Cincy Jungle - Cincinnati Bengals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Everything to know for NFL Week 4Who Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2021-10-06T19:42:00-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/224615482021-10-06T19:42:00-04:002021-10-06T19:42:00-04:00Some Tom Brady comparisons with Joe Burrow are becoming increasingly obvious
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<img alt="New England Patriots vs New York Jets - December 2, 2001" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i72Jc07A5CRqpXGBo6_awWGrTRU=/0x0:2940x1960/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69961965/81799743.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mitchell Reibel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Anthony and John were pleased to be joined this week on OBI by Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media and “The Jungle Roar podcast” to talk about the team, where they’re headed and what’s ahead against the Packers. Petraglia covered the Patriots for nearly three decades, so he understands why some people are seeing the similarities between Joe Burrow and Tom Brady.</p> <p id="XlA33h">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> have had a near-idyllic start to their 2021 season. In the first four games, they have a 3-1 overall record, including an overtime victory in their home opener, a decisive win in Pittsburgh against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> and a big showing on primetime television. </p>
<p id="C6Y1rJ">They have a big test this week against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>—another 3-1 team. To help us break down that contest and gauge where the Bengals are at right now, we had Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media and <a href="https://jungleroar.buzzsprout.com/">“The Jungle Roar Podcast”</a> join us. </p>
<p id="AlD0sK">It was an enlightening chat from one of the best to cover the Cincinnati Bengals. Inevitably, the topic of Joe Burrow and his leadership of the team came to surface. Tom Brady’s name came to the forefront of that conversation—not only because of the pre-draft hype, but also because Petraglia spent considerable time covering the Patriots’ star quarterback while previously on the New England beat. </p>
<p id="beYoA4">Whether it’s with on-field accuracy and leadership, or by his handling of the media, Burrow is starting to show similar traits as No. 12. We’re all seeing it, including “Trags”:</p>
<p id="wIo7DV">“Measuring what he says very carefully...if you watch a Joe Burrow press conference, there is a lot of early Tom Brady,” Petraglia noted to us after spending time covering both star signal-callers. “He smiles a lot, he’s comfortable in front of a microphone, but he’s not going to tell you a lot—he’s starting to learn the art of ‘talking but saying nothing’, that is something Tom Brady mastered over the years.”</p>
<p id="ZCykFv">Whether you want to argue if Brady learned that skill from Bill Belichick or not is another conversation, but it’s something Brady uses to this day in Tampa. But, talk is only talk, if you can’t walk the walk, and, in his return from last year’s injury, Burrow is showing that G.O.A.T. swagger. </p>
<p id="C771m7">“On the field, the way he reads a defense—he can read it pre-snap, he can dictate the terms of what he’s seeing and he welcomes that pressure, he welcomes that ‘zero blitz’ you saw in the fourth quarter against Jacksonville,” Petraglia continued. “Why? Because he knew what he had on the outside. And, Joe Burrow wasn’t afraid to throw to a tight end instead of a receiver, as the play is usually drawn up in practice.”</p>
<p id="mueiao">Petraglia then referenced one of Brady’s early <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> wins and his mindset in that game, while talking about Burrow and his approach last Thursday night. </p>
<p id="O9id00">“That ability to adjust on-the-fly is something Tom Brady mastered to a tee in New England. He’s not afraid of the big situation...even though it was Jacksonville and the fourth week of the season and not the Super Bowl, he wasn’t afraid of that big moment, not afraid of killing that last five-and-a-half minutes of that game on Thursday night. He did it perfectly, like Brady did throughout his career and those are just some of the characteristics I see why I can understand why some people see some of Tom Brady in a young Joe Burrow.”</p>
<p id="n11pq1">Huge praise for Burrow, and again, coming from someone who had covered New England sports for the previous 28 years before heading back to his home area of Cincinnati. So, Petraglia got to know Brady and Belichick well in that time. Obviously, Burrow has a long way to go to get close to all of the accolades “The G.O.A.T” has accrued, but the performance is starting to match some of the seemingly-hyperbolic pre-draft hype. </p>
<p id="irikFS">Also in our conversation with Mike Petraglia:</p>
<ul>
<li id="bLzlHd">What is the plan going forward with Darius Phillips on special teams?</li>
<li id="BMidF6">At 3-1, are the Bengals contenders or pretenders right now? Obviously, this Sunday is a huge measuring stick, but how does he feel about the quality of wins by Cincinnati thus far?</li>
<li id="k8ePYi">What has been the biggest difference in this year’s Bengals team and what has gone into their ability to quash longtime Bengals’ fans (and players’) mindsets of “Hear we go again” when in-game trouble hits?</li>
<li id="DaZuex">What are the keys to a possible Bengals victory against Green Bay and who are the most important players?</li>
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<p id="sl5YAU">Continuing the week of special guests, we also had SimBull CEO, Kenneth Giles, on the program. He not only shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash between the Bengals and Packers, but also a great promotion for Cincy Jungle readers and OBI listeners. If you haven’t gotten in on SimBull’s product yet, you have to check it out—particularly if you are already playing <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a>, survivor football and the like.</p>
<p id="zZ53RG">SimBull is where you can invest in sports teams like it’s the stock market. Buy shares in teams and either create long or short-term investments to make money off of teams’ performances and their outlook!</p>
<p id="Voa1dJ">If you go to <a href="https://simbull.app/obi">https://simbull.app/OBI</a> and sign up with a $100 deposit, it becomes RISK-FREE for 90 days. You have to use the promo code “OBI” upon signup with this offer, but even if you lose money, get disenchanted, etc., your initial deposit amount is safe and refundable. Go get in on this deal NOW and make yourself some money!</p>
<p id="RPtbvD">Oh, and Giles also provided some great perspective from the Green Bay side of the fence. He’s a little worried about the team’s direction and quarterback situation past the 2021 season, but believes this team has a deep playoff run in them this year and should take care of the Bengals this Sunday. We’ll see. </p>
<p id="hxy6KA">Our thanks to both Mr. Petraglia (go follow him <a href="https://twitter.com/Trags">@Trags</a> and his podcast <a href="https://twitter.com/JungleRoarPod">@JungleRoarPod</a>) and Mr. Giles (go follow <a href="https://twitter.com/SimBullExchange">SimBull on Twitter</a>) for their appearances, and to those of you who joined for the live recording! If you missed it, you can download it on your favorite audio platform!</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2021/10/6/22712890/the-orange-and-black-insider-bengals-podcast-pack-lightlyAnthony Cosenza2021-10-06T16:30:00-04:002021-10-06T16:30:00-04:00Joe Burrow earns multiple honors for Week 4 performance
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<figcaption>Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Burrow led a mighty second-half comeback in the Bengals lone primetime game.</p> <p id="dpBLEJ"><a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> fans packed Paul Brown Stadium last Thursday night, and Joe Burrow proceeded to put on a show. It was a perfect storm as the Bengals had their first Ring of Honor ceremony at halftime as well.</p>
<p id="iVrPW1">While they were down 14-0 at the half, No. 9 had no doubt of what was to come. </p>
<p id="FG89AL">Burrow led a passionate second-half charge. He ended with a near-flawless performance, throwing for 348 yards and 2 touchdowns. He completed 78 percent of his passes, his highest rate of the season. </p>
