fell behind the Vikings, 24-0, in the game’s first 25 minutes generating all of 35 yards, a first down, three sacks and five three-and-outs on seven possessions on the way to a 34-7 loss.</p>
<p id="Cx1L69">The din of U.S. Bank Stadium provided a brutal bookend to last week’s 33-7 loss to the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> at Paul Brown Stadium, marking their biggest back-to-back losses and fewest points in consecutive games since the <span>Carson Palmer</span>-less year of 2008 and the 34-3 and 35-3 losses to the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> and <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>.</p>
<p id="xXYbrN"> If the report didn’t open a can of worms, the game certainly did. It was the fifth time they failed to hit double-digits this season and they’re trending to score fewer points than the 2-14 Bengals in the 2002 season that gave rise to the Lewis Era. Their low under Lewis is 72 yards in a game they didn’t need to win, the 2009 finale against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> after they had already clinched the AFC North. They finished with 161 Sunday, one of the six worst outings since Lewis arrived in 2003. It was the third fewest in the Green-Dalton Era, two of them coming in the last six weeks with the 148 in Jacksonville.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="tEPk5b">The game was flat out embarrassing. It seemed most fans relied on focusing on the Lewis report to cope with such a terrible outing. Seriously though, those stats are down right awful. The Bengals have struggled to move the ball consistently all season long, and they showed up as the same old Bengals again this week. </p>
<p id="wCExGX">The Bengals performance the last two and a half games have really driven home the idea that change is coming in a very big way this offseason. </p>
<p id="Bvwt8e">James Rapien gives an interesting insight into what the Bengals could do immediately:</p>
<div id="962iqn">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I would. Give Paul Guenther or Darrin Simmons a two week audition. <a href="https://t.co/UgqVScjymC">https://t.co/UgqVScjymC</a></p>— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesRapien/status/942774557580111872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ukTpwp">It is a very interesting idea, and it has very little downside if any. The only thing it does is tarnish Lewis’ legacy with the team a little bit during the Bengals’ 50th anniversary, but if the team is serious about promoting from within then why not see what these guys can do? </p>
<p id="iazxtO"><strong>As far as promoting a head coach from within goes, </strong>two writers hashed out why we shouldn’t be overly concerned about that.</p>
<div id="rCBgLt">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengals</a> head coach since Tiger Johnson has been hired from within in a traditional offseason search. Coslet and LeBeau were mid-season replacements when there was no choice but to promote from within. <a href="https://t.co/xiiH6o521W">https://t.co/xiiH6o521W</a></p>— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayMorrisonCMG/status/942776543297900549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ICzmw6">I think people’s concerns stem from the fact that since hiring Mike Zimmer and Jay Gruden to come in and help turn around a struggling Bengals team, the team has only hired replacements for coordinators from within. That shouldn’t effect the Bengals’ head coaching search though. Especially if the team wants to avoid the status quo it has established.</p>
<p id="mphvDS"><strong>After the game Lewis denied the reports, but the players were still effected. </strong><a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/29349/mixed-messages-seem-to-fuel-disconnect-between-marvin-lewis-players">Katherine Terrell wrote how it seemed the players and Lewis had different stories about how the news was addressed</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="XT53ON">It was clear the players didn't appear to be on the same page as Lewis, with some finding out the news on social media and others hearing it through word of mouth that quickly spread through the locker room.</p>
<p id="6EBTt2">Some players, like <span>A.J. Green</span>, said Lewis did not address the reports, while others said he did.</p>
<p id="BgkDrf">"He didn’t address it and he didn’t need to address it," Green told reporters after the game. "We all get paid to do our job, no matter what happens. My heart is in every play and we have to deal with the results."</p>
<p id="Pepr1o"><span>Carlos Dunlap</span> was one of those who found out on social media. <span>Brandon LaFell</span> found out from A.J. Green.</p>
