Cincy Jungle - Bengals midseason awards 2018Who Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2018-11-06T15:15:22-05:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/178333872018-11-06T15:15:22-05:002018-11-06T15:15:22-05:00Bengals 2018 midseason awards: Offensive MVP
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<p>The Bengals offense exploded onto the scene early this season, but who is the most valuable member of the unit?</p> <p id="vtP4gQ">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> offense has had its struggles this season. </p>
<p id="tFrT6q">The unit is ranked just 27th in rushing and 23rd in total yards per game, but offensive coordinator Bill Lazor has managed to get points on the board regardless. His group is the 10th ranked scoring offense in the NFL and besides a few rough patches along the way, his system has been more successful than not. </p>
<p id="UAsPK0">There are plenty of reasons why the team has been successful this season, and that is mostly because of all the emerging talented players on that side of the ball.</p>
<p id="7LJhvR">Unfortunately, a few players were eliminated from consideration because of their extensive time missed due to injury. Players like <span>Giovani Bernard</span> and <span>Tyler Eifert</span> were among this group, and they deserve recognition for their production before their injuries, but we’re sticking to those who’ve been available the most. </p>
<p id="LOHOlZ">Joe Mixon was also a victim of this, as he missed two games due to minor knee surgery. If he can stay healthy, however, he could end up being the offensive MVP for the season. </p>
<p id="DskwTz"><strong>Before we reveal the offensive MVP, here are the honorable mentions:</strong></p>
<p id="OGY5Ic"><span><strong>A.J. Green</strong></span><strong> and </strong><span><strong>Tyler Boyd</strong></span><strong>, wide receivers</strong></p>
<p id="41nyLG">These two honestly had really strong cases on their own. <span>Boyd</span> leads the team with 49 catches, and <span>Green</span> leads the team with 687 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Both are producing at similar levels across the stat sheet, and whenever one had a down game, the other took it upon himself to carry the passing game. </p>
<p id="H1GkXf">It’s been impressive witnessing what <span>Boyd</span> has been able to do in his third season. Last year he was essentially a non-factor up until the final two weeks of the season, but this year he has proven to be the compliment to <span>Green</span> that this team has needed since they let <span>Marvin Jones Jr.</span> and <span>Mohamed Sanu</span> walk following the 2015 season.</p>
<p id="FOFoBV">What kept these two from being MVP altogether is each other’s presence. The fact they have put up eerily similar numbers can’t be ignored when the race for MVP has been this close up until this point in the season. You could argue that Green is more valuable because of the attention he receives every game, but even then it is still hard to put him that much farther ahead of Boyd.</p>
<h2 id="Tp436K"><strong>Midseason Offensive MVP</strong></h2>
<p id="GgvppN"><span><strong>Andy Dalton</strong></span><strong>, quarterback</strong></p>
<p id="KnqSjP">The <span>Dalton</span> haters don’t have much weight behind their jeers at this point. We need to recognize the season <span>Dalton</span> has put together so far. </p>
<p id="KODzpb">First of all, his production, and the consistency of its accumulation, have been admirable. He has 2,102 passing yards (13th in the NFL), 17 touchdowns (tied for third) while only been sacked 16 times, which has as much to do with him getting rid of the ball quickly and avoiding pressure as the improvements to the offensive line.</p>
<aside id="NuSeFS"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"6 winners and 4 losers from the Bengals’ 5-3 start","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/6/18065778/6-winners-and-4-losers-from-the-bengals-5-3-start"},{"title":"Bengals make changes to practice squad, give up on QB Christian Hackenberg","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/5/18065992/bengals-make-changes-to-practice-squad-give-up-on-qb-christian-hackenberg"}]}'></div></aside><p id="heumxz">The first number many will point to criticize Dalton is his interceptions, as he is tied for fourth in the NFL with eight. However, when you look at those numbers on a game-to-game basis, he only has one game with more than one interception, which was when he had four interceptions against the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> thanks to a couple of tipped passes. </p>
<p id="onjvZw">It is also worth mentioning that Dalton only has two weeks this season where he has thrown less than two touchdowns (he has no games without a touchdown). He has had two or more touchdowns in six of his eight games. The lack of disaster games from the Bengals quarterback has been a breath of fresh air.</p>
<p id="gFsDog">Finally, let’s talk about how clutch he has been this season. In Week 1 against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>, the Bengals were facing a 13-point deficit in the third quarter. He helped lead the offense to 17 straight points before <span>Clayton Fejedelem</span> put the game away with a fumble recovery for a touchdown. </p>
<p id="MbPxDy">Three weeks later, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> were up by six against Dalton’s Bengals with just over four minutes remaining. After converting not one, but two fourth-down conversions, Dalton tied the game up with a dart to Green in the end zone in the final seconds of the game. An extra point from kicker <span>Randy Bullock</span> sealed the Bengals’ third win of the season.</p>
<p id="g06Isa">Against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> two weeks later, Dalton orchestrated another successful final drive to take the lead, but his defense couldn’t hold back the Steelers offense in the final seconds. There were people who criticized them for scoring too soon, but how many times in the Dalton era has the offense even pulled off such a drive in that situation?</p>