<p id="z8PwaZ">His clutch primetime outing got the attention of the NFL, who voted him as Week 4’s AFC Player of the Week.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">QB1 put on a show in PRIMETIME! <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeyB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeyB</a> has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. <a href="https://t.co/sgVFHo5uEm">pic.twitter.com/sgVFHo5uEm</a></p>— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1445728127653613588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2021</a>
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<p id="7HXncH">This may be the performance where fans realize Burrow is back. His efficient outing also earned him Fedex Air Player of the Week honors as well.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANOTHER ONE. <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeyB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeyB</a> is your <a href="https://twitter.com/FedEx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FedEx</a> Air Player of the Week! <a href="https://t.co/EKjjFSZwR5">pic.twitter.com/EKjjFSZwR5</a></p>— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1445844238521020417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2021</a>
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<p id="Gfygxw">After suffering a gruesome leg injury last season, it was never a surefire thing that Burrow would return on time, but he did. And, now, he leads a team off to its best start in years. The Bengals are 3-1, and it has everything to do with Burrow’s elite start.</p>
<p id="BUAXtM">With their most difficult opponent on deck, we’ll see if he can thrive as he’s set to go toe-to-toe with NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. </p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2021/10/6/22713317/bengals-joe-burrow-wins-afc-offensive-player-of-week-fedex-air-player-of-weekNathan Beighle2021-10-06T11:00:00-04:002021-10-06T11:00:00-04:00Bengals’ weekly awards in their 24-21 Week 4 win over Jaguars
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<figcaption>Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>There were any great individual performances and moments in the Bengals’ big Thursday Night Football win over the Jaguars. Cast your vote and sound off on your winners!</p> <p id="9qVd1U"></p>
<h2 id="PcwHtT"><strong>Most Valuable Player</strong></h2>
<p id="hNnYl3"><em><strong>Joe Burrow:</strong></em></p>
<p id="xohVp0">What a game, particularly in the second half, by the Bengals’ franchise quarterback. Burrow had a solid first half, but hit another gear in the final two quarters, taking the team on his back and helping to lead them to a win. </p>
<p id="iQt367">It was Burrow’s best Pro Football Focus performance in his brief NFL career, and arguably his best professional game to date. He finished 25-of-32 for 348 yards, two touchdowns and a 132.8 quarterback rating. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joey Burrow is A DUDE <a href="https://t.co/NypyAnDnJ4">pic.twitter.com/NypyAnDnJ4</a></p>— Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) <a href="https://twitter.com/CJAnthonyCUI/status/1443779695225442308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="WtUtTz"><em><strong>C.J. Uzomah:</strong></em></p>
<p id="m6HJCN">As things were slowly coming together in 2020, Uzomah had a nice moment in the Week 2 clash against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> on Thursday Night Football last year with Burrow’s as the recipient of Burrow’s first NFL touchdown pass. Unfortunately, the night ended with a season-ending Achilles injury for the veteran tight end and his vacancy was felt on the field and in the locker room. </p>
<p id="on8UAI">Things came full circle for No. 87, who has had the biggest clutch catches of the 2021 season. Uzomah had five catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns, including the 25-yard screen play to set up the winning field goal. </p>
<p id="3TOSxz"><em><strong>Tyler Boyd:</strong></em></p>
<p id="nAP2cP">With Tee Higgins out the past two weeks, some folks wondered about the potency of the Bengals’ passing attack in his absence. Last week against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, it was Chase who had the big plays, but Boyd had the lion’s share of receptions and yards this week. Boyd was the team’s leading receiver in both yards (118) and catches (nine). </p>
<p id="2YjNpn"><em><strong>Logan Wilson:</strong></em></p>
<p id="vf88HH">It wasn’t the type of night from the Bengals’ defense we have seen in the first three weeks, but the newest wearer of No. 55 still shined. He had 10 total tackles and a sack on Trevor Lawrence, as he puts together a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a>-type of season. </p>
<p id="caFwly"><em><strong>Evan McPherson:</strong></em></p>
<p id="ePhxn8">The rookie missed his first field goal attempt of the season when nothing seemed to be going right for the Bengals, but came through in other occasions. Not only did he hit all three extra point attempts, but the 35-yard game-winner as time expired was his second clincher in four professional games. </p>
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<h2 id="zSOMmC"><strong>Unsung Hero of the Week</strong></h2>
<p id="SGjuYE"><em><strong>Joe Mixon:</strong></em></p>
<p id="Ln4nRG">The Bengals’ running back didn’t have a statistical banner day, but it was efficient. Mixon was a focal part of the offensive game plan before he left with an ankle injury, racking up 67 rushing yards on 16 carries (4.2 yards per carry) and a touchdown. </p>
<p id="gYfffk"><em><strong>Ja’Marr Chase:</strong></em></p>
<p id="Ey19lM">Boyd led the team in receptions and yards, but Chase remains the big-play catalyst to turn a game on its head. His 44-yard grab in the third quarter started to turn the momentum of the game, as he finished with six total catches for 77 yards. </p>
<p id="z2Suc1"><em><strong>Larry Ogunjobi:</strong></em></p>
<p id="JCDHPS">The free agent acquisition has been a great find for the Bengals. Again, it was an imperfect game from the defense, but Ogunjobi played pretty well. He had three total tackles including being in on the critical fourth down stop with Wilson toward the end of the first half. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Studying Bengals defense and I can't imagine many DT's in the NFL are playing better than Larry Ogunjobi. He's been dominant!!</p>— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/status/1443239457931419648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="1bKcIj"><strong>Play of the Week</strong></h2>
<p id="i4GqQn"><em><strong>Bengals’ defense gets fourth-down stop at the end of the first half:</strong></em></p>
<p id="wj5RlK">The Bengals were inexplicably clinging to life against the Jaguars in the first half and needed some sort of a spark to carry into the locker room. Even though they were vulnerable in the first two quarters, the defense stepped up with a momentum-swinger. </p>
<p id="shFFKz">Trevor Lawrence tried to continue to exploit a weakness in the Bengals’ defense with the RPO call, but it backfired. Logan Wilson and Larry Ogunjobi combined to stop Lawrence at the one-yard line with 53 seconds left to play. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Larry Ogunjobi playing both his primary and secondary gaps to make first contact on Lawrence. Then the cavalry arrives with Wilson and Hubbard to make sure he does not get into the end zone. <a href="https://t.co/hLa4Z0Gga3">pic.twitter.com/hLa4Z0Gga3</a></p>— Mike (Sans) (@bengals_sans) <a href="https://twitter.com/bengals_sans/status/1445042273918590976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2021</a>
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<p id="DtHVWm"><em><strong>Ja’Marr Chase’s 44-yard reception:</strong></em></p>