<p id="nlq1tv">"I don’t think Marvin is that messy to say something like that before a game, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt," Dunlap told reporters. "No, he didn’t even address it. If you don’t feel guilty or have a guilty conscience, then why would you address it? It may or may not be true, but at the end of the day, I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. I still had a football game to play."</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="4ZFTix">This really highlights the circus that the Bengals were on Sunday. It seems like Lewis has lost the pulse of his team if he couldn’t even clearly straighten out one report before the game. </p>
<p id="zI2SY7">How there were players saying he didn’t and did do something is mind boggling. Players shouldn’t have to go through this, and fans shouldn’t have to watch a team go through this for two more weeks.</p>
<p id="W3JfW0"><strong>The only thing left is to look back at how we got to this point, </strong>and <a href="https://www.wcpo.com/sports/football/bengals/brennan-lewis-is-both-the-best-coach-and-the-most-disappointing">former Bengals PR director Jack Brennan wrote about when he thought the Bengals were done under Lewis</a>. His answer is pretty interesting considering it comes from a man who knows Lewis as good as anyone:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="QluhI6">The first sign of a fatal condition – the one you recognize only in hindsight – is 20-20 now for me. It was six years before the Pittsburgh debacle. It was the first-round playoff on Jan. 9, 2010 against the New York Jets. (That’s the 2009 season, of course.) </p>
<p id="eKLd56">The Bengals were AFC North champions for the second time under Lewis, clearly on course as the club Lewis had rescued from the pits since arriving in 2003. The Jets were a 9-7 Wild Card team that had reached the playoffs via tiebreaker. The Bengals had Carson Palmer in the young prime of his career, while the Jets were quarterbacked by <span>Mark Sanchez</span>, ranked a journeyman both then and in posterity. The Bengals were proudly defending their home turf at Paul Brown Stadium. Their 41st straight sellout crowd was pumped, ready to cast away the demons from nineteen straight years without a playoff win and the 2005 season playoff game with the instant sucker-punch of a second-play Palmer knee injury.</p>
<p id="SkArUa">One playoff victory – one totally achievable and expected playoff victory – might have prevented what we’re experiencing now, but New York won 24-14 and it wasn’t even interesting. The Jets shrugged off an early 7-0 deficit to lead 21-7 after three quarters. The Bengals finished with a sickly 110 net passing yards and kicker <span>Shayne Graham</span> crippled any nascent comeback hopes with FG chokes from 35 and 28 yards.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="JRCngb">Anyone who remembers that game and that season knows how disappointing that game was. Brennan is right. Winning a single playoff game could’ve changed the entire atmosphere of this team. </p>
<p id="bSZxCX">The playoffs wouldn’t bring that same pressure like they have every single postseason since. Guys wouldn’t have to answer questions all year about finally winning a playoff game. It would all just be about finally being a good team and seeing how far they could go.</p>
<p id="i0XBXk"><strong>The lone bright side </strong>to the Bengals loss on Sunday is this:</p>
<div id="HdnhIa">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Current <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLdraft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLdraft</a> order post 4PM (no trades)<br><br>1. Browns<br>2. Giants<br>3. Colts<br>4. Texans<br>5. 49ers<br>6. Bears<br>7. Bucs<br>8. Bengals<br>9. Broncos<br>10. Jets<br>11. Cardinals<br>12. Raiders<br>13. Redskins<br>14. Dolphins<br>15. Chargers</p>— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jason_OTC/status/942553850195709952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="gw94PA">Having another top 10 pick to help bring in a good head coach could be nice. It could also provide plenty of hope for this team going into next season. </p>
<p id="gzVk9e">This team isn’t absent of talented players. They are absent of good coaching to really highlight and bring out the best of this bunch. A top 10 pick could help solve an issue at offensive tackle or linebacker very quickly for this team.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/21/16791440/what-they-saying-bengals-getting-blown-out-report-of-marvin-lewis-leavingPatrickJudis2017-12-20T20:00:02-05:002017-12-20T20:00:02-05:00WATCH: The Orange and Black Insider Bengals podcast, 12/20 live stream
<figure>
