Cincy Jungle - Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals vs Oakland RaidersWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2015-09-18T16:32:06-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/90381082015-09-18T16:32:06-04:002015-09-18T16:32:06-04:00Carlos Dunlap fined by NFL; Jones' fine confirmed
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2uuWLVaYkwA8SBafp4FpS4JyOrk=/0x0:4896x3264/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47218634/usa-today-8800779.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two Bengals and one Raiders player were fined by the NFL for their actions during last Sunday's Week 1 contest between the two teams. </p> <p>The NFL has handed out a pair of fines to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> defensive end <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> and cornerback <span>Adam Jones</span> for infractions committed against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> in Week 1.</p>
<p>Jones was fined for his incident with rookie wide receiver <span>Amari Cooper</span>, <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/16/9337781/adam-jones-fined-for-incident-with-amari-cooper-will-appeal" target="_blank">which Jones has already said he's appealing</a>. His fine was expected, but the same cannot be said of Dunlap. He was fined for unnecessary roughness committed during the Raiders game, even though he was never flagged directly for it.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/18/dunlap-howard-fined-for-pacman-cooper-undercard-fight/" target="_blank">NFL confirmed via Pro Football Talk</a> that Dunlap was fined for his role in the Jones/Cooper scuffle.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sZZ9D4pt8-sBZmOfsuqH99iAPrA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4076418/carlos-dunlap_360.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>You can clearly see Dunlap go after Raiders tackle <span>Austin Howard</span> as he's going at it with <span>A.J. Hawk</span> and after Howard took a cheap shot at Jones from behind. Though, Dunlap's shove from behind isn't exactly fair either. Howard also was fined for his role in the altercation.</p>
<p>Jones' fine is for $35,000, partly due to the fact he's had trouble on and off the field in the past. The same isn't true of Dunlap though, as he was fined a mere $8,681 for his infraction.</p>
<p>It seems fair enough, especially since Howard was fined $8,681 for unnecessary roughness as well.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/18/9353825/carlos-dunlap-fined-by-nfl-adam-jones-fine-confirmedJason Marcum2015-09-18T09:00:09-04:002015-09-18T09:00:09-04:00Film Room: A.J. Green due for dominant performance
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BhNsyu98iCRXWCKqWJpbANhAjU8=/0x169:3576x2553/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47212224/usa-today-8800735.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green, who signed a big extension earlier this month, needs a strong performance against San Diego. </p> <p>You could argue that <span>A.J. Green's</span> performance against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> had mixed results.</p>
<p>It was a pedestrian five-catch performance, generating 63 yards receiving... including this 30-yard reception with 4:31 remaining in the second quarter.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AJ Green 30-yard Raiders" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CvmND1flwMmspGjRhUJzgP8PC54=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4073148/aj-green-raiders-30.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Let's not minimize the play -- it converted a third-and-seven during a possession that resulted in Jeremy Hill's second touchdown and an eventual 17-0 lead. With over 12 minutes remaining in the third quarter, <span>Andy Dalton</span> spliced through two defenders with Green deflecting their attempts at tackling for an 18-yard gain.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AJ Green Raiders 18 yards" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9-aHMHgeODs9pRtWO-mgmHvr94E=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4073156/AJ-Green-Raiders-18.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Then there was "the drop"; perhaps one of the more surprising declines for an offense that was otherwise "impressive". With 10:22 remaining in the second, Andy Dalton floated the football to Green, who had the advantage over <span>TJ Carrie</span>, but failed to haul it in.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="AJ Green drop" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u6kuIQfgqf-PdWiTBKYQUJtXF_0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4073160/AJ-Raiders-Drop.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Green, having signed a four-year extension worth $60 million in new money, is one of the highest paid receivers in the NFL. The highest paid wide receiver is <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Lions</a> wide receiver <span>Calvin Johnson</span>, who is ironically named Megatron, who usually loses every confrontation against the Autobots.</p>
