Cincy Jungle - NFL Week 12 Cincinnati Bengals vs St. Louis RamsWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2015-12-02T16:00:02-05:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/95646692015-12-02T16:00:02-05:002015-12-02T16:00:02-05:00Week 12 PFF grades and analysis for Bengals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v7sXHFpQpoWXp3j7Szq0XwMgUeo=/0x19:3924x2635/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47781763/usa-today-8962194.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Our friends from Pro Football Focus sent us their observations from the Bengals' big bounce back win over the Rams on Sunday and we're breaking it down for you with our analysis.</p> <p id="paragraph0">The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> improved to 9-2 with a seemingly easy win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>. At this point in the season, every win is huge. This one means that they are guaranteed to have a winning season and are extremely close to locking up a playoff spot; not to mention the division. This kind of dominating win usually comes on the heels of multiple great high level performances from many players on the team. The best graded players by our friends at Pro Football Focus this week were: <span>Geno Atkins</span> (+6.3), <span>Leon Hall</span> (+3.6), <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> (+3.2), <span>Wallace Gilberry</span> (+2.4), and <span>A.J. Green</span> (+2.1).</p>
<h4>Offense</h4>
<p id="paragraph1"><span>Andy Dalton</span> had a fairly average game (+0.1), which doesn't really accurately describe his game by itself. He wowed us with some incredible throws over the middle of the field to A.J. Green and <span>Tyler Eifert</span>, both of whom caught touchdown passes. But, there were also some pretty poor throws like the interception pass thrown to <span>Janoris Jenkins</span> that was really just forced into an area that he had no business throwing to. He also ended the game with his seventh passer rating over 100 of the season (121.4), so his bottom line was much better than what Pro Football Focus gave him credit for.</p>
<p>Obviously Green was a great contributor this week, but let's not forget the contributions of <span>Marvin Jones</span> (+0.8) and <span>Mohamed Sanu</span> (+0.2). And then there's <span>Ryan Hewitt</span> (+1.3) who had a really good game. He caught both of his targets for 29 yards (12 after the catch), both of which extended drives at crucial times.</p>
<p>While it was a great game for so many players on the team, we can't say the same for <span>Giovani Bernard</span> (-2.1). Bernard fumbled and bumbled his way to a poor game in the running game (-1.2), but he had an even worse day in the passing game (-1.7) despite one incredible 45 yard reception from Andy Dalton. But, he did receive a positive grade for blocking the quarterback (+0.2).</p>
<p>Speaking of blocking, <span>Clint Boling</span> continued his good season by recording his seventh positive grade of the year (+1.0). Despite allowing a QB hurry and committing a holding penalty, he was generally effective as a pass blocker (+0.2). He was also very effective as a run blocker (+1.1) and as a screen blocker (+0.5).</p>
<h4>Defense</h4>
<p id="paragraph4">Geno Atkins continued his resurgent year, recording the highest overall grade on the team (+6.3) for the second week in a row. That came as a result of four QB hits, two hurries, and one sack as well as two tackles for loss and three stops. He had the highest grade of any NFL DT this week. Luckily Atkins was around to balance out a particularly bad game for second year defensive end <span>Will Clarke</span> (-3.5). Clarke's poor pass rush grade (-1.6) and poor grade against the run (-2.0) were the worst of all Bengals defenders.</p>
<p>That said, the story of the defense this week was the excellent play from the safeties. <span>George Iloka</span> (+2.1) and <span>Reggie Nelson</span> (+1.6) were the fifth and sixth highest graded safeties in the NFL this week, making them the highest graded safety tandem in the NFL this week. They both recorded an interception for their pass coverage grades, but Iloka's (+1.7) was slightly better than Nelson's (+1.6) as a result of also recording a pass defensed.</p>
<h4>Special Teams</h4>
<p id="paragraph6"><span>Kevin Huber</span> has always been an asset for the Bengals during his tenure with the team, but this week he recorded his highest grade of the year (+2.6) and was PFF's highest graded punter in Week 12. It came as a result of pinning the Rams back within their own 20 yard line on one of his four punt attempts, although not recording any touchbacks. He averaged 48.3 yards per punt, which was good for the fifth highest average in the NFL this week.</p>
<h4>Signature Stats</h4>