<img alt="Cincinnati Bengals v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3z4d_IgfJY8P3xxJSoRZshYlwGc=/0x30:3450x2330/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58062059/894365284.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>On this week's episode, we continue our list of ways to improve the Bengals in the 2018 offseason, as well as look back at some of the best moments in Marvin Lewis' tenure with the Bengals. We're also taking your questions!</p> <p id="3JAyG2">If you were thinking the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> would have rebounded against their former assistant coach, Mike Zimmer, and the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>, you were sorely mistaken. <span>Marvin Lewis</span>’ team sleepwalked through last Sunday’s contest in Minneapolis, as they fell to 5-9. </p>
<p id="mNTqOS">One reason as to why the Bengals didn’t appear to show up in Week 15 was the pregame news that Lewis isn’t planning to return in 2018. There have been back-and-forth’s on the validity of the rumors, but the prevailing belief is that the last two games of 2017 will be he last of Lewis’ on the Bengals’ sideline. </p>
<p id="dP4bCQ">On this week’s episode, Scott Schulze and I reminisce on some of the best moments in Lewis’ tenure, while also continuing our list of ways to improve the Bengals in 2018. We also are taking the usual questions and comments from you!</p>
<p id="m9k0sa">You can join us live here at Cincy Jungle, or head into our live YouTube chat by clicking on the above-embedded video. Leave your questions in the comment section below or in the chat!</p>
<p id="pEWFQ2"><small><em><strong>If you’re unable to join us live, all Orange and Black Insider content is here on Cincy Jungle, as well as on our </strong></em></small><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fuser-608248362" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><small><em><strong>SoundCloud</strong></em></small></a><small><em><strong> and </strong></em></small><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVaXlewzr5_f-iEhxa6ij_g"><small><em><strong>YouTube channels</strong></em></small></a><small><em><strong>, and </strong></em></small><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fthe-orange-and-black-insider%2Fid1142320492" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><small><em><strong>on iTunes</strong></em></small></a><small><em><strong>! You can tweet us </strong></em></small><a href="https://twitter.com/BengalsOBI"><small><em><strong>@BengalsOBI</strong></em></small></a><small><em><strong> or get in touch with us via email at theobinsider@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!</strong></em></small></p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/20/16800968/watch-the-orange-and-black-insider-bengals-podcast-12-20-live-streamAnthony Cosenza2017-12-20T07:00:02-05:002017-12-20T07:00:02-05:00Bengals PFF report: Andy Dalton is struggling mightily
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zN8NAS_8c3eyMc2MLMiyfFiT7f8=/0x1:3503x2336/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58047371/usa_today_10483711.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Andy Dalton is in the midst of arguably his worst four-week stretch of his NFL career. </p> <p id="IoseDd">The Bengals wee manhandled by the Vikings on Sunday. </p>
<p id="iL6ga1">While it was a team effort in getting demolished by a 34-7 margin, no single player may have struggled more as a result of it than Andy Dalton. Unfortunately for Dalton, this continued the trend of his recent poor play. </p>
<p id="nNwDFw">According to Pro Football Focus, Dalton has lowered his season accuracy ranking each of the past four weeks. In Week 12, Dalton ranked 17th throwing 72.7 percent of his passes accurately. </p>
<p id="gKwqfy">But in the following weeks, Dalton has fallen in the ranking to 18th in Week 13, 20th in Week 14, and 22nd in Week 15. Dalton currently throws 71.1 percent of his passes accurately. </p>
<p id="IBUvsP">During this four-week stretch, Dalton has completed a mere 64 of 115 passes (55.6%) for 702 yards and five touchdowns versus three interceptions. That’s an average of 175.5 yards and 1.3 touchdowns versus 0.8 interceptions per game, which simply isn’t cutting it for a starting NFL quarterback (unless it’s for the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>, then it’s Ring oF Honor worthy). </p>
<p id="IYA9EQ">Week 15 was a difficult week for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>’ wide receivers. The highest-rated receiver when targeted this week was <span>A.J. Green</span>, who had a 75.0 passer rating when targeted. Green was only targeted four times this week, which was tied for 48th-most in Week 15. </p>
<aside id="Bn4QO4"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"NFL Week 15: Bengals’ snap count distribution vs the Vikings","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/19/16790498/nfl-week-15-bengals-snap-count-distribution-vs-the-vikings"},{"title":"William Jackson is the Bengals’ comeback player of 2017","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/19/16792214/william-jackson-bengals-comeback-player-2017"}]}'></div></aside><p id="ZTYPdL">Cincinnati's highest-rated running back was <span>Jarveon Williams</span>, who earned a 59.8 overall PFF grade on a single snap. Starting running back <span>Giovani Bernard</span> earned a 41.7 this week, the fourth worst grade of all Bengals players.</p>