<p id="gj00GU">After the defense provided a spark before the half, it was up to the offense to get things rolling. On the team’s opening drive, Burrow found his old <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a> teammate for a 44-yard pitch-and-catch. It was part of a four-play touchdown drive to get the Bengals back into the game. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">✨ Joe Burrow was absolutely locked in for the second half of the Cincinnati <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengals</a> vs Jacksonville <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a> game!<br>-17/20 completed passes (25/32 on the night in total)<br>-228 passing yards out of 348 <br>-Longest completion was 44 yards to Ja’Marr Chase <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuleTheJungle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuleTheJungle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/o4cboEkdxB">pic.twitter.com/o4cboEkdxB</a></p>— Marissa (@Marissa_M27) <a href="https://twitter.com/Marissa_M27/status/1443938008609214467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="ucnllO"><em><strong>C.J. Uzomah’s 22-yard touchdown reception:</strong></em></p>
<p id="Wqrzim">If the Bengals were going to get back into the game, they needed a drive with a quick touchdown. After the 44-yard Chase reception, Uzomah’s number was called and he came up huge. Burrow used play-action and floated one to his tight end to start the incredible comeback. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/JoeyB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeyB</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/cj_uzomah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cj_uzomah</a> were unstoppable last night. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JAXvsCIN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JAXvsCIN</a> <a href="https://t.co/1b313of37a">pic.twitter.com/1b313of37a</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1443939004391378947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="lyZNo8"><em><strong>C.J. Uzomah’s 31-yard touchdown reception:</strong></em></p>
<p id="U7jQQ0">On the second touchdown between Burrow and Uzomah, No. 9 showed some trademark slipperiness to tie the game up in the fourth quarter. After not seeing initially seeing someone open, Burrow slid to his left and waited for Uzomah to get free. He flicked one to him and No. 87 darted into the end zone. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT. A. PLAY.<br><br>C.J. Uzomah secures his second TD pass from Joe Burrow.<br><br>This game is fun.<br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>)<a href="https://t.co/AUZdPAosOh">pic.twitter.com/AUZdPAosOh</a></p>— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1443771993405411330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="WBbqDR"><em><strong>C.J. Uzomah’s 25-yard reception:</strong></em></p>
<p id="MsxgtC">Burrow audibled to a “jailbreak screen” on one of the final plays and it paid off big-time. He flipped the ball out to Uzomah, who followed blocked and scampered 25 yards to set up a game-winning field goal. </p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">Literally C.J. Uzomah for MVP<a href="https://t.co/UxtdprtGAD">pic.twitter.com/UxtdprtGAD</a></p>— PFF CIN Bengals (@PFF_Bengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Bengals/status/1443777414115569667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="5JNoW2"><em><strong>Evan McPherson’s 35-yard game-winning field goal:</strong></em></p>
<p id="0bDorz">Speaking of game-winning field goals, here it is, courtesy of a Bengals fan sitting behind the posts. McPherson missed one earlier in the game and many of us wondered how he’d respond. Well, he only hit his second time-expiring game-winner in four pro games. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Evan McPherson for the win and <a href="https://twitter.com/zimwhodey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zimwhodey</a> going nuts <a href="https://t.co/cGSqZEWsGp">pic.twitter.com/cGSqZEWsGp</a></p>— Bengals B (@Bengals_B) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals_B/status/1443805667496767490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/awards/2021/10/6/22712130/bengals-weekly-awards-in-their-24-21-week-4-win-over-jaguarsAnthony Cosenza2021-10-06T10:30:00-04:002021-10-06T10:30:00-04:00The good, the bad and the ugly in the Bengals’ 24-21 win over the Jaguars
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<figcaption>Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>It was tenuous at times, but the Bengals dug deep and got a big win to improve to 3-1.</p> <p id="yxOHip">What a win for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> on Thursday night. As they honored the first class of inductees to the Ring of Honor and the 1981 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/afc-championship-game">AFC Championship</a> team, the newest group of Bengals turned a “here we go again” game into one that could be integral to a potential playoff berth down the road. </p>
<p id="MQijbz">There was a lot to like in this one, but areas also needing to be cleaned up. Here are the best and worst facets to the Bengals’ 24-21 win over the Jaguars on primetime. </p>
<h2 id="ZD0355"><strong>The good</strong></h2>
<p id="bQBGF4"><em><strong>Joey-freaking-Burrow:</strong></em></p>
<p id="JlQ3M0">When seeing the Bengals down 14-0 at the half, the couch-surfing football fan may have been inclined to think that this was Burrow’s fault and/or turnovers being a factor. That was simply not the case. </p>
<p id="IQKbBA">And, seeing his team’s chips being down and facing a former NCAA National Champion in Trevor Lawrence, Burrow knew he had to take control of the game in the final two quarters. What ensued in that span was nearly-miraculous, as Burrow led the Bengals to 24 points in all four of their second-half possessions and the eventual win. </p>
<p id="O0bSB6">Perhaps the best element of Burrow’s game on Thursday night? The trademark elusiveness to avoid pocket pressure and make plays. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joey Burrow is A DUDE <a href="https://t.co/NypyAnDnJ4">pic.twitter.com/NypyAnDnJ4</a></p>— Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) <a href="https://twitter.com/CJAnthonyCUI/status/1443779695225442308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengals</a> QB Joe Burrow says he audibled for a screen to CJ Uzomah to set up the game-winner: “You guys have heard me talking about knowing the playbook in the back of my head... I know their defensive coordinator (Joe Cullen) has a Baltimore background." <a href="https://t.co/dF1RxoRYxc">pic.twitter.com/dF1RxoRYxc</a></p>— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1443791497590190085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="lIx2mY"><em><strong>The dynamic duo of Tyler Boyd and Ja’Marr Chase:</strong></em></p>
<p id="G49E6r">As the Bengals formed their over-arching 2021 offensive game plan, they created plays to get the triumvirate of Chase, Boyd and Tee Higgins involved. With Higgins missing the last two games with a shoulder injury, the team has had to alter its approach, while the rookie has had to assume more early pressure than expected. </p>
<p id="NKwcnH">All they keep doing is stepping up. While neither guy got into the end zone on Thursday night, both did the dirty work “between the 20’s” with clutch catches. Boyd has taken a bit of a back seat so far this year, but grabbed nine huge grabs in the comeback win, while Chase popped another bomb play in the form of a 44-yarder. </p>
<p id="ipFv7d">The rookie pops the big plays, the veteran slot guy moves the chains and Higgins, when healthy, is a viable read zone threat. Just a great plethora of weapons for Burrow. </p>
<p id="96gduF"><em><strong>C.J. Uzomah:</strong></em></p>
<p id="U7hmtR">In terms of receiving threats, Chase, Higgins and Boyd have received the lion’s share of public attention and rightfully so. But, a trademark of a good team with solid depth is in a high performance from someone usually down the pecking order. </p>
<p id="McJRld">The last time the Bengals played in primetime and on Thursday night, Uzomah had a touchdown reception, but also tore his Achilles tendon against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> last year. Uzomah had a huge catch in Week 1, but has been pretty quiet this year. </p>
<p id="c68Rmq">He absolutely torched the Jaguars, racking up 95 yards and two touchdowns on five catches. Uzomah’s grab on a “jailbreak screen” set up Evan McPherson’s game-winning field goal and capped a feel-good story for the veteran tight end. Grown man stuff from No. 87 on Thursday night. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last year, <a href="https://twitter.com/cj_uzomah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cj_uzomah</a> suffered a season ending injury on Thursday Night Football.<br><br>This year, he dominated. <a href="https://t.co/byow6vXKEq">pic.twitter.com/byow6vXKEq</a></p>— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1443782849878966274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="Sj3xrH"><em><strong>The PBS crowd:</strong></em></p>