<p id="oNXsGD">Of course, he just put one together against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> last week after the defense gave up 18 fourth-quarter points. Dalton put the team in field goal position and allowed <span>Bullock</span> to make up for his missed extra point earlier in the game.</p>
<p id="aTdvNu">Dalton’s stats may not blow us away, and they aren’t of that of an elite quarterback. You still have to admit the Bengals wouldn’t be close to 5-3 if it weren’t for him this season.</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/6/18043516/bengals-2018-midseason-awards-offensive-mvpPatrickJudis2018-11-06T10:30:04-05:002018-11-06T10:30:04-05:006 winners and 4 losers from the Bengals’ 5-3 start
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<p>The last three second-round picks for Cincinnati were remarkable for the first eight games of the season.</p> <p id="AdrjHm">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> sure know how to get out of the bye week on the wrong foot. With their record of 5-3, they’re neck and neck with the 5-2-1 <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> at the top of the AFC North, but it’s hard to feel confident looking at the rest of the season. </p>
<p id="GRnC03">In predictable fashion, the Bengals were inactive at the trade deadline, and shared <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1057362512344158210">last-minute halloween costumes</a> while other teams were improving their roster. To top it all off, the news of <span>A.J. Green</span>’s injury revealed the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> wide receiver <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/4/18061242/bengals-wr-a-j-green-visiting-foot-specialist-during-bye-week">would miss “at least” the team’s next two games</a>, adding on to the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/5/18065224/bengals-injury-a-j-green-clint-boling-john-ross-gio-bernard-vontaze-burfict">numerous other injuries</a> the team is suffering.</p>
<p id="fMs0BP">But through it all, the Bengals are still in the playoff hunt and have positive aspects to look back on in their first eight games. Here are our winners and losers from the first eight games of the Bengals’ season:</p>
<h2 id="nq7Ezm">Winners</h2>
<p id="HETxH5"><span><em><strong>Andy Dalton</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>Depending on whom you ask, this has been <span>Dalton</span>’s best season of his career. An adjusted yards per attempt of 6.41 and a passer rating of 92.9 aren’t quite close to his 2015 numbers of 8.17 and 106.2, but we’ve seen a <span>Dalton</span> that’s playing loose and making more big-time throws down the field the field than we’ve seen in the past. </p>
<p id="Ev1CMe">Dalton is making accurate throws all over the field, while also not making many mistakes in the process.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Per <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PFF</a>, Andy Dalton is tied for the most big-time throws, or, "passes with excellent ball location and timing, generally further downfield and/or into a tighter window," thanks to development of Boyd and Mixon, better OL play, & adding Van Pelt. <a href="https://t.co/yXzt46hhbL">pic.twitter.com/yXzt46hhbL</a></p>— Dadio McDuck (@dadiodefacto) <a href="https://twitter.com/dadiodefacto/status/1057663869126987777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a>
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<p id="C248mO">A four-interception performance against the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> in Week 3 skews things negatively for the Bengals quarterback, but he’s played well enough to win nearly every game the Bengals have had, despite only having tight end <span>Tyler Eifert</span> for just three-and-a-half games. For an eight-year veteran at the position, that’s the expectation, and Dalton is now living up to it in a new offense.</p>
<p id="zX2g22"><span><em><strong>Joe Mixon</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>This season has been a big stepping stone for the Bengals’ starting running back. After finishing last season with a yards per carry average of just 3.5 and a rush success rate of 40%, he’s averaging 4.8 yards per carry, and 51% of his rushes have been successful this season. His knee injury he suffered in Week 2 against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> was a minor setback, but he’s looked like the ball carrier the team took a chance on last year when <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000801218/article/joe-mixon-reportedly-off-draft-boards-of-six-nfl-teams">numerous other teams had him off of their draft boards</a>.</p>
<p id="7EjRaQ">The success of the Bengals’ offense has revolved around how effectively they’ve used <span>Mixon</span> and in turn, how effectively they’ve ran the ball. <span>Mixon</span> has seen significantly fewer eight-man boxes and more runs out of the shotgun, both which have benefitted him significantly. As a result, Mixon and his natural ability has been unleashed way more consistently and he’s having a great year because of it. </p>
<p id="sZKsXK"><span><em><strong>Tyler Boyd</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>As well as Mixon has played in comparison to last season,<em><strong> </strong></em><span>Boyd</span>’s ascension to the upper echelon of slot receivers has been a magnificent viewing experience. The third-year receiver’s sharp route running and hands have seen major leaps in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor’s offense, and his immense chemistry with Dalton is undeniable. </p>