<p id="NGSoqu">Left tackle <span>Cedric Ogbuehi</span> was actually somewhat decent, as he performed slightly below average with a 64.5 overall PFF grade in his limited snaps in Week 15,</p>
<p id="DNUyNo">Backup tackle <span>Eric Winston</span>, who filled in for <span>Ogbuehi</span>, earned a very low quality game grade of 33.2. Winston's grade was the worst of all Bengals players.</p>
<p id="iGMs8g">Right tackle <span>Andre Smith</span>, who has been rated slightly below average over the past four weeks, earned an very poor overall PFF grade this week of 39.0. This was his worst grade this season, <span>Smith's</span> best grade was Week 10 an 82.0.</p>
<p id="fbBz2Y">Defensive tackle <span>Geno Atkins</span> earned the highest grade of any player, Bengals or <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>, in this game. Atkins earned an 89.1 which is 0.9 below the elite grade. Atkins' season has been great so far, earning a 91.7 overall rating. </p>
<p id="s6lRs7">Starting linebacker <span>Vincent Rey</span> was badly exploited this week, allowing four receptions on four targets, and on average allowed 2.09 yards per snap in coverage.</p>
<p id="2ZOihz">Backup linebacker <span>Jordan Evans</span> allowed five receptions on seven targets for 33 yards and one touchdown. On average, Evans allowed 1.83 yards per coverage snap, the fourth-worst rate in week 15.</p>
<p id="VkQcFh">Starting safety Shawn Williams earned the Bengals’ second highest overall PFF grade of 82.7. Williams performed well in coverage allowing a mere 0.04 yards per coverage snap on average.</p>
<p id="QOTEvd">Backup safety <span>Clayton Fejedelem</span> earned a season-low 35.2 overall PFF grade, third-worst overall of all the Bengals players. His poor grade can be seen in his coverage, where he allowed 3.00 yards per coverage snap.</p>
<p id="iVbhIc">Starting cornerback William Jackson was the Bengals third-highest graded player this week, earning a high mark of 86.0. <a href="https://grades.profootballfocus.com/#/ratings/positions/show/CB">He is now ranked 14th among cornerbacks in PFF’s 2017 season rankings</a>. Jackson has been the brightest spot in a lost season for the Bengals. His future brightens up the Bengals’ outlook in future seasons. </p>
<p id="oos2WF">As always, follow our friends at Pro Football Focus, as well as <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Cincinnati">PFF’s official Bengals Twitter handle.</a> </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/20/16797246/bengals-pff-report-andy-dalton-is-struggling-mightilyJason Marcum2017-12-19T17:30:02-05:002017-12-19T17:30:02-05:004 things we learned from the Bengals’ blowout loss in Minnesota
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RtN_odzkDBT09eup07Tz_s1mM2c=/3x0:2774x1847/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58044155/usa_today_10484065.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The linebackers are too young, the tackles are too old, and the assistant coaches blew the opportunity of a lifetime. </p> <p id="2GTDGn">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> went down in humiliating fashion for the second week in a row. Here are four things we learned from the debacle that took place in Minnesota. </p>
<h3 id="o67VmI">Paul Guenther and Bill Lazor blew a huge opportunity</h3>
<p id="XZKlLe">The Bengals’ top assistant coaches looked the most likely internal candidates to replace Marvin Lewis. However, <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/942418161718185985">Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday</a> that special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons might be the next Bengals head coach. As that report surfaced, one would think that Guenther and Lazor would want to give a good showing against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>.</p>
<p id="WF6eoX">Both coaches blew this opportunity to make an impression. The Bengals were completely outmatched on both sides of the ball. The defense suffered from poor organization, blown assignments, and missed tackles. 346 yards of offense and four touchdowns don’t even begin to describe how out of hand this game was.</p>
<p id="fziFXH">Offensively, the only touchdown was scored in garbage time, aided by the great field position given to them by the <span>Shawn Williams</span> interception. The Bengals had to wait until the second quarter before getting a first down and until the third to cross the 50-yard-line.</p>
<p id="pdYPlN">This game was a complete embarrassment for everyone who had something to prove. Simmons’ special teams was the only unit that was even remotely in the game.</p>