<p id="CxCaNM">It was a special night in Cincinnati for a number of reasons. A primetime-televised game, two No. 1 picks going head-to-head and a number of those who cover the Bengals from out-of-town made this a special one on the calendar. </p>
<p id="CUf2Iv">While there were moments of first-half boos, the home crowd was mostly deafening and didn’t lose interest in a game that was frustrating for about three quarters. While they were taken out of things in the second quarter, their energy fed the Bengals as they marched to a win. </p>
<p id="PjWAJq">Go back and listen to the crowd noise on a third-and-7 for the Jaguars with 11:58 on the clock (it was an incompletion and led to an eventual punt). Seattle-esque at this moment when the Bengals clawed back within seven points. </p>
<p id="HKUCw8"><em><strong>The fourth-down stand:</strong></em></p>
<p id="N4csI5">Jacksonville had command on this one. Whether you wanted to blame it on the short week, the massive amount of snaps the Bengals’ defense, or an inspired Jaguars team, Cincinnati was on the ropes. </p>
<p id="OlCbhc">The Bengals’ defense didn’t have an early answer for the RPO and safe passing offense from Lawrence, so naturally, Urban Meyer dialed up the former on a critical fourth-and-goal right before halftime. </p>
<p id="AjhF9T"><em><strong>The rebound:</strong></em></p>
<p id="KZfwjc">There were so many facets of this game that brought out the worst memories from longtime Bengals fans. So much so, that the “boo birds” came out, as Cincinnati was looking like it would drop yet another winnable primetime game. </p>
<p id="0J2yQ4">But, as they’ve proven three times this season already, this team doesn’t care about labels, preconceived notions, or games plays prior to 2021. Instead, they let Burrow take control, blocked out the ancillary noise and shut us all up, en route to a solid 3-1 start. </p>
<p id="prF9Bt"><em><strong>The orange uni’s:</strong></em></p>
<p id="fGtLO7">Sorry, not sorry. I loved the look of the orange helmet, new-look orange jerseys with the white pants. It may not have been to everybody’s taste, but compared to the 2004 version of “the orange-sickle” look? Way better. </p>
<p id="YMbh6a"><em><strong>Zac Taylor, “the player’s coach”:</strong></em></p>
<p id="67iIYT">There are a lot of criticisms surrounding the Bengals’ head coach, but one thing that has remained seemingly constant in his two-plus seasons: the players appear to support him. He’s young, innovative and reportedly listens to the preferences of all players on the roster—particularly that of the stars. </p>
<p id="ZUKDJc">He’s still growing into this role, but also exudes the confidence and exuberance to each of his players. It was a big win and his players stepped up both because and in spite of some of his decisions. It appears as if he fully acknowledged what transpired on Thursday night:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zac Taylor individually congratulating each player coming off the field after a prime time <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengals</a> win & moving to 3-1!<br><br>He may take on a lot of criticism from fans & media, but the players clearly love playing for him & this staff.<br><br>PBS was electric!⚡️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhoDey?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhoDey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuleTheJungle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuleTheJungle</a> <a href="https://t.co/8eiToEbnzs">pic.twitter.com/8eiToEbnzs</a></p>— Josh Cavalcante (@jcav_8) <a href="https://twitter.com/jcav_8/status/1443978399790342147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="qhH7zb"><em><strong>Playing imperfectly on a short week and getting the win:</strong></em></p>
<p id="8dxpy0">The Bengals made mistakes of their own volition, while also creating in-game building blocks to gain confidence late. Cincinnati is far from a perfect team, but they are calling plays that play to their respective strengths, and </p>
<p id="1AHvbs"><em><strong>The Ring of Honor inductees and members of the 1981 AFC Championship squad:</strong></em></p>
<p id="hH0bMW">This game’s storylines ended up being about Joe Burrow, the Bengals winning in primetime and a great comeback victory. However, what has been overlooked from the national perspective is the honoring of four of the most iconic NFL figures in this one. </p>
<p id="ogkiNI">Paul Brown, Anthony Munoz, Ken Anderson and Ken Riley being inducted into the Bengals’ Ring of Honor. And, the 40th anniversary of that special 1981 AFC Championship squad was also honored, making this a very special night for the Bengals and the entire city of Cincinnati. </p>
<p id="r8b3K0">Not only did the four inductees receive killer sport coats while finally being properly honored by the team, but all of these former Bengals greats got to see a potentially-special 2021 Bengals team complete an improbable comeback. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a night!!!<br>Getting inducted into ROH<br>Then watching Joey Franchise lead us to a comeback win<br>Along with Cristy my kids Matt, Megan and Molly got to be on the field with me<br>How special is that!!!</p>— Ken Anderson (@KenAndersonNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KenAndersonNFL/status/1443985150841430016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="qvyxEN"><strong>The bad</strong></h2>
<p id="FDUhJ5"><em><strong>A lack of big defensive plays and noticeable absences: </strong></em></p>
<p id="QNCmRt">The Bengals’ defense has thrived on big plays this year, be it from sacking the quarterback, or in the form of a timely turnover to help get them to a 3-1 record. That wasn’t the case on Thursday night, as Cincinnati’s defense didn’t make the Jaguars to give them the ball on a turnover and only brought Lawrence to the turf once. </p>
<p id="xhFWWC">Lou Anarumo’s unit did force two punts on three of Jacksonville’s second half possessions, but they didn’t make the trademark plays we’ve seen through the first quarter of the season. Against a more formidable opponent, these lack of game-changing plays could aid in yielding a different outcome. </p>
<p id="JqLuHJ"><em><strong>Darius Phillips’ return decisions:</strong></em></p>
<p id="37uib1">The experiment of putting one of the Bengals’ most electric players as a return man hasn’t bore the fruits everyone had hoped. Cincinnati has limited Phillips’ defensive snaps (save for the glut of injuries at cornerback) to make sure he focuses most of his energy and big-play abilities on special teams. </p>
<p id="FaqBrP">Phillips had two punt returns net nine total yards, with a long of 10 yards. A couple of those had questionable fair catch decisions, which has been a bit of a trend in 2021. He also averaged just 21.5 yards per kickoff return, as the team just isn’t popping the big plays we’ve become accustomed to in recent years to flip the field position. </p>
<p id="AMcJdn"><em><strong>Inability to defend the RPO:</strong></em></p>
<p id="vIZSr8">Credit goes to Jacksonville, who seemed to take note of what plagued them in their first three games and exploit the Bengals’ few weaknesses on defense. Unfortunately, it seemed as if the Jaguars mostly took advantage of where the Bengals had injured personnel. </p>
<p id="4Jddua">Still, Urban Meyer, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and Lawrence and transitioned to methodical plays instead of having the rookie wing it all over the field. Instead, they often used Lawrence’s sneaky athleticism on Run-Pass-Option plays to moderate success. </p>
<p id="fbXsU3">Lawrence had eight carries for 36 yards and a rushing touchdown, while taking the occasional shot downfield. Lawrence had a 71% completion rate, his first turnover-less game and a 96.5 rating. </p>
<h2 id="l051hG"><strong>The ugly</strong></h2>
<p id="fh52RP"><em><strong>Injuries piling up:</strong></em></p>
<p id="jLpa8G">Thankfully, it seems like the Bengals are getting healthier in a longer break to get set for the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>. However, a number of other important players got nicked up in this one, including Joe Mixon getting a low-grade ankle sprain. </p>