<p id="EKthEi"><span>Boyd</span>’s 620 yards, five touchdowns and 12.7 yards per reception are already career-highs, and no Bengals receiver playing alongside <span>A.J. Green</span> has played at this level since <span>Marvin Jones Jr.</span> The former second-round pick’s value will be put the test when <span>Green</span> is resting his foot for the foreseeable future, but Boyd has shown he’s capable of stepping up to the occasion when he’s needed.</p>
<p id="9PSU3k"><span><em><strong>Carlos Dunlap</strong></em></span><em><strong> and </strong></em><span><em><strong>Geno Atkins</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>If there was any doubt, the Bengals paying their two best defensive players yet again was the smart decision. As per usual, <span>Dunlap</span> and <span>Atkins</span> have carried the Bengals’ pass rush this season and have shown no signs of slowing down in their ninth year playing together.</p>
<p id="Gm43Hi"><span>Dunlap</span>’s seven sacks and <span>Atkins</span>’ six sacks have both of them on pace for their best seasons since 2015. And even for his insane standards, Atkins was on a monster pace through Week 5. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Geno Atkins, the NFL's leader in total pressures so far in 2018. <a href="https://t.co/0zTtq4vqDW">pic.twitter.com/0zTtq4vqDW</a></p>— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1050050081779580929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a>
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<p id="kTsOyD">It’s a shame the rest of the Bengals defense has failed to even come close to the standards Dunlap and Atkins have set, because if they have, they probably would be better than 5-3. </p>
<p id="7kMk4Q"><span><em><strong>Jessie Bates</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>With that said, one defender in the back seven has especially been playing lights out. <span>Bates</span> would be a winner if he were just a slight improvement over <span>George Iloka</span>, but he’s been that and so much more.</p>
<p id="pkRMrj">Bates has been the catalyst behind the opportunistic Bengals defense, as he has played like one of the better safeties in the NFL. He was named a <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-nfl-2018-mid-season-all-pro-team%3Futm_source%3Dcj%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_campaign%3Dcjaff%26cjevent%3De1f4c64ce17811e883af009e0a240610&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2018%2F11%2F6%2F18065778%2F6-winners-and-4-losers-from-the-bengals-5-3-start" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">midseason All-Pro by Pro Football Focus</a> for his incredible start to his career, which included three interceptions, 60 tackles, and just 59 yards receiving allowed on 16 targets.</p>
<p id="rnbV9e">For the third consecutive year, the Bengals seemed to have found a gem in the second round of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. Bates looks like a franchise cornerstone in the making that decided to skip the rookie learning curve in the process.</p>
<h2 id="le85Tx">Losers</h2>
<p id="2q1guS"><span><em><strong>John Ross</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>The impact <span>Ross</span> has on the offense when he’s healthy should be known by now, but we still need to see production sooner or later. Obviously, injury issues have continued to derail <span>Ross</span>’ exposure in the offense, but even in the games when he’s been healthy, the offense has failed to maximize his skillset. Two touchdowns on just seven receptions is as impressive as it is frustrating because it shows just how effective he can be when he’s given the chance.</p>
<aside id="1Sm4sk"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"4 Bengals who must step up in the second half of the season","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/5/18059690/4-bengals-who-will-need-to-step-up-in-the-second-half-of-the-season"},{"title":"Bengals midseason awards: Unsung Hero ","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/2/18049684/bengals-midseason-awards-unsung-hero"}]}'></div></aside><p id="nn0q9g">Luckily, Ross is back to practicing this week and figures to start the second half of the season on the right foot, but he needs to not only stay on the field, but start making more plays. In an offense without Green, everyone needs to lend a hand in compensating for his absence. These eight games are so very crucial for Ross, and plenty of eyes will be on him.</p>
<p id="xh6Ty4"><span><em><strong>C.J. Uzomah</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>This may be more of a stretch, but when nearly the entire tight end room for the Bengals became plagued with injuries, <span>Uzomah</span> was effectively the last man standing. Since losing both <span>Eifert</span> for the season and <span>Tyler Kroft</span> for at least the month of October, <span>Uzomah</span> has put together one decent performance against the Steelers in Week 6 and has been practically a bystander in the other three games — his touchdown against the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> notwithstanding. </p>
<p id="FghBDE"><span>Uzomah</span> was prepped to be the team’s starting tight end in the case of injury, and he’s been a capable blocker and intermediate target when given the opportunity. But the Bengals offense needs more from him, and he’ll be put to the test in the coming weeks.</p>
<p id="qwJuqk"><span><em><strong>Alex Redmond</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> The list of starters who need to step up probably begins with <span>Redmond</span>. It’s clear that the coaching staff values his run blocking at a level that excuses him for his consistently putrid pass protection. The bright side of it all is that <span>Redmond</span> isn’t failing for a lack of effort, but there are serious concerns with his technique that haven’t improved.</p>
<p id="3FDozJ">Regardless, the Bengals are all in on Redmond, and he’ll be given the chance to work his way out of this part of the list by season’s end.</p>