<p id="OfuJzn">Guenther and Lazor really needed to look good. Even if it’s not for Cincinnati’s head coaching vacancy, they might find themselves out of a job if Mike Brown and the new head coach clean house. If other teams looking for new assistants might watch this game, they will almost assuredly keep looking elsewhere.</p>
<h3 id="rSFS75">The depth at linebacker is not that deep</h3>
<p id="XVsYWU">One of the most surprising stats from the game is that Minnesota running back tandem of <span>Latavius Murray</span> and Jerick McKinnon gained 142 receiving yards. Compare that to their 100 rushing yards. That’s the linebackers’ fault. </p>
<p id="80cHgq">McKinnon ran rampant through the Bengals defense thanks to total confusion and chaos on defense. The injuries to Bengals linebackers have taken their toll, and the Vikings took full advantage.</p>
<p id="qJyuD5">Now, with <span>Vincent Rey</span> <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/17/16787842/bengals-lose-vincent-rey-jaw-injury-vs-vikings">possibly out for the rest of the season</a>, the Bengals are going to try to put any warm bodies they can out on the field. <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> did not pass concussion protocol, <span>Nick Vigil</span> is still out, and <span>Kevin Minter</span> was still nursing a sore hamstring. If the Bengals were to play again tomorrow, they would have to start <span>Jordan Evans</span>, <span>Hardy Nickerson</span>, and <span>Brandon Bell</span> at linebacker.</p>
<aside id="M1NDbu"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"William Jackson is the Bengals’ comeback player of 2017","url":"http://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/19/16792214/william-jackson-bengals-comeback-player-2017"},{"title":"Marvin Lewis is wrong to not play AJ McCarron in final 2 games","url":"http://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/19/16796072/marvin-lewis-wrong-not-play-aj-mccarron-final-2-games-nfl-news"}]}'></div></aside><p id="bqWvya">Though Evans made the 53-man roster out of training camp, he has mostly been relegated to special teams until injuries forced him to play defense. Nickerson and Bell were recently signed off the practice squad. None of the three linebackers looked impressive in Minnesota. </p>
<p id="IhYV56">Even though Evans tipped a pass that resulted in Shawn Williams’ interception, the first three quarters were less than spectacular for him or for Nickerson. Starting at the weak side and strong side, respectively, Nickerson moved to the middle when Rey was injured. Both Evans and Nickerson were responsible for many of the missed tackles and blown assignments.</p>
<p id="JxHK3B">If Burfict doesn’t return, then Nickerson will be the quarterback of the defense at middle linebacker. Perhaps Burfict will go back to his natural position at the weak side if he does, and Nickerson will still be calling plays. No offense to Nickerson, but the Bengals don’t want someone who has only been with the first team for a few weeks to anchor the defense. </p>
<p id="GUstSw">Hopefully, the Bengals will go out and sign a free agent that can walk in and start to alleviate some of the pressure from the young players. They did not stand up to the pressure against the Vikings. Hopefully, they can survive the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a>.</p>
<h3 id="AN58Bg">Shawn Williams will have to step up in a huge way</h3>
<p id="qZoSGB">Williams might be the only player in the back seven that has regular starting experience. He needs to continue his run of dominance against the NFC North against the Lions. </p>
<p id="qeNEgP">Even though <span>William Jackson</span> was out there shutting down everyone he lined up against, Williams was doing just about everything else. He was locking down the opposition in the passing game, making tackles at the line of scrimmage, and nabbing the only takeaway of the game. He was the second-highest ranked player <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-refocused-minnesota-vikings-34-cincinnati-bengals-7&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2017%2F12%2F19%2F16793534%2F4-things-we-learned-from-the-bengals-blowout-loss-in-minnesota" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">according to PFF</a> behind only <span>Geno Atkins</span>.</p>
<p id="Qz5UL5"><a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/17/16787630/bengals-lose-george-iloka-shoulder-injury-vs-vikings">Now with George Iloka injured</a>, Williams will be out there all by himself leading a young group of defensive backs and linebackers. </p>
<h3 id="7RizSI">The Bengals are going to miss <span>Cedric Ogbuehi</span>
</h3>
<p id="eKZ7QP">That felt wrong. Anyways...</p>
<p id="o75mWv"><a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/17/16787572/bengals-news-jordan-evans-cedric-ogbuehi-exit-injuries">After Ogbuehi was injured on a play that resulted in a sack</a>, <span>Eric Winston</span> came in to protect Andy Dalton’s weak side. OK, maybe protect was not the right word, since we found out why Winston was available halfway through the season.</p>