<p id="paragraph8">Despite the generally dominant performance by the defense this week, the Bengals had an issue with missed tackles. <span>Rey Maualuga</span> recorded his second lowest grade this year (-1.8) on account of four missed tackles. <span>Dre Kirkpatrick</span> has been really bad at completing tackles this year, missing five in run support and 10 in the passing game. He has the worst combined tackle efficiency in the NFL with 3.9, though PFF says Sunday was Kirkpatrick's best overall game to date this season. Kirkpatrick had a +2.0 overall grade and was targeted 11 times, allowing six catches, but for only 34 yards. He also had three pass breakups, and he actually led the Bengals in stops with five. Sunday was Kirkpatrick's second positively graded game all season by PFF.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/12/2/9832508/week-12-bengals-vs-rams-pro-football-focus-grades-and-analysisKyle Phelps2015-12-02T15:00:03-05:002015-12-02T15:00:03-05:00Week 12 Bengals vs Rams: What We Learned
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ELMrVNtC50MgQu4v0OmKS8Q1bp4=/0x0:1983x1322/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47783553/usa-today-8962333.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After going 24 days without a win, the Bengals got back to the business of hanging "W's" on the board. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> are back on the winning path and there's a lot to be happy about in Bengaldom as the squad gets ready for their short trip to Cleveland. After a resounding win, here's what we learned from the Bengals in Week 12.</p>
<p><b>The concern over the Bengals' two game losing streak can be put to rest. </b></p>
<p>I am not sure if the bandwagon of an 8-2 team has ever unloaded so quickly, but going into the game against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">Rams</a>, you would think the Bengals were 5-5 playing for their playoff lives the way many fans were acting. Either way, 31 points against one of the better defenses in the league is enough to put a lot of concerns to rest...or should be.</p>
<p><b>The offensive line answered a big call on Sunday. </b></p>
<p>My biggest concern about the matchup with the Rams was their impressive defensive line being a tough test for the Bengals' struggling offensive line. The Rams have arguably the best defensive line in football and had 30 sacks coming into the game. The Bengals' offensive line, on the other hand, has given up a lot of pressure on Dalton in the past few weeks. The Bengals line answered the call. The Rams left Paul Brown Stadium with the same amount of sacks as they had entering the game and to make things better (for the Bengals), they had zero quarterback hits. This isn't rocket science - when the line keeps the pressure off Dalton, he is really good.</p>
<p><b><span>Tyler Eifert</span> is the best red zone target in the NFL. </b></p>
<p>Coming into the season, Eifert had two career touchdowns. Through 11 games, he has 12 touchdowns and is on pace to tie Rob Gronkowski's record season of 17 touchdowns. Only four players in the history of the NFL have had more than 17 receiving touchdowns in a season - <span>Randy Moss</span> (23), Jerry Rice (22), Sterling Sharpe (18) and <span>Mark Clayton</span> (18). Teams know he is getting the ball and they still can't stop it. At 6'6" and 250 pounds, Eifert is a load to cover, but what makes him so dangerous is his ability to run great routes; no player in the game uses his body to shield the defender better than Eifert.</p>
<p><b><span>Giovani Bernard</span> owes Eifert a nice dinner. </b></p>
<p>Speaking of Eifert, his biggest play of the game may not have been his touchdown, but rather his recovery of Bernard's fumble. With a score of 17-7, the Rams were still in the game and it looked like the Bengals were about to take full control when Bernard took a short dump off 45 yards to the St. Louis 27 yard line only to fumble. Luckily for Bernard, Eifert was hustling down the field behind him and recovered at the Rams' 20. Two plays later, Dalton hit <span>A.J. Green</span> for an 18 yard touchdown and put the game out of reach.</p>
<p><b><span>Andy Dalton</span> was good...again.</b></p>
<p>After 11 games, Dalton now sits comfortably in the top 10 in every major statistical category for quarterbacks (top five in most), including third in quarterback rating and second in QBR. Say what you want about his weapons and his defense, but this team goes as Dalton goes.</p>
<p><b>The Rams' passing game is terrible. </b></p>
<p>While I like the Bengals secondary and would love to say the poor play of the Rams' passing game was solely the result of the secondary, the fact is, <span>Nick Foles</span> is bad and the Rams' wide receivers aren't threatening.</p>
<p><b>The Bengals' run defense had their most impressive day of the season</b>.</p>