<p id="APGFAs"><span><em><strong>Vontaze Burfict</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>He’s been suspended, fined and hurt multiple times this season — but he’s <span>Burfict</span> and gets a pass, right? </p>
<p id="MtOzOb">The truth is that <span>Burfict</span> has been more of nuisance for the Bengals than a blessing, and his leeway for his on-field antics is shrinking the less effective he proves to be. </p>
<p id="rYjvq9"><span>Hardy Nickerson Jr.</span> could easily be included on this list for his sheer incompetence at the linebacker position, but he shouldn’t even be on the field. Burfict was a major disappointment in relation to the expectations that were bestowed upon him when he returned. </p>
<p id="nGZK98">As of now, the Bengals defense can’t expect to be revived when Burfict returns yet again, and that warrants fair criticism for all parties involved. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/6/18065778/6-winners-and-4-losers-from-the-bengals-5-3-startJohn Sheeran2018-11-06T09:00:05-05:002018-11-06T09:00:05-05:00Bengals midseason awards: Geno Atkins reigns supreme as Cincinnati’s MVP in the trenches
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<p>The Bengals have been solid in the trenches thus far in 2018, vote for the player you think has impressed the most on either unit.</p> <p id="rbfWLW">Entering the season, no position group for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> was given more attention than the offensive line. The anticipated transition from former offensive line coach Paul Alexander to Frank Pollack along with four new Week 1 starters have yielded a unit that has played fairly well through eight weeks, which is a lot more than what we can say about last year’s line.</p>
<p id="TzXhGW">On the other side of the ball, the Bengals’ defensive line was touted as the undeniable source of strength on the entire team. And despite the defense ranking in the bottom of the barrel for notable metrics, their studs have produced and their new additions have shown flashes. </p>
<p id="e5iePg">As a part of our midseason awards series, we’re putting the trench players in the spotlight and recognizing the best lineman through the first half of the Bengals season. The nominees are:</p>
<h2 id="TrUxcA">Honorable mentions:</h2>
<p id="40hlL0"><span><em><strong>Clint Boling</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>After wholesale changes on the offensive line, the Bengals’ best blocker has still been their left guard. <span>Boling</span> has been a staple of consistency amidst the turmoil the offensive line has undergone over the past two years, and that consistency has been just as prevalent this season. In year eight, <span>Boling</span>’s level of play has aged like a fine wine.</p>
<p id="Wz1p3x">This season may not be Boling’s best, as he has been beaten in pass protection at a slightly greater rate, but he continues to be the symbol of stability in the group.</p>
<p id="oreCiI"><span><em><strong>Trey Hopkins</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>Compared to last year,<em><strong> </strong></em>this season started much differently for <span>Hopkins</span>. Alex Redmond beat him out at right guard in the preseason, and <span>Hopkins</span> became the primary backup at all three interior positions, effectively knocking <span>T.J. Johnson</span> off the roster during final cuts.</p>
<p id="6VysSl">That decision has payed off as Hopkins has been filling in for rookie <span>Billy Price</span> for the last six weeks at center, and his work has been admirable. Hopkins had not played at center since he briefly did so when he was in college at Texas, and after showing promising signs in the preseason, Hopkins has been doing things we haven’t seen from a Bengals center in a long time. </p>
<p id="TeDE1c">Unfortunately, all signs point to Hopkins returning to the sidelines when <span>Price</span> returns from his foot injury, but Hopkins deserves credit for coming into his own at a new position.</p>
<p id="s3YBXx"><span><em><strong>Carl Lawson</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> One is not the number of sacks <span>Lawson</span> wanted to finish the season with, but it’s his reality as he will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. <span>Lawson</span>’s sole sack came in a big moment against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> in Week 4, but he could’ve ended up with a few more with his eight quarterback hits. </p>
<p id="VzakQr">Some will look upon Lawson’s season and label it unsuccessful due to his lack of production, but he was still a consistent force in pressuring the quarterback, and his absence will unfortunately be noticeable on third down.</p>
<p id="UGLAIC"><span><em><strong>Carlos Dunlap</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>In the <span>Marvin Lewis</span> era, there may not be a better example of an <em>impact player</em> on the defensive side of the ball than <span>Dunlap</span>, and his game-changing ways have been on display in his ninth year. At the midway point, he’s on pace for 14 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 26 quarterback hits, 10 passes batted down, and four forced fumbles. </p>
<p id="q28zAX">On most other teams, <span>Dunlap</span> would be the best defensive lineman on most other teams. But he isn’t in Cincinnati because of... </p>
<h2 id="yHL0xj">Top Lineman</h2>
<p id="enMBeO"><span><em><strong>Geno Atkins</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>Through the first five weeks of the season, there was no interior defensive lineman playing better football than <span>Atkins</span>, not even the king of 3-techniques Aaron Donald. At that point, he was on pace for 19 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, 38 quarterback hits, and an obscene number of pressures. Since then, Donald has retaken his crown, while Atkins has been unusually quiet for his standards.</p>