<p id="yAuUhg">It seems weird that there is a left tackle that makes Ogbuehi look good, yet here we are. Winston gave up a sack and several hurries in only three quarters of work. Stuck with only Winston and <span>Andre Smith</span>, which would not be a bad tandem if it were 2012, the Bengals would do well to reach out in free agency and get some depth (though some talent would be nice, too).</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/19/16793534/4-things-we-learned-from-the-bengals-blowout-loss-in-minnesotaNick Manchester2017-12-19T14:30:02-05:002017-12-19T14:30:02-05:00Watch: Video reactions to Bengals’ loss to Vikings
<figure>
<img alt="Cincinnati Bengals v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V_xh46fRknhyreRR0eFWHDeovSo=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58039787/894365286.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bengals were embarrassed for the second week in a row, but the issues are far deeper within the organization. We discussed those issues on a recent live session on Facebook.</p> <p id="RNjbAn">For the second week in a row, the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> faced an unfamiliar NFC North foe. And, for the second straight week, Cincinnati was blown out in embarrassing fashion. </p>
<p id="N8lPcj">It’s hard to specifically say how much the news that broke about an hour and a half before kickoff had on the team this week. <span>Marvin Lewis</span> is reportedly <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/17/16787498/bengals-and-marvin-lewis-parting-ways-following-2017-season">calling it quits after this season</a>, pointing to a mutual parting of the ways between he and the front office. </p>
<p id="1owxi3">We took to Facebook for a live video session after the team’s 34-7 loss to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>. While we talked a little bit about the result, the obvious areas we touched on revolved around the Bengals’ issues and their coaching situation for 2018. </p>
<ul>
<li id="wD9LJz">We addressed the pre-game rumors that Marvin Lewis won’t be returning in 2018. </li>
<li id="7U8ZPb">Should the Bengals look at internal or external options for their next head coach?</li>
<li id="B48HlF">Given the poor performances by the entire team the past two weeks, as well as other heartbreaking losses in 2017, which other members of Lewis’ staff should be kept next season?</li>
<li id="we1BqK">We applauded Mike Zimmer on what he has done in Minnesota, given so many issues at quarterback. </li>
<li id="goYCWH">Our readers submitted a number of interesting comments and questions that we talked about on air. </li>
</ul>
<p id="IB1lvS">Join us after every game to talk about what has transpired in the contest, as well as our answering of your questions. If you haven’t done so yet, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CincyJungle/">“like” our Facebook page</a> for all kinds of updates and various media!</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/19/16795638/watch-video-reactions-to-bengals-loss-to-vikingsAnthony Cosenza2017-12-19T11:30:02-05:002017-12-19T11:30:02-05:00Bengals rookie report: Jordan Evans and Hardy Nickerson start side-by-side vs Vikings
<figure>
<img alt="Cincinnati Bengals v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nsHeh54f3ZTXnRGy3nnGerUkATA=/176x0:4316x2760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58032631/894287830.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With injuries plaguing multiple positions, two undrafted rookies were called up from the practice squad, one of whom—the son of a former NFL stud—got his first start.</p> <p id="Ayawpk">Before the season began, the Bengals vs Vikings game should’ve been circled on the calendar as the only chance to see rookie running backs <span>Dalvin Cook</span> and <span>Joe Mixon</span> face-off against one another for the next four years. Unfortunately neither one was healthy on Sunday, but four rookie defenders played more than 40 percent of the Bengals defense’s snaps against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings.</a> Let’s go over them in this week’s Bengals rookie report:</p>
<p id="lz58V7"><strong>Active:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="AsWYoD">
<span>Jordan Willis</span> 31 snaps on defense; 11 snaps on special teams</li>
<li id="sIISn7">
<span>Carl Lawson</span> 19 snaps on defense; six snaps on special teams</li>
<li id="ow3YOS">
<span>Josh Malone</span> 25 snaps on offense</li>
<li id="52vXKZ">
<span>Ryan Glasgow</span> 33 snaps on defense; 14 snaps on special teams</li>
<li id="n5TWfk">
<span>Jordan Evans</span> 55 snaps on defense; 13 snaps on special teams</li>
<li id="01QaEJ">
<span>Brian Hill</span> Five snaps on offense; 20 snaps on special teams</li>
<li id="AJe2uR">