<p>My second biggest concern going into this game was the Bengals' run defense and their ability to stop Todd Gurley. With just 19 yards on nine carries (2.1 YPC), consider the test passed. Outside of the 60 yard reverse to <span>Tavon Austin</span>, the Bengals held the Rams to just 34 yards on 16 carries.</p>
<p><b><span>Adam Jones</span>' presence makes a huge difference.</b></p>
<p>I still believe, if Jones played against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a>, the Bengals would have won that game. While the Rams have zero passing attack, and the Bengals' secondary would have held up without Jones, you could see the difference Jones makes just in terms of energy. Jones is hands down the Bengals' best corner, one of their emotional leaders and the secondary is markedly better when he is on the field.</p>
<p><b><span>Jeremy Hill</span> is alive!</b></p>
<p>For the first time in 2015, we saw the Jeremy Hill we expected to see. While he has still yet to reach the 100 yard mark, Hill's 86 yards on 16 carries (5.4 YPC) were refreshing to see. When he is running with power like he was Sunday, it causes the defense to make a choice: commit to the run and leave themselves vulnerable to the Bengals' passing attack, or, play the pass and take their chances that Hill gashes the six or seven man front. On Sunday, the Bengals did both.</p>
<p><b>There really is a first for everything.</b></p>
<p>I have been going to Bengals games for 25+ years now, and never have I seen someone drop their pants - and underwear - as a celebratory touchdown dance. That changed this past Sunday. Yes folks, unfortunately, I saw this occur one row behind me in section 336 after Leon Hall's pick six and I will forever have the image burned deep in my retinas.</p>
<p>...On to Cleveland.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/12/2/9833778/week-12-bengals-vs-rams-what-we-learnedScott Bantel2015-12-02T11:21:05-05:002015-12-02T11:21:05-05:00Hall wins AFC Defensive Player of the Week award
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ypQTowAhX6YFYTVgDwJe419_gEk=/0x176:2039x1535/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47785181/usa-today-8961438.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Leon Hall's 2015 season has been a nice bounce back from a subpar 2014. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a> got back to their winning ways this past Sunday with a 31-7 defeat of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a>.</p>
<p>It was a game the Bengals dominated throughout, but it was cornerback <span>Leon Hall</span> whose third-quarter pick-six off of <span>Nick Foles</span> put the game out of reach. For his efforts, Hall has been named the Week 12 AFC Defensive Player of the Week.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4AO-3WpheqQvraY8KGmQ35B2cSM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4315989/Animation_64.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p><span> This is the second time Hall has claimed this award in his nine-year career. He earned his first AFC weekly defensive honor in Week 16 of 2008, when he tied a Bengals single-game record with three interceptions at Cleveland, including one for a 50-yard touchdown during his team's 14-0 win. </span></p>
<p>Hall also racked up six tackles and two pass deflections in Sunday's win. While the pick-six is what got the attention, he also made several tackles on the edge to keep the Rams ground game at bay for four quarters. Foles finished the game with just 228 passing yards to go with three interceptions, and Hall rarely allowed his receiver any breathing room, something he's been doing a lot more this season.</p>
<p>In fact, Hall is quietly having a nice bounce-back season after a subpar 2014 that came after he tore his Achilles midway through the 2013 season. He's part of a Bengals' pass defense allowing just 6.8 yards per pass attempt, the <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/passing/sort/yardsPerPassAttempt/position/defense">sixth-fewest </a>of any team. Though Hall is now 30-years-old, it's clear he still has plenty left in the tank, and he's making a strong case to be re-signed this offseason when he becomes a free agent in March.</p>
<p>This season, Hall has recorded 34 tackles, two interceptions and nine pass deflections. He's climbing up the franchise record book for career interceptions and now stands at 26, the fourth-most any Bengal has ever had. Last Sunday's interception broke a tie with Bengals great Lemar Parrish, who had 25 interceptions in his career.</p>
<p>Hall is now five interceptions behind David Fulcher (31) for third-place all-time and seven behind Louis Breeden (33) for second-place. Hall probably won't come close to Ken Riley's career mark of 65, but it still speaks to how important Hall has been to the Bengals that he ranks highly on the all-time interceptions list for the franchise.</p>