<p>Yet, Green in his humbleness and maturity, doesn't care about fiscal or statistical comparisons, writes <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a>.com:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I didn’t really check (the boxscores). It’s a different week. I’m just focused on what I’m going to do. I don’t get caught up in all that other stuff now. I just focus on what I can do and control. <span>When I was younger, my first year,’ said Green, when asked when he would have checked the numbers. "I don’t pay attention. It’s how I finish."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>With the rise of <span>Tyler Eifert</span>, who dominated Sunday's game with 104 yards receiving, Green can have uninspiring performances without crashing. That being said, he needs a commanding performance, especially after missing time last season, the drop against Oakland and the preseason miss against Tampa Bay that led to a pick-six which overtook pessimists' minds.</p>
<p>A good start would be against San Diego, who held Green to 34 yards receiving during the 2013 Wild Card round, despite being targeted nine times with only three resulting in receptions.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/18/9349067/film-rook-reviewing-a-j-greens-week-1-performanceJosh Kirkendall2015-09-17T14:59:42-04:002015-09-17T14:59:42-04:00Hue Jackson on Hill: I know he can play better
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bjYJDZOkx7GqzmherHcjcxzmynw=/0x0:4915x3277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47209610/GettyImages-488096110.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jeremy Hill and Hue Jackson know the second-year RB needs to be better against far superior teams going forward than that of Oakland. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> looked dominant in just about every facet of Sunday's 33-13 win over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a>.</p>
<p>However, it's virtually impossible for any team of professional football players to have a perfect game, and good teams like the Bengals will always be looking for ways to improve opposed to simply celebrating their highlights. That's the case with offensive coordinator Hue Jackson who wants to see more from star running back <span>Jeremy Hill</span>.</p>
<p>In Oakland, Hill had a productive day with 63 yards and two scores on 19 carries. However, as <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/19049/bengals-hue-jackson-jeremy-hill-wants-more-running-back">Jackson told ESPN's Coley Harvey</a>, Hill needs to do more with his touches for the Bengals to beat better teams, which pretty much is every other team they'll face the rest of the season.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>"Jeremy's got ability, and Jeremy needs to play as good as he can play, and I know he can play better," Jackson said. "He scores two touchdowns and everybody thinks that's great. But there are some plays he left out there. He'd be the first to tell you that, so I'm not telling you something he doesn't know."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Hill knows that's the case since he only had 3.3 yards per carry against a Raiders' defense that allowed an average of 4.0 ypc in 2014.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>"It was just average at best," Hill said of his day. "I have to play better to give us a better chance."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>During Hill's rookie season in 2014, he had only four games in which he averaged 3.3 ypc or less in 17 games (including playoffs), three of which came in his first seven games. Adding to that, Hill's longest rush at Oakland was for 11 yards after finishing 2014 with only five games in which his longest run was 11 yards or less.</p>
<p>This is really just nitpicking at this point. But, Hill is a great player who had a good game against the Raiders; the Bengals need great games out of him if they want to reclaim the AFC North crown and get back to the playoffs this season.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/17/9346745/hue-jackson-jeremy-hill-not-pleased-game-vs-raidersJason Marcum2015-09-16T14:45:02-04:002015-09-16T14:45:02-04:00Bengals vs Raiders: The Rookie Report