<span>Hardy Nickerson</span> 35 snaps on defense; 15 snaps on special teams</li>
<li id="3BZ5RW">
<span>Cethan Carter</span> Five snaps on offense; 17 snaps on special teams</li>
<li id="6GqNDj">
<span>Brandon Wilson</span> 19 snaps on special teams</li>
<li id="yxBnHC">
<span>Brandon Bell</span> Six snaps on defense; 21 snaps on special teams</li>
<li id="ke5UdH">
<span>Jarveon Williams</span> One snap on offense; two snaps on special teams</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="WJ8oVI">Inactive:</h2>
<ul>
<li id="5LJj4M">
<span>Joe Mixon</span> (concussion)</li>
<li id="4kKGZP">Joshua Tupou (healthy scratch)</li>
</ul>
<h1 id="H4zG4U">Jordan Evans and Hardy Nickerson</h1>
<p id="B3sscH">As the news of <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/15/16781586/bengals-place-kevin-minter-injured-reserve-sign-brandon-bell-practice-squad">Kevin Minter being placed on injured reserve</a> broke last Friday, all three starting linebackers were officially out against the Vikings. Vincent Rey would start for <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> at WILL linebacker for the second week in a row, Jordan Evans would start for <span>Nick Vigil</span> at SAM linebacker for the third week in a row, and Hardy Nickerson was Minter’s replacement at MIKE linebacker, making his first NFL start.</p>
<p id="YrNISu">Evans has looked progressively more comfortable in space, but still has lapses of finding the ball carrier and getting moved easily in zone coverage. He was the lone source of athleticism left in the middle of the field when the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> defense went into nickel packages. </p>
<p id="v3Vdzc">Nickerson seems to play with that undrafted chip on his shoulder when he’s tasked with a downhill responsibility, but it’s so hard not to notice his lack of size when taking on blocks, and he doesn’t compensate that with plus athleticism in terms of light feet and sideline-to-sideline speed. Measuring in at just under 6’0”, he’s about two-inches shorter than his dad who spent 16 years in the league at linebacker. </p>
<p id="WxRw6o">Nickerson and Evans finished the game with three solo tackles each. </p>
<aside id="dw5UBW"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Marvin Lewis offers uninspiring reply when asked about coaching Bengals in 2018","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/18/16792180/marvin-lewis-uninspiring-reply-coaching-bengals-2018-nfl-news"},{"title":"Bengals injury news: Cedric Ogbuehi and Andre Smith may miss final 2 games","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/18/16792330/bengals-injury-news-cedric-ogbuehi-andre-smith-may-miss-final-2-games"}]}'></div></aside><h1 id="XLYSsa">Jordan Willis and Carl Lawson</h1>
<p id="wLJv4k">It has now been three games since Lawson’s last sack against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> back in Week 12. In this three game stretch, he has averaged less than 21 defensive snaps per game. For perspective, he has averaged almost 40 snaps per game during games in which he has recorded a sack. In these last two games specifically, the Bengals defense has been kept in their base personnel as the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> and Vikings both achieved early leads and had the luxury of running the ball ahead, keeping Lawson on the bench more often as a result. </p>
<p id="FXVpg7">The notion that Lawson cannot adequately set an edge as a run defender because he has a small frame is short-sighted. Lawson is too talented as a pass rusher to be kept off the field this much, and if the Bengals have to play him on obvious run-downs, then so be it. We all know who <span>Michael Johnson</span> is, use these last two games as experiments for the future of the roster. </p>
<p id="4FV4dK">Willis, differently, has been a beneficiary of the last two game and has gotten more extensive playing time as a run defender. It’s been said many times this season in this weekly piece, but Willis still hasn’t managed to create any high quality pressure as a pass-rusher. He continues to look like a project in that area.</p>
<h1 id="bEuwwq">Josh Malone</h1>
<p id="xRZ7dr">Malone still hasn’t caught a pass since the beginning of the month against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, but he was part of what may be the most awkward reverse hand-off of the year:</p>
<div id="5kq3cl">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/l7W2xfi2Ej">pic.twitter.com/l7W2xfi2Ej</a></p>— not kevin durant (@nevkinturand) <a href="https://twitter.com/nevkinturand/status/942909222785814528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="7QBIvr">Malone had three targets but none of them were catchable for various reasons. As of this week, he has just six catches for 63 yards and a touchdown on 16 official targets this year. </p>
<h1 id="XtITRv">Ryan Glasgow</h1>