<p id="MXlzWE">While the Bengals appear to be on the mend, absences by Chidobe Awuzie, Jessie Bates and others were noticeable. This is a deeper team than the previous two iterations of Taylor’s Bengal rosters, but as the season wears on and with an additional regular season game, it will continue to be tested. </p>
<p id="KYG5eH"><em><strong>The run defense:</strong></em></p>
<p id="ueqyvS">In the first three games, the Bengals’ defense showed great improvement in run defense. They held two of 2020’s top-10 rushers in Dalvin Cook and David Montgomery to 61 yards 3.0 yards per carry apiece, respectively, while Najee Harris had just 40 rushing yards against them in Week 3. </p>
<p id="jDCtzp">However, in the Thursday night clash, the Bengals allowed 139 yards on 30 carries (4.6 yards per carry average) and three touchdowns on the ground. Lawrence was effective on RPO plays, while James Robinson had 18 carries for 78 yards and two of the three scores. </p>
<p id="HiHzak">It’s a formula that nearly led to a Jacksonville win and one that hopefully is more indicative of important roster absences and a short week more than anything. If not, Cincinnati’s nice month could start to turn a different direction. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/analysis/2021/10/6/22705426/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-in-the-bengals-24-21-win-over-the-jaguarsAnthony Cosenza2021-10-06T07:00:00-04:002021-10-06T07:00:00-04:00NFL Week 5 Power Rankings Roundup
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<p>The Bengals moved solidly in the teens after a solid come-from-behind win against the Jags.</p> <p id="BO7X2g">Leading up to their lone primetime game, the pressure came roaring in on the Joe Burrow-led <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> as the team was also honoring many franchise legends in their inaugural Ring of Honor ceremony. </p>
<p id="Upk7RH">During that halftime event, the Bengals were down 14-0, having had little offense to that point. Even McPherson had “missed” a field goal, and Burrow really didn’t get much going. However, that quickly changed after halftime. </p>
<p id="fPQZGQ">The Bengals eventually won 24-21 after Burrow checked into the game-winning screen to tight end C.J. Uzomah. It ended as one of Burrow’s best performances of the season. Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd, and Ja’Marr Chase also had big games under the bright lights. </p>
<p id="l7Mwl8">Now 3-1, the team bounced higher in many of the national media’s power rankings. Let’s dive into where they’ve consistently been ranked following their Thursday Night Football history.</p>
<h3 id="9UGBz1">
<a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/NFLpowerranking1005/nfl-power-rankings-week-5-1-32-poll-plus-biggest-surprise-every-team"><strong>ESPN </strong></a><strong>— No. 16 - Up from 18</strong>
</h3>
<blockquote><p id="pHAhmC"><strong>Why it’s a surprise:</strong> The Bengals have struggled to field a quality defense in coordinator Lou Anarumo’s first two seasons. However, this year the Bengals are among the best in the NFL through the first four games. Cincinnati ranks fifth in yards per play allowed and seventh in points per drive allowed. Granted, the opposing offenses haven’t been great, but the improvement in Anarumo’s unit has been very notable. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who signed a $60 million deal with the team in the offseason, is second in the NFL in pass rush first pressures, according to ESPN Stats & Information. — <em>Ben Baby</em></p></blockquote>
<h3 id="AsuxWK">
<a href="http://NFL.com"><strong>NFL.com</strong></a><strong> — No. 15 - Up from 19</strong>
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<blockquote><p id="AJtz1O">The Bengals have a share of first place in the AFC North, and Joe Burrow very much looks like The Franchise. The second-year quarterback picked apart the Jaguars in a 24-21 win, showing poise and presence as he led the Bengals to four consecutive scoring drives in the second half of a comeback victory. Burrow is averaging 9.2 yards per attempt (third in the NFL among qualified passers), and he’s getting much better protection: Cincinnati has allowed just one sack in the past two weeks after surrendering 10 in the season’s first two games. If the Bengals keep their young star upright, something special could be brewing in the Queen City.</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="roIsNX">
<a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-5-power-rankings-bills-serve-notice-with-dominant-defense-unbeaten-cardinals-rise-to-no-1/"><strong>CBS Sports</strong></a><strong> — No. 13 - Up from 17</strong>
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<blockquote><p id="TWwiJe">Is their 3-1 record legitimate? They are improved, but we will know how much improved this week against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> at home.</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="cjXbCb">
<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/10/05/nfl-power-rankings-week-5-rams-hold-off-cardinals"><strong>Sports Illustrated</strong></a><strong> — No. 24</strong>
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<blockquote><p id="3cals9">It’s been fun to watch Joe Burrow’s confidence take hold at the NFL level, especially after his rookie season was cut short by his knee injury. His throw to C.J. Uzomah to set up the game-winning field goal, while being hit by a zero-blitzer, reinforced his fearlessness. </p></blockquote>
<h3 id="LntWHz">
<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Fcolumnist%2Fnate-davis%2F2021%2F10%2F05%2Fnfl-power-rankings-week-4-2021-cardinals-rams-buccaneers%2F6000233001%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2021%2F10%2F6%2F22711932%2Fcincinnati-bengals-week-5-nfl-power-rankings" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>USA Today</strong></a><strong> — No. 14 - Up from 17</strong>
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<blockquote><p id="EfkoMj">Looks who’s atop the AFC North. They might even stay there for a minute if QB Joe Burrow continues to blossom in the aftermath of his 2020 knee injury.</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="7cN2sf">
<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-kyler-murray-is-an-mvp-candidate-but-are-the-cardinals-super-bowl-worthy-035824451.html"><strong>Yahoo! Sports </strong></a><strong>— No. 17 - Up from 19</strong>
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<blockquote><p id="8VkxvR">Not all wins will be pretty and last Thursday night’s was pretty uninspiring. But it was a win, and those haven’t been plentiful in Cincinnati recently. Maybe they should have beaten a bad Jacksonville team more soundly, but give a young team credit for finding a way to come back and win.</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="B0YAl4">
<a href="https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2021/10/5/22710106/power-rankings-buffalo-bills-arizona-cardinals"><strong>The Ringer</strong></a><strong> — No. 16 (ranked as a “contender”)</strong>
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<h3 id="2M1lxq">
<a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/2021-nfl-power-rankings-where-49ers-sit-after-bad-week-4-loss"><strong>NBC Sports</strong></a><strong> — No. 15</strong>
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<blockquote><p id="nKdTGr"> Joe Burrow is the best quarterback in the AFC North. Is that enough to get Cincy to the playoffs?</p></blockquote>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2021/10/6/22711932/cincinnati-bengals-week-5-nfl-power-rankingsNathan Beighle2021-10-05T13:00:00-04:002021-10-05T13:00:00-04:00Bengals rookie stock report: Evan McPherson follows rare miss with clutch kick
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<figcaption>Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>McPherson’s no longer perfect as an NFL kicker, but his first miss did not stop him from getting the Bengals to 3-1.</p> <p id="ihByDn">The first and only short week for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> has come and gone for 2021. About 100 hours after flying home from a win on the road, the upstart Bengals took care of business at home in front of a packed house against the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>. </p>
<p id="cTfs6t">For a team comprised of such promising young players, it was mainly their veterans who stole the show late last week. Let’s go over how the rookies played alongside them. </p>
<h2 id="IFETWS">Stock Rising</h2>