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9XY0gATeSPHi6zMPvX3IXXXPf_0=/0x309:2581x2030/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47199288/usa-today-8395935.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There was nothing but positives coming out of the Bengals season opener. The rookies saw limited action but that's to be expected when your starters are rolling.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a>' win on Sunday was more than a little convincing. A solid offensive day and a tremendous defensive statement equaled a very pleasant opening weekend for the Cincinnati faithful. Yes, it was against a struggling Oakland franchise and yes, the majority of the game was against backup quarterback Matt McGloin. But when you have the second toughest schedule in the NFL no win can be overlooked. The rookies gathered their first NFL minutes in their first official game, let's breakdown how the NFL newborns did.</p>
<p><b>INACTIVES</b></p>
<p><span>Mario Alford</span>, <span>Josh Shaw</span>, <span>C.J. Uzomah</span> and <span>Marcus Hardison</span> were held out of Sunday's contest and listed as inactive. Shaw and Hardison were both injured in practice last week so their absences from the game were expected. Alford is a casualty of having too many strong offensive targets at Andy Dalton's disposal. Not a bad problem to have. Uzomah has yet to show he's worthy of being active on game days. He was said to have practiced with the practice squad at times last week, so it may be a surprise if he's active on a game day anytime soon.</p>
<p><b>OFFENSE</b></p>
<p><b><span>Jake Fisher</span></b></p>
<p>The second round pick for the Bengals <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/16/9335249/film-room-jake-fishers-first-game">saw minimal action in his first regular season gam</a>e getting in on only 13 of the 68 offensive snaps. But this was to be expected after Fisher saw limited time during offseason workouts and preseason games. He will most likely continue to dip his toe into the water throughout the season spelling the established veterans. Overall the offensive line was phenomenal against Oakland, opening up enough holes to give Cincinnati a pair of 63-yard rushers and kept Dalton safe. This is what the Bengals want: their young tackle to learn from one of the best lines in the business. The gains on paper may be small for Fisher but the payoff in the coming years will be worth it.</p>
<p><b>DEFENSE</b></p>
<p><b><span>P.J. Dawson</span></b></p>
<p>The explosive rookie linebacker who turned so many heads in the preseason saw only five snaps. This is to be expected especially when your defense is pitching a shutout through the majority of the game. Dawson recorded a collective tackle and got his name in the scorebook, so at least there is that. This is a long season and if you were to pick on an area that needs work it might as well be the well-known linebacking core. Dawson will find his niche and start to get his snaps when opportunities arusem he is too talented of a player to be off the field for long.</p>
<p><b><span>Derron Smith</span></b></p>
<p><span>Marvin Lewis</span> made a move we rarely see from him in keeping youth over experience as the talented Smith overcame the odds and beat out Shiloh Keo. We didn't see any <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/8/11/9129907/derron-smith-impressing-in-bengals-training-camp-but-spot-on-53-man">eye-popping interceptions</a> in Smith's one down played on defense, but as with all the rookies it will take time for the talented safety to see more playing time.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/16/9323261/week-1-bengals-vs-raiders-rookie-reportArt Bidwell2015-09-16T12:03:39-04:002015-09-16T12:03:39-04:00Adam Jones fined for incident with Amari Cooper
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JMrdoSrzt6Yz8upQFKQGJTD5wno=/0x0:4915x3277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47199596/GettyImages-488098436.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Adam Jones is lucky he didn't get hit with a suspension, though Amari Cooper shouldn't have gotten out of this without some kind of fine for his throat punch. </p> <p>The NFL has fined <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> cornerback <span>Adam Jones</span> for slamming the head of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> rookie wide receiver <span>Amari Cooper</span> into his own helmet.</p>
<p>Jones told the media Wednesday he had been hit with a $35,000 fine for hitting a defenseless player and that he will be appealing. The incident occurred during Cincinnati's 33-13 win over Oakland on Sunday when <span>Jamize Olawale</span> broke free for a 60-yard run with about eight minutes remaining in the second quarter. Jones and Cooper were going at it during the run, before turning their attention toward each other. After the play, Jones ripped off <span>Amari Cooper's</span> helmet and then bounced the back of his head against the helmet.</p>