<p>As for the rest of the Bengals, this award is the fourth weekly or monthly AFC award earned by a Bengals player this season. Wide receiver <span>A.J. Green</span> was named Offensive Player of the Week for his 227-yard, two-touchdown performance at Baltimore on Sept. 27. Kicker Mike Nugent won the special teams honor for his game-tying and game-winning field goals on Oct. 11 against Seattle. Quarterback Andy Dalton was named Offensive Player of the Month for October, when he led the Bengals to a 3-0 record with a 111.6 passer rating on the month.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/12/2/9835122/leon-hall-wins-week-12-afc-defensive-player-of-the-weekJason Marcum2015-12-02T10:00:06-05:002015-12-02T10:00:06-05:00Rams vs Bengals: Tackling lone issue on Sunday
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NcDqOrniJSj87tz3jTF1bSENkA8=/0x324:2183x1779/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47763825/usa-today-8962163.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We hate to point out negatives in such a lopsided win for the the Bengals, but one glaring issue on Sunday afternoon was the defense's inability to get Rams players on the ground at first contact.</p> <p>Here comes your dose of cold water, <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> fans.</p>
<p>Call it nitpicking if you would like, especially in such a dominant win, but the Cincinnati Bengals' defense had a tough time tackling the St. Louis ball-carriers on initial contact. Some of it is expected with some exciting <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">Rams</a> weapons on the roster in the form of <span>Tavon Austin</span> and <span>Todd Gurley</span>, but against many other teams, this issue could have led to a much closer contest.</p>
<p>Now, let's be honest, aside from this issue, all three phases of Cincinnati's attack played well on Sunday, and with the defense grabbing three interceptions, a sack and allowance of just seven points, they largely dominated St. Louis. I'm merely pointing out a frustration and worry for future contests. In fact, check out some information our own Josh Kirkendall supplied via Twitter:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> defense, as a whole, were my superstars today. <a href="https://t.co/Fp51GmZJL1">pic.twitter.com/Fp51GmZJL1</a></p>
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) <a href="https://twitter.com/Josh_Kirkendall/status/671072770948775936">November 29, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Gurley was held to just 19 yards on nine carries and the Rams had under 100 team rushing yards. St. Louis had a frustrating knack of escaping would-be Bengals tacklers to turn big losses into minimal gains and what should have been short-yardage plays into a rare big pop.</p>
<p>Let's take a look at a play from the Rams' opening drive, on second down. The St. Louis game plan, aside from feeding Gurley, was to make life easy on <span>Nick Foles</span> with short throws where his guys could possibly get extensive yards after the catch. Austin would be the focal point of the plan. On second down, he took a pass behind the line of scrimmage and was seemingly squared up by safety George Iloka. The veteran safety had his arms around Austin, but the slippery wideout avoided a tackle and made it a third and one.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://gfycat.com/ifr/GrizzledRadiantArieltoucan" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="480" height="300" style="-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;-webkit-transform: scale(1);"></iframe></p>
<p>Ironically, one play later, Iloka stopped Gurley in the backfield to force a punt. On St. Louis' second possession, they moved the ball a little bit and one play was particularly frustrating. It was one of those plays where solid effort from one unit and poor execution from the opposition nets yardage when it should have been a loss. A gang of tacklers met Gurley, yet somehow he slipped away and turned it into a four-yard gain.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="first quarter tackle" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5mj-TLD0svk9ZJyx4jwkm3Mq5hU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4314871/1st_quarter.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Again, it's nitpicking, given the team's 31-7 lead as the fourth quarter drew near, but laziness, possible fatigue and poor form led to other plays of positive yardage that should not have netted anything. On a second and nine with almost 12 minutes to play in the third quarter, Foles threw a familiar screen pass to Austin. The ever-shifty No. 11 made a play that was well-defended, turning what should have been about a seven-yard loss into a seven-yard gain. <span>Rey Maualuga</span>, <span>Carlos Dunlap</span>, <span>Geno Atkins</span> and <span>Dre Kirkpatrick</span> all missed opportunities to bring down Austin prior to where he was finally stopped.