<p id="Em25aV">Regardless, Atkins remains the best player on the Bengals, period. There isn’t a week where he doesn’t make a fool of the opposition, and he continues to carry the Bengals pass rush along with Dunlap. Respect your king people.</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/6/18058988/bengals-midseason-awards-top-linemanJohn Sheeran2018-11-04T09:00:05-05:002018-11-04T09:00:05-05:00Bengals midseason awards: Defensive MVP
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<p>The Bengals defense as a whole hasn’t been worthy of too much praise, but there are still a few individual players worthy of recognition.</p> <p id="ROrnMc">It’s truly hard to name an MVP for a unit that is one of the worst in the NFL. </p>
<p id="ftY96W">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> have allowed the most yards per game of any team in the league, and they are the 29th-ranked scoring defense. The injuries they’ve suffered on this side of the ball have been impactful, but their incompetence stems from more than just not staying healthy.</p>
<p id="BBJggp">Despite that, talent certainly does exist in this unit, and there are a few players worth considering as the best of the pack at this point in the season. </p>
<p id="GlNBF4">We’ll start with the honorable mentions first.</p>
<h3 id="LpR5qb"><strong>Honorable Mentions</strong></h3>
<p id="xHX59N"><span><strong>Jessie Bates</strong></span><strong>, safety: </strong>It has become very clear why the Bengals decided to move on from their veteran safety <span>George Iloka</span> in favor of their second-round pick. <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/1/18051912/bengals-fs-jessie-bates-pffs-afc-defensive-rookie-month-midseason-all-pro">Bates has had a <em>really</em> good season so far</a>, and it seems like he is only getting better as he gets his feet under him. </p>
<aside id="7NeAGO"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Week 8 rookie report: Jessie Bates caps off outstanding first half of rookie season","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/10/30/18040020/bengals-week-8-rookie-report-jessie-bates-caps-off-outstanding-first-half-of-rookie-season"},{"title":"Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin hides his struggling defense behind the Bengals’ 5-3 record","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/1/18038594/defensive-coordinator-teryl-austin-hides-his-struggling-defense-behind-the-bengals-5-3-record"}]}'></div></aside><p id="qCBzrV">Bates leads the team with 60 tackles and has four passes defended and three interceptions on the season, including one that he returned for a touchdown against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> that probably helped save the game for the Bengals. </p>
<p id="1mAdqt">The real reason Bates isn’t going to get the MVP award today is because the competition in front of him is pretty stiff, but the fact he is already this highly considered through his first eight games is impressive in its own right.</p>
<p id="14DCW3"><span><strong>Geno Atkins</strong></span><strong>, defensive tackle: </strong>You could make the case that <span>Atkins</span> is the most important player on the defensive side of the ball, and you’d be right. The attention that he gets from opposing offensive lines really sets up the rest of the defense to (hopefully) do well.</p>
<p id="UXTcbg">There are a few arbitrary reasons why the award ultimately went to one of his teammates, but as strong as <span>Atkins</span> came onto the season with six sacks in the first five weeks, he hasn’t had any the past three weeks. We’re not worried about that though, he’s still getting consistent pressure on the quarterback like always.</p>
<h3 id="wsjfgr"><strong>Defensive MVP</strong></h3>
<p id="RzkNix"><span><strong>Carlos Dunlap</strong></span><strong>, defensive end: </strong>Again, the choosing between Atkins and <span>Dunlap</span> is pretty difficult, but the reasons why Dunlap ultimately ends up with the award are solid. For one, he only has two games where he didn’t record a sack. He also had a couple taken away from him in the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> game due to the new ridiculous roughing the passer rules.</p>
<p id="wUMBE0"><span>Dunlap</span> leads the team with seven sacks, but he also leads the team with two forced fumbles. He has also pressured the quarterback plenty of times that have led to cleanup sacks for other lineman. One of those pressures led directly to the Michael Johnson interception for a touchdown against the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins,</a> as well as forced the fumble for <span>Sam Hubbard</span>’s touchdown in the same game.</p>
<p id="cIsomV">The Bengals prioritized keeping Dunlap and Atkins this offseason with the contract extensions they both signed just minutes apart from each other. If there was any doubt they wouldn’t be worth the investment, that doubt is pretty much evaporated. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/4/18048292/bengals-midseason-awards-defensive-mvpPatrickJudis2018-11-04T07:00:02-05:002018-11-04T07:00:02-05:00Bengals midseason awards: Special teams MVP
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J22J72XPqXmWJAnHwsSYbjxCz8g=/0x0:3103x2069/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62179405/usa_today_11353488.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Cast your vote for the Bengals’ best special teamer through eight games in 2018.</p> <p id="RCDNDa">It’s been anything but a smooth ride for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>’ special teams unit so far in 2018. After back-to-back disastrous performances against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> and <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> in Weeks 4 and 5, <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/10/8/17951074/bengals-special-teams-problem-win-dolphins-week5">the problems the unit had were extremely evident</a>. The issues <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/10/23/18009952/bengals-usually-steady-special-teams-unit-faltering-in-2018">continued to persist against the Chiefs</a> two weeks later and some were wondering if it was a lack of experience or just bad coaching that was causing the problems.</p>