<p id="GkSIQH">This is speculation at the moment, but the only rookie who seems poised to do more at the moment is <strong>Chris Evans</strong>. It’s hard for him to be less involved, which is no fault of his own. </p>
<p id="8EqRWY">For the third-straight week, Evans played less than a handful of snaps on offense, but he was not a part of the offensive explosion in the second half. Evans saw the field twice as a route-runner but did not receive a target. </p>
<p id="dafJRn">So why is his stock rising? Joe Mixon left the game with what’s being labeled as an ankle sprain. His status is reportedly “week-to-week,” but head coach Zac Taylor didn’t confirm that. Regardless, Mixon might be out for Sunday’s game against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>. At the very least, that would make Evans the offense’s No. 2 running back against a defense that’s ranked 26th in <a href="https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/nfl/team-defense/2021">Football Outsider’s DVOA metric</a> and 21st in <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Expected Points Added/play allowed</a>.</p>
<p id="idQwvT">Don’t expect Evans to leapfrog Samaje Perine in the depth chart, though. The veteran back should still get the lion’s share of snaps next to Joe Burrow while Mixon heals up. </p>
<h2 id="PmSZD0">Stock Stagnating</h2>
<p id="uhmgjI">Maybe the Bengals did make the wrong choice in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>. You mean to tell me <strong>Ja’Marr Chase</strong> isn’t going to score touchdowns every single week? What’s the point?</p>
<p id="iBFvyZ">Jokes aside, Chase had another solid outing. His six receptions for 77 yards came on an early season-high of nine targets, which was second to just Tyler Boyd this week. He technically had 10 targets, but one of them was followed by a flag for offensive pass interference on the offense’s first drive. </p>
<p id="kLIiI3">That unfortunate penalty ended up being a turning point for the first half. Chase only saw one more pass come his way before the second half as the offense stalled out for four-straight drives. Something had to change offensively, and that started with another deep shot to Chase down the left sideline. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">idk man, this looks like the same guy to me. he's just winning against professionals now. <a href="https://t.co/dVuJRzwta9">pic.twitter.com/dVuJRzwta9</a></p>— John Sheeran (@John__Sheeran) <a href="https://twitter.com/John__Sheeran/status/1443995410217963520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="KNxyMJ">Chase was also being lined up in the slot more in the second half as the Jaguars tried to shadow him with cornerback Shaquill Griffin, <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeClayNFL/status/1445084624095485952?s=20">ESPN’s Mike Clay wisely observed</a>. He’s at a near 75%-25% split with outside and slot usage through four weeks. </p>
<p id="HOr7v7">It’s still early days with <strong>Jackson Carman</strong> at right guard and it’s not all been pretty. He continued to flash power and quickness against the Jags, but some sloppy mistakes in pass protection were hard to miss upon rewatching the game. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Didn't intentionally make a Jackson Carman (79 - RG) lowlight film, but was having conversations about how he graded poorly (PFF) and wanted to rewatch his game. <a href="https://t.co/IDsVVNsUAW">pic.twitter.com/IDsVVNsUAW</a></p>— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodberry/status/1445005155183828998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2021</a>
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<p id="uOOQBm">It’s these inconsistencies that may have the coaching staff pausing before declaring Carman the undisputed starter when Xavier Su’a-Filo returns from his knee injury. Taylor said Monday that Carman would start against Green Bay since Su’a-Filo is not 100% healthy yet, but Carman could use a convincing performance to keep himself in good graces.</p>
<p id="E2OCrP">It was fitting that the beginning of a forgettable first half featured the first miss of<strong> Evan McPherson</strong>’s NFL career. 43 yards out from the left hash, McPherson hooked his attempt just over the top of the left post. You could honestly make the argument that it would’ve snuck inside had it been lower, but due to the height of the ball over the post, it would’ve made a tough case to prove. </p>
<p id="LkdJHf">Perfection was not the expectation for the rookie kicker out of Florida, but it was fascinating to wonder how long it would persist. He had to miss sometime, and the Bengals are lucky it came without eventual consequences. </p>
<p id="f7yIVz">McPherson responded with three perfect point after attempts and was called upon, again, to win the game at the buzzer in front of a home crowd. McPherson nailed his 35-yard game-winner from the right hash, just two yards back from his clutch Week 1 boot. </p>
<p id="hNxMRt">On the surface, <strong>Cam Sample</strong> playing just 10 snaps after averaging a little over 27 through the first three weeks is a bit concerning, but context matters here. 80% of Sample’s snaps before Thursday night had come on passing plays, and he was on the field to defend against 35% of those passing plays. The Jags dropped back to pass just 29 times, and Sample was on the field for seven of them. 24% is a slight drop from 35%, but not enough to warrant concern on his behalf. We’ll see if this becomes a trend. </p>
<p id="umwa8t">Sample’s slight downturn in usage unfortunately didn’t mean anything for <strong>Darius Hodge</strong>, who once again was stuck on special teams duties. The same went for <strong>Trey Hill</strong>. </p>
<h2 id="pY3QzD">Did not play</h2>
<ul>
<li id="eMH2zT">
<strong>Tyler Shelvin</strong> (inactive)</li>
<li id="RiQa9Z"><strong>D’Ante Smith</strong></li>
</ul>
<p id="LrLt6P"></p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2021/10/5/22707345/bengals-jaguars-week-4-rookie-stock-report-evan-mcpherson-ja-marr-chase-jackson-carmanJohn Sheeran2021-10-05T11:00:00-04:002021-10-05T11:00:00-04:00Tuesday Trenches: A Tale of 2 Halves
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<img alt="Syndication: The Enquirer" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TKbDFBphqQIr9yp5EF3_iGDi8yQ=/0x0:3651x2434/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69954014/usa_today_16863931.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>The Bengals are 3-1, but getting past the Jags was much harder than expected.</p> <p id="ULSaLP">It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Except flip those. </p>
<p id="q3ocOr">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> took the field on Thursday night to face the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> in Paul Brown Stadium in their only prime time game of the 2021 season and looked flat, allowing the Jags to jump out to a 14-0 lead at the end of the first half. </p>
<p id="rPPFah">Even though Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense were able to move the ball down the field, thanks to an early missed field goal attempt by Evan McPherson, they couldn’t put any points up on the board. </p>
<p id="vxVcGZ">The defense allowed bruising running back James Robinson to score two touchdowns in the first half, and managed to make the Urban Meyer run offense look good for the first time this season. These were “the worst of times” I was referring to.</p>
<p id="0UUXKm">Here’s a good visual representation of how the Bengals looked in the first half.</p>
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<p id="uM8AWY">Then the Bengals introduced their ring of honor at halftime and the two teams took the field and everything changed. </p>
<p id="732Y4p">Here are some things that went well, a few that didn’t and a look at the Bengals’ next opponent.</p>
<h3 id="FOq89b"><strong>On This Team, We Fight For That Inch!</strong></h3>
<p id="XUjQ6O">I’m not sure what head coach Zac Taylor said to his team at halftime, but I’m assuming he channeled his inner Tony D’Amato, because the Bengals came out in the second half and looked like a different team. After not scoring a single point in the first half, Joe Burrow took the offense down the field in four plays in just one minute and 48 seconds, capping the drive off with a 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end C.J. Uzomah. </p>
<p id="UjfKpa">Then the defense forced a three-and-out and Burrow and company scored again. This time on a 12-play drive, ending with a one-yard touchdown run from Joe Mixon. </p>