<p id="dbYToB">There’s not much to report on for the rookie defensive tackle, he had one solo tackle on 33 defensive snaps. We’re still waiting on not just a sack from the backup 3-technique, but any form of pressure.</p>
<h1 id="hNyTUy">The Rest</h1>
<p id="Z95hYo">Undrafted rookies Brandon Bell and Jarveon Williams were called up from the practice squad this week as emergency depth at linebacker and running back respectively. Bell was used on most special teams situations and Williams only saw the field three times, despite, reportedly, being the reason second-year receiver <span>Tyler Boyd</span> was a healthy scratch. Brian Hill ran the ball five times for 12 yards and recorded a long of eight yards. Cethan Carter saw snaps on offense for the first time since Week 9, and Brandon Wilson provided what was maybe the only sign of hustle from the Bengals all game:</p>
<div id="tqY0Xe">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/4v0GCbo4Op">pic.twitter.com/4v0GCbo4Op</a></p>— not kevin durant (@nevkinturand) <a href="https://twitter.com/nevkinturand/status/942915751811452929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h2 id="okM2kT">Coming up</h2>
<p id="AbzRiy">The Bengals welcome the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> to Paul Brown Stadium as they play on Christmas eve for the first time since 2011. Expect similar playing time for these rookies as the Bengals continue to add names to the injury report.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/19/16791124/week-15-bengals-rookie-report-jordan-evans-and-hardy-nickerson-start-side-by-sideJohn Sheeran2017-12-18T15:49:41-05:002017-12-18T15:49:41-05:00Cedric Ogbuehi and Andre Smith may miss final 2 games
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8F7pv-Y6eGetWZ9lmt7YcYzlW-4=/0x0:4175x2783/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58027833/usa_today_10396668.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Arguably the Bengals’ biggest hole right now is at offensive tackle, so of course they lose both starting tackles. </p> <p id="XJ3Sly">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> are getting decimated on the injury front.</p>
<p id="T66ed0">After making it through the first half of the season relatively unscathed (outside of <span>Tyler Eifert</span>), the Bengals now can’t seem to catch a break in this regard. The latest two players to go down with injuries are starting offensive tackles <span>Cedric Ogbuehi</span> and <span>Andre Smith</span>.</p>
<p id="2OGBa6">Both players went down during Sunday’s loss to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>, and it now appears their seasons may be over. According to Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson, <span>Smith</span> and <span>Ogbuehi</span> may be placed on injured reserve soon due to their injuries:</p>
<div id="pQifQD">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bengals need two tackles for last two games. Ced and Andre sound like they’re out for the year</p>— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/status/942853480791752704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="5UBS1g">And Chris Roling for the win: </p>
<div id="0GjxCb">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">They've needed two tackles all year. <a href="https://t.co/r41w8LXNy8">https://t.co/r41w8LXNy8</a></p>— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Roling/status/942855445328297991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="yVlD2n">In all seriousness...it’s too true. Arguably the Bengals’ biggest hole right now is at offensive tackle, so of course they lose both starting tackles. </p>
<p id="e8G0OA">Ogbuehi has been inadequate, abominable, deficient, and every other synonym for ‘bad’ as an NFL tackle could be through his first three seasons. He’s been arguably the biggest draft bust of the <span>Marvin Lewis</span> era, but then again, that’s what it appeared Smith was through his first two seasons, so maybe Ogbuehi can have a Smith-like turnaround in his career going forward.</p>
<p id="xx4z7P">Speaking of Smith, he was signed to a one-year deal this offseason to become the starting right guard, a job he ultimately lost to Trey Hopkins. However, Smith would go on to become the starting right tackle after <span>Jake Fisher</span> was lost for the season due to a heart condition. </p>
<p id="1JYigR">If both players are indeed out for the rest of the season, <span>Eric Winston</span> will be the starting left tackle, while it’s unclear who will start at right tackle. Hopkins could move from right guard to right tackle, but I think it’s possible <span>Kent Perkins</span> is signed off the practice squad to start there. </p>
<p id="yBtKvy">Regardless of who plays there over the final two games, this is easily the team’s biggest need going into the offseason. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/12/18/16792330/bengals-injury-news-cedric-ogbuehi-andre-smith-may-miss-final-2-gamesJason Marcum