<p id="RhWviD">But some of the oldest veterans on the team make up the core of this unit, and they’ve continued to be stalwarts in weekly operations. Only one can be crowned the MVP of the team though.</p>
<h2 id="tCvR47">Honorable mentions:</h2>
<p id="mMz00O"><span><em><strong>Clark Harris</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> Hey, every field goal and punt starts with the snap. As it’s been for the past 10 years, <span>Harris</span> has been flawless as the team’s long snapper. The less you hear about him, the better, but just this one time, recognition is deserved for the oldest player on the team.</p>
<p id="Yyj0an"><span><em><strong>Kevin Huber</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> The Bengals’ long-time punter is on pace just 66 punts this season, which would tie hie career low that he set in 2013. His 270 punt yards against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> in Week 6 were crucial in flipping the field for the Bengals defense, and per usual, his consistency as <span>Randy Bullock</span>’s holder on kicks has been commendable. </p>
<p id="fF7Ns9"><span>Huber</span> has been less busy this season thanks to the offense regressing back to the mean after being a dreadful unit in 2017, but he remains one of the better punters in the league. We’d just like to not see him trot out on the field on fourth-and-short situations past the 50-yard line.</p>
<p id="njKw6p"><span><em><strong>Randy Bullock</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> Technically, <span>Bullock</span> is nine for 11 on field goals, but one of them was blocked back in Week 5 against the Dolphins. In that same game, he made his second field goal of 50 yards or more in his Bengals career. His lone miss on his 27 extra points came in the midst of the Bengals Week 8 scoring surge against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> when the wind was noticeably strong.</p>
<p id="zJMCJ4">Bullock has been about what we expected going into 2018, and when it seemed like every kicker around the league was missing crucial field goals and extra points, the Bengals signed Bullock to a modest two-year extension. The Bengals could do better than Bullock, but his stable accuracy is an asset that is worthy of praise.</p>
<p id="bbcNQ3"><span><em><strong>Hardy Nickerson</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> When he’s on the field for the defense, he’s a total liability. <span>Nickerson</span>’s value is realized on special teams, and he’s arguably been their best at defending punts and kickoffs. He’s one of the few with multiple tackles on kickoffs and punts and is fifth on the team in special teams snaps.</p>
<p id="dvy0kk"><span><em><strong>Malik Jefferson</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> Along with <span>Nickerson</span>, <span>Jefferson</span> has also been solid on kickoffs and punt coverage. 109 snaps, two tackles and no penalties is admirable work for a rookie. He may not get a chance to play with the defense, but the Bengals second third-round pick from this year’s draft class has shown to be a capable special teamer.</p>
<h2 id="T6wFex">Special Teams MVP:</h2>
<p id="DcGEqU"><span><em><strong>Alex Erickson</strong></em></span><em><strong>: </strong></em>When <span>Erickson</span> broke out as a rookie in 2016, the Bengals went from deploying the underwhelming <span>Brandon Tate</span> to the leader in kickoff return yards in <span>Erickson</span>. But as easily as he came onto the scene as an undrafted free agent, he didn’t look half as effective in 2017.</p>
<p id="2bhX6e">Things have flipped again in 2018 for Erickson. After only taking back three kicks in the first three weeks, he’s on pace to top his 27.9 return average from 2016 and is currently sixth in the league in return average with a 28.7 clip. He’s been extremely conservative as a punt returner (10 fair catches to eight returns) but his 9.4 return average there would also be a career high for him. </p>
<p id="S7wabz">The most impactful of Erickson’s 13 returns has to be his 47-yard effort right before halftime of the Steelers game in Week 6. Down by seven points, Erickson got the Bengals to midfield with just a minute left in the first half, giving the offense a great opportunity to minimize the deficit before they went into the locker. Five plays later, quarterback <span>Andy Dalton</span> connected with wide receiver <span>Tyler Boyd</span> and the score was tied at 14. </p>
<p id="RRLkLH">Had Erickson not ripped off that return, the Bengals offense may not have been as aggressive to score, and they don’t have a chance to win late in the game. Obviously it didn’t matter too much in the end, but the impact of a quality return man is huge, and the Bengals have that in Erickson.</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/4/18059084/bengals-midseason-awards-special-teams-mvpJohn Sheeran2018-11-03T10:30:02-04:002018-11-03T10:30:02-04:00The Orange and Black Insider Bengals podcast: Bye-bye October
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<img alt="Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Rcyyg3ZZ9rqD8mOqm9zeCyrYYsE=/0x0:2251x1501/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62175797/1054746136.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>On this week’s episode, we look at a number of topics, including the piling up of injuries, Hue Jackson and our doling out of midseason awards.</p> <p id="ZOAy1h">Even though the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> are on a break this week, that doesn’t mean that the OBI crew is resting! We had a busy episode this week, as the team prepares to enter a treacherous last half of the season.</p>