<p>However, it appeared Jones was retaliating for getting punched in the throat by Cooper:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" width="600" src="https://vine.co/v/eF2FdO1P50m/embed/simple"></iframe>
<script src="https://platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script>
</p>
<p>That strike thrown by Cooper led to Jones grabbing the rookie's head and slamming it into his own helmet:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Adam Jones" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KzHfKtxyu_BsmpuZNJs0gKqdgmE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4057698/pac.0.0.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>To this point, there has been no reported fine for Cooper for striking Jones right in the throat, though his saving grace may be that it came during the play, whereas Jones' helmet slam came after the whistle had blown.</p>
<p>It doesn't help Jones that he's been dinged by the NFL in the past for on and off-the-field transgressions including a year-long suspension.</p>
<p>Here's Jones' reaction to the fine <a target="new" href="https://instagram.com/p/7sowiYkjqK/">via his Instagram</a>, which is captioned, "lmao".</p>
<blockquote style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-version="4" class="instagram-media">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a target="_top" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" href="https://instagram.com/p/7sowiYkjqK/">Lmao</a></p>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A video posted by @realpacman24 on <time datetime="2015-09-16T16:02:01+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 16, 2015 at 9:02am PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/16/9337781/adam-jones-fined-for-incident-with-amari-cooper-will-appealJason Marcum2015-09-16T11:00:06-04:002015-09-16T11:00:06-04:00Bengals vs Raiders: The good, The Bad & The Ugly
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Mmq_VEdg2C4nTjwGyqNNGtI1ewc=/698x455:4000x2656/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47193684/usa-today-8801086.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We take a look at the best and worst from the Cincinnati Bengals in the aftermath of their 33-13 win over the Oakland Raiders.</p> <p>They're off the schneid. After never traveling to the city of Oakland and winning a football game, the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a> marched to the West Coast and were on a mission to remedy the situation. Nearly every facet was working well for the Orange and Black, as they completely dismantled the Silver and Black on their home turf.</p>
<p>It's close to the time where we transition to the next week's matchup, but before we do, we need to take one last look at the best and worst from the afternoon.</p>
<h3>The Good:</h3>
<p><i><b><span>Andy Dalton</span>: </b></i>If it weren't for a couple of drops by A.J. Green and a tough one by <span>Tyler Eifert</span>, Dalton might have had one of the best games of his career. Even without an extra touchdown and about 50 yards on those two plays, Dalton's performance against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> was still up there for career-bests. He hit six different receivers on 25-of-34 passing and 269 yards. He was clearly comfortable having all of his weapons available at his disposal and was quite decisive when plays broke down.</p>
<p><i><b>Tyler Eifert: </b></i>Now you see why so many claim that his return would bring a major lift to the offense. The big tight end was downright unstoppable on Sunday, whether is was <span>DJ Hayden</span>, <span>Charles Woodson</span> or a linebacker attempting to cover him. Eifert often found soft spots in the defense, while logging his first 100-yard receiving game of his career to go along with two touchdowns, which ties his single-season career best.</p>
<p><i><b>The Running Backs: </b></i>While none of the three major backs had an insane day, all three did exactly what they do best and were big contributors to the win. To the Raiders' credit, they had a decent game plan going into the day--stop <span>Jeremy Hill</span> and make Dalton beat you. They partially succeeded by holding No. 32 to just 3.3 yards per carry, but he continuously got the tough yards, especially on his two touchdowns. After a slow start, <span>Giovani Bernard</span> looked excellent and really gashed a tired defense. He had as many rushing yards as Hill (63) on 11 less carries and added 25 more receiving yards on six catches. <span>Rex Burkhead</span> also got into the action with a nice 24-yard snag on a wheel route on third down. I imagine <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/14/9325541/jeremy-hill-and-gio-bernard-act-as-thunder-and-lightning-in-the">it was exactly how Hue Jackson drew it up</a>.</p>