<p id="4qofT6">You could tell the Bengals had woken up and smelled blood in the water. </p>
<h3 id="DPQ59R"><strong>Like Waves Breaking on the Rocks</strong></h3>
<p id="Fnrnhe">The momentum really didn’t shift at halftime. It shifted just before the end of the first half when the Bengals defense forced the Jaguars offense to turn the ball over after a failed fourth-and-goal attempt from the one-yard line. The Bengals defense, which had struggled to that point in the evening, held firm and made Meyer regret his decision to get greedy.</p>
<p id="mXrPrN">The Jaguars lost all momentum at that point, and never got it back.</p>
<h3 id="qDOnLi"><strong>(Not) More Human Than Human</strong></h3>
<p id="EkjVLF">Bengals rookie kicker Evan McPherson has only attempted six field goals so far in the 2021 season, but I’ve already made up my mind that he’s very good. After all, he nailed a game winner in Week 1 from 34 yards out, and he’s two-for-two from 50-plus yards. </p>
<p id="FG6THF">He did show us on Thursday that he’s not a robot, though, as he’s not perfect, missing a 43 yard attempt to finish off the Bengals’ first drive of the game. He made up for it, though, kicking the game winner as time expired in the fourth from 35 yards.</p>
<p id="l52Jko">It’s nice to see he was able to shake off the missed kick. I’m excited to watch his career in Cincinnati.</p>
<h3 id="HPVQcH"><strong>Waynes World</strong></h3>
<p id="TqnOrB">After signing a three-year, $42 million contract as a free agent before the 2020 season, cornerback Trae Waynes injured his pectoral muscle and was ruled out for the entire season after having surgery. He then injured his hamstring in the preseason this year and missed the first three regular season games. He made his Bengals debut on Thursday. As expected, he struggled at times. The receivers he was covering were only targeted twice, but both were completions, including a 52-yard bomb to wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. </p>
<p id="vClGsV">It would be irrational to expect Waynes to be a shutdown corner in his first game in over a year, but it was nice to see him on the field. Hopefully he’ll stay healthy and show he was worth the large contract he signed.</p>
<h3 id="fz7HMl"><strong>For Whom the Bell Tolls</strong></h3>
<p id="OgBoUm">Strong safety Vonn Bell has been a great addition to the Bengals secondary. He’s not a natural coverage safety like his counterpart Jessie Bates, though. Bates missed the Bengals’ Week 4 game with a neck injury suffered in the team’s Week 3 win in Pittsburgh. Without Bates on the field, Bell, along with the rest of the secondary, struggled at times in pass coverage. Bell is a good safety, especially in the box and in run support, but he’s at his best when one of the best center-field free safeties is in the secondary with him.</p>
<h3 id="FTOZAV"><strong>An Apple A Day</strong></h3>
<p id="cCPipb">If I’m going to call Eli Apple out when he plays bad, which he did in the Bengals’ first three games, then I need to say something when he has a good game, which he did on Thursday. Apple was the team’s highest graded defensive back, according to Pro Football Focus. He was targeted three times and only gave up two receptions for 14 yards. This week it was Mike Hilton who struggled. He was targeted nine times and gave up eight catches for 84 yards. </p>
<p id="72OS2b">I still think Apple belongs on the sideline when Waynes, Hilton and Chidobe Awuzie, who missed the Week 3 game with groin injury, are all healthy. However, if he plays like he did in Week 4, he’ll be a great asset off the bench.</p>
<h3 id="s5disK"><strong>Mighty Joe Young</strong></h3>
<p id="djKQjt">In years past, had the Bengals gone into the locker room down by 14 points at halftime, I think most fans would write the game off as a loss. The Bengals haven’t historically been a team that can battle through adversity. Maybe it was coaching, or maybe it was personnel, but I don’t think an Andy Dalton led team wins that game, and that’s nothing against Dalton. He overachieved through the majority of his career in Cincinnati. </p>
<p id="3LfLT3">Burrow feels different. He put the team on his back Thursday night and willed the Bengals to win. He completed 78 percent of his passes, throwing for 348 yards and two touchdowns. </p>
<p id="k0iWKm">With Burrow at the helm, the Bengals don’t feel out when they're down. This team just feels different now.</p>
<p id="EYHjn9"><strong>The Bengals stay in Cincinnati and will face off against Aaron Rodgers and the </strong><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/"><strong>Green Bay Packers</strong></a><strong> on Sunday afternoon. Here are a few things that need to happen to come out ahead against the reigning NFL MVP.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="4QMAQU">The Bengals have scored 27, 24 and 24 points in their three wins, but that likely won’t cut it on Sunday against the Packers. Rodgers and the Packers offense can be explosive, even against some of the best defenses in the NFL. The Bengals offensive play calling has been conservative at times so far in the 2021 season, but in order to win on Sunday they’ll have to unleash Burrow. He has an incredible group of weapons in Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, C.J. Uzomah and Joe Mixon (if Mixon plays). It’s time to use them early and often.</li>
<li id="mPBHBJ">After a terrible season opener, Rodgers has looked like his old self, leading the packers to three consecutive wins. The Bengals defense will have to create pressure, but the secondary will have to be at their best, especially against Davante Adams, one of the best receivers in the NFL.</li>
<li id="k8UNMJ">Rodgers and Adams aren’t the only two the Bengals have to worry about, as running back Aaron Jones can be deadly too. He’s averaging 3.8 yards per carry so far this season, but his receiving ability out of the backfield is really what makes him dangerous. He has caught three touchdown passes so far this season, which leads all NFL running backs (I’m not going to count Cordarrelle Patterson).</li>
<li id="3PXfjl">If Burrow and the Bengals offense is going to be unleashed on Sunday, the offensive line will have to make sure their quarterback stays clean in the pocket. They’ve done a good job over the last two weeks, only giving up one sack, and they’ll need to continue trending in that direction. If Burrow is running for his life all afternoon, the Bengals won’t be able to put enough points on the board to win.</li>
</ul>
<p id="Or4gY0"><strong>To wrap things up, here are some random Week 4 thoughts:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="K7vvkB">Trey Hendrickson continues to impress. He didn’t log a sack on Thursday night, but he was in the backfield all game long, logging five hurries. He was a solid addition this offseason.</li>
<li id="QOKwCb">Chase showed he’s not just a deep threat. While he did log one 44-yard catch, most of his work came on short to intermediate routes to keep moving the chains. It’s clear that Chase is a true number one that can work as a deep threat or a possession receiver. </li>
<li id="EG3tIL">Joe Mixon left the game on Thursday night with an ankle injury that has now been revealed to be a low-grade ankle sprain. He’s considered week-to-week, but I would think he’s likely not to play on Sunday. We may see more Chris Evans on passing downs (I know that’s a Week 5 thought).</li>
<li id="RwoqT3">Uzomah came up big Thursday night, scoring two touchdowns and also getting the Bengals into field-goal range in the team’s final drive of the game. What team has the defense to cover Chase, Higgins, Boyd, Uzomah and Mixon?</li>
<li id="lixApS">B.J. Hill logged the team’s only sack on Lawrence, his third of the season. He was a great acquisition via trade for center Billy Price.</li>
<li id="ZmpgLB">It’s nice to see the Bengals have joined the rest of the NFL by honoring their history. The ring of honor was a long time overdue. </li>
<li id="L4yA50">The fact that Ken Riley isn’t in the NFL hall of fame is a travesty.</li>
<li id="DaQpaa">Ken Anderson belongs in Canton as well.</li>
<li id="QvOk3W">According to NFL Network, the Jaguars-Bengals game was the most watched Thursday night game since 2018.</li>
<li id="eXulY1">Trevor Lawrence, through high school, college and now in the NFL, has only lost two games after being up by two touchdowns. He lost both of those games to Joe Burrow.</li>