<p id="39kQos">Here are some of the topics John Sheeran and I discussed this week, as the Bengals rest up on their bye:</p>
<ul>
<li id="hZNRQA">What are the takeaways from the roller coaster win over the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a>?</li>
<li id="7dYJhz">Was the furious comeback by Tampa Bay strictly because of the Bengals’ internal issues, or that they were surprised by a quarterback change in the middle of the game?</li>
<li id="7eSuNJ">What is the impact of <span>Carl Lawson</span>’s season-ending injury going forward?</li>
<li id="bBmggc">Should the Bengals have made a move before the trade deadline?</li>
<li id="qWmyIo">Using hindsight, keeping <span>Brandon LaFell</span> may have actually helped the team right now.</li>
<li id="3cz8UG">Who are the midseason award winners?</li>
<li id="kvmrYP">How do we think the Bengals will fare the rest of the season?</li>
</ul>
<p id="e172UE">Plus, we take a bunch of great listener questions. Our thanks to the listeners and to those who submitted questions! Join is live every episode here at Cincy Jungle or on YouTube and give us your questions to be answered on the air!</p>
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<p id="MGQaS3"><small><em><strong>If you’re unable to join us live for here at Cincy Jungle or YouTube every episode, all Orange and Black Insider content is available here on CJ, 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>, </strong></em></small><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-orange-and-black-insider-bengals-podcast?refid=stpr"><small><em><strong>Stitcher</strong></em></small></a><small><em><strong>, through the </strong></em></small><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ihc3wd4tjdvrfywjyxwhaaz4e5e"><small><em><strong>Google Play Music app</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>, </strong></em></small><a href="https://www.art19.com/admin/series/32899332-dd69-43b1-82dc-025612e3f9dd/content"><small><em><strong>ART19</strong></em></small></a><small><em><strong> as well as </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 and go subscribe to our channels!</strong></em></small></p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/3/18056330/the-orange-and-black-insider-bengals-podcast-bye-bye-octoberAnthony Cosenza2018-11-02T13:45:38-04:002018-11-02T13:45:38-04:00Bengals midseason awards: Unsung Hero
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<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hJp_x-EtD7kPo0n5oEOzW0oAtAI=/0x0:4691x3127/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62167293/usa_today_11229196.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There are a number of Bengals players who have contributed in various capacities, but they have gone overlooked. Cast your vote and sound off on your winner for the 2018 Bengals midseason Unsung Hero.</p> <p id="B0Vun8">For the past few years, we’ve been running a weekly award feature during the season called “Unsung Hero”. </p>
<p id="3QLhcN">If you’re new around these parts, it’s really an award that honors those whose contributions that have gone overlooked and/or those who have stepped up to play well in the wake of injury. </p>
<p id="nNduUb">These gentlemen have exemplified these traits through the first eight games of the year. </p>
<h3 id="1lQUxH"><strong>Honorable Mentions:</strong></h3>
<p id="vsWeaB"><span><em><strong>Cordy Glenn</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> Cincinnati’s big offseason move was to trade for the big tackle from Buffalo. For the first few games, <span>Glenn</span> was outstanding, though his play has slipped a little bit since. Even so, he has provided a much needed presence on the line, helping the offense rank 11th in least amount of sacks allowed this season.</p>
<p id="jbr5KX"><span><em><strong>Clint Boling</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> If you haven’t been fond of <span>Glenn</span>, maybe you’ll be grateful for <span>Boling</span>, who is the tenured veteran on Cincinnati’s line. If you need an example of his worth to the offense, just take a look at the third and fourth quarters against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> when he was out with an injury as a sample. </p>
<p id="1V9P59"><span><em><strong>C.J. Uzomah</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> Going into the season, one could argue that <span>Uzomah</span> was either option 2A or 2B at tight end. Well, with significant injuries to the group, the third-year tight end has had to step up in a big way. </p>
<p id="BSTG32"><span>Uzomah</span> has risen to the challenge, grabbing 17 catches and two touchdowns. The team is hoping he’ll continue to stay healthy and contribute in this manner for the remaining eight games. </p>
<p id="tIYcqR"><span><em><strong>Shawn Williams</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> Sometimes it’s hard to nominate a starter as an “unsung hero”, but <span>Williams</span>’ performances have gone a bit unnoticed, thanks to overall defensive issues. He’s been a culprit of some back end miscommunication leading to big plays, but he’s also come up with some huge ones. </p>
<p id="KDBwGF">He has three interceptions already this season, along with 45 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Statistically speaking, it’s been a solid year from the veteran, who had to shake off being ejected early on in the first contest of 2018. </p>
<p id="DP00xu"><span><em><strong>Clayton Fejedelem</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> Speaking of Week 1, <span>Fejedelem</span> was the hero of that game. He stepped in for <span>Williams</span> after he got tossed and had the forced fumble, scoop and score to seal the win at the end of the game. </p>