<p><i><b>The Offensive Line: </b></i>The big hogs up front performed quite well on Sunday. Clint Boling had one of <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/15/9327859/clint-bolings-career-game-vs-raiders-helped-pave-way-for-bengals">his best games as a pro</a>, while the rest of the crew didn't allow a sack on Dalton. They also helped to pave the way for a 127-yard team rushing effort and constantly pushed back the Raiders' line. Two facets kept their performance from being truly excellent: some holding penalties on the interior of the line and the inability to stop <span>Justin Tuck</span> from batting down passes.</p>
<p><i><b>The Defensive Line: </b></i><span>Geno Atkins</span> looked like his old self once again, and both <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> and <span>Domata Peko</span> were active up front. <span>Michael Johnson</span> flashed here and there while also grabbing a fumble recovery, but didn't look full speed on that knee when chasing down certain plays. Still, the group held the Raiders to just 62 rushing yards as a team and garnered two sacks.</p>
<p><i><b>Turnover Differential: </b></i>Through the first three preseason games when the starters got the most action, the Bengals' defense didn't force a turnover. They were plus-two on Sunday, thanks to an interception and a fumble by backup quarterback <span>Matt McGloin</span> and none given up by the offense. There are very few instances a team loses a football game when being two up on the opposition in turnovers.</p>
<p><i><b>The Secondary: </b></i>They swarmed, they frustrated and got in the faces of the Raiders passing weapons. No receiver cracked the 50-yard mark on the day and the biggest play they let up was a 24-yard pass to Amari Cooper. Dre Kirkpatrick looked comfortable in his first game as a true starter and <span>Adam Jones</span> was an animal (more on that later). Even Darqueze Dennard had three tackles, both on defense and special teams. The safeties had a good day from a production standpoint, with <span>Reggie Nelson</span> grabbing an interception and <span>George Iloka</span> laying the wood, but penalties and injuries were a concern.</p>
<p><i><b>Some Stats: </b></i>Oakland didn't have a play in Bengals territory until the fourth quarter, Cincinnati had almost double the amount of yards per passing play (7.9 to 4.1) than the Raiders, while Cincinnati also got points on each one of their six red zone trips (two field goals, four touchdowns).</p>
<h3>The Bad:</h3>
<p><i><b><span>Brandon Tate</span>: </b></i>Everyone's favorite whipping boy was in full effect again on Sunday. He had a near muffed punt on a fair catch early in the game and was awful in his two kickoff returns. So awful, in fact, that he averaged 3.5 yards per kickoff return. Three point five. In most any other game, this would have been devastating for the Bengals.</p>
<p><i><b>Justin Tuck: </b></i>As mentioned earlier, the Bengals' offensive line did a pretty good job throughout the day. However, one guy who kept making a mess of things was Tuck. He had five total tackles, two tipped passes at the line and blocked an extra point. The line will need to get this in check going forward.</p>
<p><i><b>Third Down Conversions: </b></i>We get it--the Bengals eased up at the end of the game. Still, starters played until the end and Cincinnati only converted on four third down tries on the day. Their 30 percent conversion rate on third down needs to rise a bit, though most of the issues were in the second half when the Bengals had a huge lead.</p>
<p><i><b>A Bit Of Fool's Gold?: </b></i>Cincinnati was the better team and dominated, no question. However, the Raiders only had their starting quarterback for a quarter and a half, while their backup was responsible for both of the team's turnovers. <span>Derek Carr</span> wasn't doing much when he was in, but the game might have been a bit different had he not been injured.</p>
<h3>The Ugly:</h3>
<p><i><b>The Personal Fouls: </b></i>The Raiders have a bit of a reputation for crossing the line in terms of clean play in their franchise's history, but it was the Bengals <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/14/9327009/the-growing-saga-with-bengals-penalties-against-raiders">who were the bad boys on Sunday</a>. Iloka, while fired up after a big hit on Cooper, unwisely stomped around him and caught the ire of the referees to extend an early Raiders drive. Adam Jones unleashed the inner animal too and if this were most any other game, these penalties would have devastated the Bengals. We've talked about the team channeling the inner bully and playing with attitude, but that isn't inferring them to play stupid or dirty football.</p>