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="early 3rd quarter tackle" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RP6eYLxwZW2fwsuscjpqdhIqJbQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4314875/3rdquarter.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Backup running back <span>Tre Mason</span> was made grounds with a swing pass late in the third quarter. The defense likely began to hit cruise control a little bit, but poor efforts late in the game popped up. Mason took the pass and scooted past both Kirkpatrick and <span>Shawn Williams</span> for a first down conversion.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="end of third quarter tackle" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FOOZFrnCMWqzwAmhIWvK63V30xg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4314879/endof3rdquarter.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The defensive unit played well as a whole. Foles was often flustered, overall yardage was low and three interceptions forced always spells a good day. However, poor tackling has been a bit of an issue for the Bengals' defense throughout the year. With Geno Atkins back to his All-Pro form and <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> returning from the PUP list, many believed those issues would be remedied. Atkins and Burfict have definitely helped, but evidence of problems could be seen against St. Louis, regardless of the outcome.</p>
<p>It may be digging deep to find a sole issue, but, this cannot continue as the year winds down and the playoffs near.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/film-room/2015/12/2/9815632/bengals-defensive-tackling-lone-issue-in-31-7-win-over-ramsAnthony Cosenza2015-12-02T09:00:08-05:002015-12-02T09:00:08-05:00Bengals o-line has much-needed bounce back vs Rams
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LcojIKlejSqwxPFngZBzYyHL8lM=/0x128:3947x2759/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47781897/GettyImages-499165684.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The offensive line dominated the trenches on Sunday as Cincinnati easily beat St. Louis.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> raced out to an 8-0 start this season thanks in large part to the large men blocking up front.</p>
<p>But that changed during Cincinnati's two-game losing streak that saw the line struggle mightily. They allowed <span>Andy Dalton</span> to be sacked eight times along with 12 quarterback hits. They weren't getting much push on the ground either as the Bengals averaged 3.46 yards per rush during the team's losses to the Texans and Cardinals (their season average is 4.0).</p>
<p>The NFL's worst rushing offense (Cleveland, of course) is averaging just 3.4 yards per rush, a good sign that getting so little on the ground makes it hard to win, even in today's pass-happy NFL. Another sign the Bengals' line was struggling is they allowed 12 combined tackles for loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>.</p>
<p>That's a good indicator of quick penetration as a result of missed assignments. Any lineman worth his weight should be able to do enough to block guys one-on-one enough to at least allow his running back to get back to the line of scrimmage. Tackles for loss often happen when a defender gets a free release into the backfield, often the result of a missed block. The Bengals have too good of an offensive line to be allowing that much penetration to any team, and they made it a point to get it fixed this past week against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>.</p>
<p>Though star defensive end <span>Robert Quinn</span> was out, St. Louis still sported a formidable front that included All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald. He came into Week 12 with <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fratings%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2015%2F12%2F2%2F9832426%2Fbengals-offensive-line-much-needed-bounce-back-vs-rams" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus'</a> highest grade by an interior defensive lineman to go with 16 sacks and 92 tackles over his first 27 games. He's a force in the middle, wrecking many offensive game plans, but not this time.</p>
<p>The Bengals' line held Donald in check the entire game and limited him to just three tackles with no sacks. In fact, Cincinnati didn't allow Dalton to be sacked or even hit on Sunday.</p>
<p>"Our guys played well. We knew the challenge we were going to face," <a href="http://www.bengals.com/media-lounge/videos/Dalton-Postgame-News-Conference-1129/76a614de-e817-4048-ac10-6096cf776958" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Dalton said Sunday</a> of the Rams. "They’ve got a good front. Our guys responded. They were stout up front. That’s what you have to do when you face a team like that."</p>