<p id="V0vyh7"><span>Fejedelem</span> has still been getting spot time on defense, but he’s known as the team’s special teams captain. He was one of the vocal leaders of the team’s recent “players-only meeting”, which may have sparked last week’s needed win. </p>
<h3 id="RsHy2q"><strong>Midseason Unsung Hero:</strong></h3>
<p id="yywh3P"><span><em><strong>Trey Hopkins</strong></em></span><em><strong>:</strong></em> Part of the criteria we use for an “unsung hero” is filling in for someone else who may be injured. Playing a secondary position, <span>Hopkins</span> has been more than serviceable at center as <span>Billy Price</span> has been recovering from a foot injury. He’s been so impressive that some are clamoring for he and <span>Price</span> to man the center/right guard spots upon <span>Price</span>’s return to the lineup. </p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/2/18049684/bengals-midseason-awards-unsung-heroAnthony Cosenza2018-11-01T12:03:30-04:002018-11-01T12:03:30-04:00Bengals FS Jessie Bates is PFF’s AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month and a Midseason All-Pro
<figure>
<img alt="Pittsburgh Steelers v Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2J6cTm72-VLKurG-lUyZRDq1l6Q=/0x0:3959x2639/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61997503/1052129856.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bengals’ second-round pick is gunning for Defensive Rookie of the Year at this rate.</p> <p id="00vt8O">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> finished the month of October with a 2-2 record and have given up 107 points and 1,608 yards in their last three games. The defense is a problem, <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/1/18038594/defensive-coordinator-teryl-austin-hides-his-struggling-defense-behind-the-bengals-5-3-record">whether or not defensive coordinator Teryl Austin wants to admit it</a>. </p>
<p id="fU9Sg3">Yet, despite all of this, Austin’s unit has a rising star in the secondary. </p>
<p id="hLRUUJ">Last year it was <span>William Jackson.</span> This year it’s <span>Jessie Bates</span>.</p>
<p id="0qIgRG"><span>Bates</span>’ October has been quite the spectacle to watch. 19 solo tackles, three passes broken up, two interceptions and one pick-six is impressive for any free safety in today’s game, 21-year old rookie or not. Pro Football Focus has taken notice and crowned Bates as their <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-nfl-players-of-the-month-october-2018&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2018%2F11%2F1%2F18051912%2Fbengals-fs-jessie-bates-pffs-afc-defensive-rookie-month-midseason-all-pro" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="6HjCij">DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE MONTH – JESSIE BATES, S, CINCINNATI BENGALS</p>
<p id="ylwdLE">Just recently named to <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-nfl-2018-mid-season-all-pro-team&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2018%2F11%2F1%2F18051912%2Fbengals-fs-jessie-bates-pffs-afc-defensive-rookie-month-midseason-all-pro" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">PFF’s Midseason All-Pro team</a>, Bates has been a stud in coverage. He was targeted 11 times last month and had almost as many picks (2) as he allowed catches (3). That was good enough for a passer rating of 0.0. Bates’ four coverage stops over that span were also sixth-best of any safety in the league.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="dU2dzW">Oh yeah, did we mention Bates was also a part of that <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-nfl-2018-mid-season-all-pro-team&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2018%2F11%2F1%2F18051912%2Fbengals-fs-jessie-bates-pffs-afc-defensive-rookie-month-midseason-all-pro" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Midseason All-Pro team</a>?</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="9GZQlh">S – JESSIE BATES, CINCINNATI BENGALS – 83.8 OVERALL GRADE</p>
<p id="9s2kJp">Bates hasn’t looked anything like a rookie through the first half of the season in Cincinnati. The Bengals safety has allowed all of 59 yards into his coverage on 16 targets so far this year and has three picks to boot.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="WzHRll">For the first quarter of the season, Bates was in the backseat to <span>Derwin James</span>’ hot start, but Bates’ consistency through his defense’s turmoil has elevated him to the upper echelon of not only first-year players, but all players. </p>
<p id="4qnm99">While the usual suspects in <span>Geno Atkins</span> and <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> have carried the load up front, Bates has been the bedrock of the back seven. No one has played more snaps than Bates (587 out of 599 total snaps) and his coverage stats per PFF are inordinate for the Bengals’ defensive standards this year. </p>
<aside id="b18CzL"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bengals FS Jessie Bates nominated for NFL Rookie of Week 8","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/10/30/18042768/bengals-safety-jessie-bates-nominated-for-nfl-rookie-of-week-8"},{"title":"Week 8 rookie report: Jessie Bates caps off outstanding first half of rookie season","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/10/30/18040020/bengals-week-8-rookie-report-jessie-bates-caps-off-outstanding-first-half-of-rookie-season"}]}'></div></aside><p id="NeSQwk">It’s incredible how much better the Bengals got at safety by trusting Bates to take over for <span>George Iloka</span> after just two preseason games. And <span>Iloka</span> was never a bad player, Bates is just <em>that</em> good, and he truly hit the ground running. </p>
<p id="tMG77N">Can he run away with defensive rookie of the year? We’re not betting against him at this point.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/11/1/18051912/bengals-fs-jessie-bates-pffs-afc-defensive-rookie-month-midseason-all-proJohn Sheeran