<p><i><b>Adam Jones' Slamming Of Amari Cooper's Head: </b></i>It's been well-chronicled by now and Jones is likely to receive a hefty fine. While some think the rookie wideout asked for some retaliation because of a downfield punch/straight-arm to Jones' throat, it was the Bengals' corner who looked like the young hot-head and not the savvy veteran. These kinds of penalties won't fly when facing the bigs of the AFC North.</p>
<p><i><b>Marcel Reece And The Letting Off Of The Gas Pedal: </b></i>Look, NFL teams aren't going to get five-touchdown shutouts often and every team has a sense of pride. However, when <span>Marvin Lewis</span> elected to leave many of his starters in to the end of the game, you'd figure the Bengals' defense would stand firm as they had all day. As it was, the versatile Raiders fullback took advantage with two late touchdown receptions. They were throwaway points while they played the "prevent" defense, but it would have been nice to see the veterans keep their focus and tenacity they displayed for over three quarters.</p>
<p><i><b><span>A.J. Green's</span> Touchdown Drop: </b></i>I'm a big Green defender, but this one was inexcusable. Dalton masterfully used a pump-fake to lay one in Green's breadbasket after he had a step on the defender and No. 18 just missed it. The timing of the play couldn't have been worse, given Green's signing of a mega-extension just two days prior. Fans jump down Dalton's throat for missing certain throws, but this one was on the money and the start wide receiver has to make the play. Green did atone a bit throughout the game with other nice catches and finished with five for 63 yards.</p>
<p><i><b>Wasting Timeouts On Offense: </b></i>I love Hue Jackson's penchant for being creative, but the team burned three timeouts on offense early in halves because they were confused. Either Jackson needs to be more clear on the play and substitutions, or his unit needs to spend more time with film and in their playbooks to get things right. Those are needed at the end of halves to secure points and/or get the ball back, so burning through them so early could be crushing against better foes.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/16/9332343/bengals-vs-raiders-week-1-the-good-the-bad-and-the-uglyAnthony Cosenza2015-09-16T10:00:07-04:002015-09-16T10:00:07-04:00Analyzing the Bengals' Week 1 PFF Grades
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nP6dx1gDgBI_ns-lgHNlZVhM5pM=/0x0:4896x3264/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47194840/usa-today-8800779.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Week 1 of the NFL season is rarely a perfect indication of how teams will play throughout the rest of the season, but seeing the Bengals win 33-13 in a stadium that they've never won before is still an encouraging sign. Pro Football Focus weighed in on their perspective of the Bengals' win, and we've broken it down for you.</p> <p>Opening week of the NFL season is one of the most exciting times of the year for football fans, especially when your favorite team starts the season with one of the all-around best performances in recent memory. To start of the 2015 season, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> did just that by recording their first ever win in Oakland by a decisive score of 33-13.</p>
<p>As a whole, most Bengals players were graded very well for their overall solid performances in Oakland, but the best grades went to <span>Geno Atkins</span> (+6.6), <span>Clint Boling</span>, (+4.5), <span>Adam Jones</span> (+4.2), <span>Tyler Eifert</span> (+3.3), <span>Andrew Whitworth</span> (+2.8), and <span>Andy Dalton</span> (+2.6). Things weren't always perfect, but this look from the Bengals is the kind that could really strike fear into the rest of the NFL.</p>
<h4>Passing</h4>
<p>With a mostly good performance from the offensive line, Andy Dalton was able to be methodical and efficient out of the backfield, receiving one of the team's highest overall scores (+2.6). Dalton threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns on 34 attempts, going 25-for-30 on short attempts. <span>A.J. Green</span> received a much lower overall grade (-0.3) largely due to dropping a touchdown pass that would have made the passing game look even better than it already did.</p>
<p>With Green being so ineffective for most of the game, Tyler Eifert really had a chance to shine, receiving an extremely good grade (+3.3) for his 104 reception yards and two touchdowns, including a pair of forced missed tackles and a positive run blocking score. Had Eifert not dropped one of the 10 passes thrown his way, he would have had a perfect game to set him up for a breakout season.</p>
<h4>Rushing</h4>