<li id="XssAgb">This is one of my <a href="https://twitter.com/BengalsTalk/status/1444729852012240897">favorite things</a> of all time.</li>
<li id="FOrIhp">So is <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1443799754262163456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1443799754262163456%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbengalswire.usatoday.com%2F2021%2F10%2F02%2Fjoe-burrow-zac-taylor-locker-room-speeches-win-jaguars-viral%2F">this</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p id="egec0I">Who Dey!</p>
<p id="YJDVwp"></p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2021/10/5/22709932/bengals-tuesday-trenches-a-tale-of-2-halvesJason Garrison2021-10-05T09:00:00-04:002021-10-05T09:00:00-04:00Film Room: The C.J. Uzomah Show
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<img alt="NFL: SEP 30 Jaguars at Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2FmaHCIix-Ew-h4x1mPVP-EnNbk=/0x0:2449x1633/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69953131/1235628843.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>When the Bengals needed a big play on Thursday night, Uzomah was the guy who stepped up</p> <p id="eeHtG5">With 95 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions, C.J Uzomah was one of the biggest stars of the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>’ comeback win against the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>. </p>
<p id="1GwGQw">Tight end is one of the most versatile positions on the offense. Being able to catch the ball and make players in the passing game is a big, but it is only part of it. Uzomah was impressive whether he was getting the ball on the play or not. </p>
<p id="dzTxh5">Let’s take a look at the impact Uzomah had on Thursday night. </p>
<div id="XEbYie">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">OZL <a href="https://t.co/6X3fRnZw0q">pic.twitter.com/6X3fRnZw0q</a></p>— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1444658412441284608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="QMS3Jh">Drew Sample is often seen as the blocker of the Bengals’ tight end room, but Uzomah has done a great job of run-blocking this season.</p>
<p id="RUSLGI">In this clip he is the wing on the near side of the formation. On this outside zone play, he is responsible for the force player. He gets a shot on the end man of the line of scrimmage before working up to the second level. This slows down the defender and gives Isaiah Prince (who is lined up at tight end on this play) time to get to the block. Uzomah gets to where he needs to be and makes the block on Tyson Campbell. </p>
<p id="DVvBfj">This was an excellent play that helped to open up a seam for the Joe Mixon run.</p>
<div id="axZGxR">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Toss <a href="https://t.co/rg54jwwC6C">pic.twitter.com/rg54jwwC6C</a></p>— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1444656379696984065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="80a9tT">On this play, Uzomah lines up in the backfield and is the lead blocker on the toss. He leads the way with a kick-out block that opens up a lane for Mixon. </p>
<p id="Egfbs1">Uzomah made some nice blocks that helped the Bengals’ get the run game going in the second half. This also helped to set up the pass, which Uzomah took advantage of in the next clip.</p>
<div id="bJ2rva">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="in" dir="ltr">OZ Boot <a href="https://t.co/RFeRHT8q0c">pic.twitter.com/RFeRHT8q0c</a></p>— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1444655795451437061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a>
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<p id="HVtyRI">With Frank Pollack coming in as offensive line coach, everyone knew that the Bengals would be emphasizing the outside zone play. </p>
<p id="p6rTyn">Pollack got his start in the league working for the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> under head coach Gary Kubiak, who is well-known for running zone schemes dating back to his time with the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>. </p>
<p id="UN2Z2N">Legendary offensive line coach Alex Gibbs, the godfather of the outside zone scheme, was also on staff with the Texans. Kyle Shanahan was there too. All of these coaches are known for running the outside zone, but they’re also known for complimenting it with bootlegs. </p>
<p id="AVMvYA">Bootlegs are likely to be a much bigger part of the Bengals’ scheme than we have seen so far this season. </p>
<p id="r0P0pS">We got a taste on the first play of the game, and on this touchdown pass to Uzomah. </p>
<p id="ODUgKP">The pre-snap motion reveals man coverage, which is perfect. Uzomah is lined up as the wing at the top of the screen and crosses behind the line of scrimmage. This resembles a common tight end block in zone schemes and is a route that’s impossible to cover man-to-man.</p>
<p id="D8VpwX">Not surprisingly, Uzomah is wide open. </p>
<p id="q45udc">After securing the catch, he turns up field and makes the first defender miss before plowing into the end zone. </p>
<p id="FCrbC4">This was a huge play!</p>
<div id="NHGry2">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Make that two touchdowns tonight! Way to go, <a href="https://twitter.com/cj_uzomah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cj_uzomah</a>! <a href="https://t.co/qwm3AbgIxR">pic.twitter.com/qwm3AbgIxR</a></p>— London Is Blue Podcast ⭐️⭐️ (@LondonBluePod) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonBluePod/status/1443772962654408711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="joNO4C">His second touchdown was even more impressive.</p>
<p id="5lkySs">Two defenders ran with Tyler Boyd’s route, which should have left Uzomah open, but Josh Allen dropped under the route, closing Burrow’s window to get the ball to the tight end. In an effort to get open, Uzomah ran across the formation. Burrow scrambled in the same direction, finding Uzomah behind the defenders with an open path to the end zone. </p>
<p id="OZdu6f">This was a great example of Burrow and his pass catchers being on the same page and making things happen when the play breaks down. It also shows that when a defense decides to double-team a player like Boyd, someone else will step up. </p>
<div id="MXHp5y">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> CJ Uzomah <br><br>5 catches for 95 yards and 2 touchdowns<br><br>None bigger than ⬇️ to set up the game winner<a href="https://t.co/HpwgicrMw5">pic.twitter.com/HpwgicrMw5</a></p>— Nicole Zembrodt (@NicoleZembrodt) <a href="https://twitter.com/NicoleZembrodt/status/1443779890524925953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="zzB6ho">Of course, the most important catch Uzomah made may not have been a touchdown. It may have been this screen on the final drive. </p>
<p id="5opKSj">Facing second and very long after a penalty, the Bengals came out in Burrow’s favorite formation: empty. Recognizing the “zero” blitz, Burrow audibled to a receiver screen. There was only one problem: It was not a receiver lined up in the position the screen was designed to go to, it was Uzomah. </p>
<p id="1R24Dg">I referred to “empty” as a formation, but it’s really many different formations in the Bengals’ offense. The Bengals often run it with a tight end and a running back on the field, and they can be lined up anywhere. </p>
<p id="pNuhqG">If they called a screen for the sideline, they would usually set up the formation so the ball went to a receiver, but this was an audible based on the look the defense gave them. Fortunately, Uzomah understands the offense enough to know what his role is regardless of where he is aligned or whether or not it is in the game plan. </p>
<p id="y4NkSW">He made the catch and, picking up a few blocks from his teammates, cut it up field for a big gain. This set up Evan McPherson’s game-winning field goal. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UTP6HN">
<p id="Oxfg6L">The Bengals have a ton of playmakers on their offense. With Boyd, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins all catching passes, Uzomah does not always get an opportunity to shine the way he did on Thursday night. </p>
<p id="2t9CWU">This week, the Jaguars were threatened by Chase’s deep routes, which opened up a lot of opportunities for Boyd and Uzomah. This is a passing game that can beat you in a lot of different ways. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2021/10/5/22707184/bengals-film-room-the-c-j-uzomah-showMatthew Minich