<p>There wasn't really much to say about the running game this week - largely because it wasn't needed. <span>Jeremy Hill</span> scored two touchdowns, but only averaged 3.3 yards per carry. <span>Giovani Bernard</span> was much more effective in the running game, averaging 7.9 yards per carry, and also catching all six of the passes thrown his way (although only gaining 4.2 yards per catch).</p>
<h4>Offensive Line</h4>
<p>Clint Boling (+4.5) and Andrew Whitworth (+2.8) both contributed to a performance from the offensive line that generally dominated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>. Boling actually had a career game, being rated as the best offensive lineman in the NFL in Week 1, largely on the strength of his run blocking (+3.8).</p>
<p>However, it wasn't all great. <span>Andre Smith</span> struggled mightily at both pass blocking (-1.2) and run blocking (-3.2). He gave up a hit on Dalton and two hurries on 38 passing plays, potentially part of the motivation of Hue Jackson introducing a six-man offensive line on certain running plays featuring rookie <span>Jake Fisher</span> and veteran <span>Eric Winston</span>.</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p>Geno Atkins received the best score on the team (+6.6) as a result of a strong score against the run (+2.1), one sack, and four QB hurries. Atkins is continuing to show the football world that 2014 was a fluke due to having so little time to get ready for the season, and now he's made a real statement by dominating in a regular season game. Atkins'dominance against the run helped the Bengals to combine for an excellent score against the run (+10.7), leading the NFL in week 1.</p>
<p>Another name to take note of is Adam Jones, who received a very positive overall score for his efforts against the Raiders (+4.2). Although his role, as a cornerback, is primarily to deflect passes, Jones's contributions to the run game (+3.1) were invaluable to the Bengals on Sunday as were his contributions to the pass coverage (2.0). Jones recorded the most solo tackles on the team (10) while only being notably penalized once, an unnecessary roughness call that was negated due to a Raiders' holding call.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/16/9333281/week-1-bengals-vs-raiders-pro-football-focus-grades-and-analysisKyle Phelps2015-09-16T09:00:08-04:002015-09-16T09:00:08-04:00Film Room: Jake Fisher's first NFL game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5D4beBVke25xyrT1MphIHXsWrmg=/0x50:4072x2765/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47196836/usa-today-8672412.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jake Fisher took his first real snaps in a Cincinnati Bengals jersey this week, and we're breaking them down!</p> <p>One of the best parts of Week 1 in any NFL season is the chance to see your team's first round draft pick get some playing time, so you can finally get a real idea of how they might play going forward. Unfortunately, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> first round pick of 2015, <span>Cedric Ogbuehi</span>, is currently sitting on the PUP list while he recovers from an ACL injury suffered in his final collegiate game at Texas A&M. Luckily, the Bengals drafted another offensive tackle with first-round talent this year: <span>Jake Fisher</span>.</p>
<p>Unless you want to make the argument that either <span>Andrew Whitworth</span> or <span>Andre Smith</span> are expected to be replaced this season, it's pretty clear that the Bengals drafted Ogbuehi and Fisher for the future. With Ogbuehi, it's pretty easy to put his career on hold because of the injury. But, with Fisher, you'd think the Bengals would want to start to develop him as soon as possible, right?</p>
<p>That seems to be the Bengals' mindset as they did whatever they could to throw Jake Fisher in as an extra offensive lineman (technically an eligible receiver) on a few plays here and there against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>. What we saw was a promising display from a rookie who struggled to adjust in the preseason, but seems ready to contribute in a limited role.</p>
<h4>First Quarter 9:27; Run Block</h4>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Jake Fisher First Play" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5_5WXP2baKIX6PoS75_V14vjzXw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4065794/Jake_Fisher_first_play.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p><span>Jake Fisher's</span> first ever play for the Cincinnati Bengals displayed just about everything that the Bengals figured they were going to get when they made the decision to take Fisher 53rd overall in the 2015 draft: size, talent, athleticism, versatility.</p>
<p>Before the play, you'll see Fisher (reported in as an eligible receiver) motioned to the left side of the field to pick up a block on Raiders' outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong. Fisher handles Armstrong about as well as you would hope from such a highly valued offensive tackle; laying down a key block alongside <span>Ryan Hewitt</span> to open up a respectable running lane for <span>Jeremy Hill</span> who carries the rock six yards deeper into the endzone. Here you're really seeing Fisher's athleticism and mental discipline come into play - most offensive linemen aren't used to having to get set and pick up their blocker on the go, but it's not a problem for him.</p>
<p>This play eventually lead to the Bengals' first touchdown of the game, which lead to an avalanche of points for the Bengals that resulted in a 33-13 blowout victory. Without that key block from Fisher, there's a chance the Bengals would have had their drive slowed down and that they would have had to settle for a field goal, providing much less momentum and potentially a bit of a spark for the Raiders. Is Jake Fisher single handedly responsible for sparking the Bengals' blowout victory? Absolutely not. But he certainly helped to prepare that spark.</p>
<h4>First Quarter 3:31; Tackle Eligible Play</h4>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Jake Fisher second play" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FvV7ptWzNg0Z8EMrks-jH-5PxoQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4065800/Jake_Fisher_receiver.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>What we've got here is a boring batted pass attempt from <span>Andy Dalton</span> to <span>Mohamed Sanu</span>. Why are we paying attention to this play? Notice that receiver at the top of the screen who is about twice the size of the other receivers? That's Jake Fisher out there setting up a fake screen to <span>Tyler Eifert</span>.</p>
<p>As you can see near the end of that play, it almost worked; allowing Mohamed Sanu to make a wide open catch for a first down and (maybe) more. The biggest problem with this play is that the Raiders were able to get enough penetration on the play to bat the ball down and prevent what could have otherwise been total disaster. But Fisher? He's out there displaying his versatility. Maybe, just maybe, we will see Fisher pull an Anthony Munoz some day and catch a touchdown on a tackle-eligible play. If not, his ability to block anywhere at any time in any situation should also be extremely useful.</p>
<h4>Third Quarter 6:59; Tackle Eligible Play</h4>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Jake Fisher third play" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Iuhp7MBRtviGlRSwOb4fsV_YIOY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4065806/Jake_Fisher_receiver_2.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>If you're like me, you were probably itching to see what that tackle-eligible play could have looked like if it had worked out. Well, it wasn't on the most critical part of a drive, but this eight yard catch for a first down at the beginning of the drive is a good indication of what the kind of play-calling comes from having an ultra versatile lineman.</p>
<p>With Fisher out to the side making a great block and selling the screen (and the offensive line actually keeping the pass rush at bay this time), Andy Dalton is able to complete the eight yard pass to <span>A.J. Green</span> for a first down that continues a drive which ended in the final touchdown of the afternoon for the Bengals. So what is Fisher doing on this play that's so great? He's out there selling the play. You can see the middle of the Raiders' defense open up for Green as they're expecting a screen pass, largely because Fisher is out there blocking like he's directly responsible for the ball carrier.</p>
<h4>Recap</h4>
<p>Is Jake Fisher ready to take over as a starting left or right tackle? Probably not. But, his versatility and athleticism provide Hue Jackson with so many subtle opportunities to change plays up, that it's really hard not to get excited about the prospect of him getting more playing time.</p>
<p>However, it is clear that he still could use some work on taking certain angles on blocks, especially on those screen plays. Fisher did a great job of adjusting to his block on Armstrong when blocking for Jeremy Hill, but you can tell that neither of those screen passes would have been terribly successful had the ball actually been thrown out wide. Yes, it's great that Fisher can sell the block, but it would also help if the team could rely on him to throw down a block on a screen pass, which would actually help to create a successful screen.</p>
<p>Fisher is not ready to start, but he is certainly an exciting prospect to watch for the future.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/9/16/9335249/film-room-jake-fishers-first-gameKyle Phelps