<p>The line also helped pave the way for the ground game to rush for 4.5 yards per carry, one of their best games this season. After two weeks where their ability started to come into question, the line gave up a grand total of 0 combined sacks, QB hits and tackles for loss Sunday after giving up 32 against Arizona and Houston. It's safe to say that theory of winning in the trenches directly relating to winning games is pretty accurate.</p>
<p><span>Andrew Whitworth</span> obviously buys into that, as well as winning on first and second down. That helps prevents the 3rd-and-long plays Cincinnati frequently faced during the two-game losing streak.</p>
<p>"We really just said we had to run the ball efficiently and not put ourselves in similar situations we got ourselves in the last couple weeks with 3rd-and-forever," <a href="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Rams-at-Bengals-Postgame-Quotes/374c3d29-7cf3-42ba-9675-c0c442ee642d">Whitworth said Sunday</a>.</p>
<p>Running the ball effectively helps that effort, and the Bengals ground game looked as good or better on Sunday than it has all season.</p>
<p>"We’re getting better and better at it, and today we able to operate," Whitworth said. " At this time of year, it’s going to be important to win — to be able to rush the ball."</p>
<p>As for shutting down Donald, Whitworth said the Bengals didn't do anything special, they simply relied on their solid guard duo of <span>Clint Boling</span> and <span>Kevin Zeitler</span> to slow the All-Pro down.</p>
<p><span> "We really just looked at our protections and not necessarily made an adjustment, but we made sure we knew where he (Donald) was," Whitworth said. "I think the guards did a great job against him. It was a great job of executing today."</span></p>
<p>Head coach <span>Marvin Lewis</span> always wants to see his team win in the trenches, something he knew they did against St. Louis.</p>
<p><span> "I think an important part of the game is to walk away feeling good about the line of scrimmage on both sides, which I think we did," </span><a href="http://www.bengals.com/media-lounge/videos/Lewis-News-Conference-1130/9ab38585-9539-4369-8081-ba9882a65c88">Lewis said at his Tuesday press conference</a><span>." There are always areas to clean up and do better, but all in all, it was a good job yesterday."</span></p>
<p>As good as the line was Sunday, they need to look even better this coming Sunday against a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> defense that has been dominated in the trenches frequently this season. The Browns have just 16 sacks (<a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/passing/sort/sacks/position/defense">tied for third-fewest</a>), are rushing for just 3.4 yards per carry (<a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/rushing/sort/yardsPerRushAttempt">dead last</a>), and have just two rushing scores (<a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/rushing/sort/rushingTouchdowns">tied for second-fewest</a>). They've also allowed a combined 19 QB hits in their two most recent losses to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>.</p>
<p>Needless to say, if the Bengals bring their A-game again on Sunday, they'll finish the day being 10-2 and still alive for the top seed in the AFC for the playoffs.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/12/2/9832426/bengals-offensive-line-much-needed-bounce-back-vs-ramsJason Marcum2015-12-01T16:25:01-05:002015-12-01T16:25:01-05:00Week 12 Bengals vs Rams: Play of the game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6YQJZCWcL99rN1LeT32Vx06volI=/0x45:3675x2495/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47771487/usa-today-8961671.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We take a look at the best plays from the Cincinnati Bengals in their 31-7 win over the Rams in Week 12. Cast your vote and sound off on your winner!</p> <p>It was a perfect game for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> to use as a bounce-back performance after two losses. If you believe in "the primetime curse", playing the 4-6 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> at home at 1 p.m. EST on a Sunday certainly spelled out a win. To those who believe the Cincinnati Bengals simply ran into two hot teams fighting for playoff positioning, the game was an inspired win, allowing the Bengals to take out a lesser opponent.</p>
<p>Regardless of the stance, the Bengals scored 31 points and had a number of big plays in the process. We look at the biggest plays of Sunday afternoon and ask for your vote. Which play was your favorite on the day?</p>
<h3>A.J. Green's First Quarter Touchdown Reception:</h3>
<p>The Bengals' defense forced a three-and-out from the Rams on their opening possession, and then, it was the offense's turn to take early control of the football game. After a methodical drive of runs and passes, quarterback <span>Andy Dalton</span> hit an inexplicably wide-open Green in the back left corner of the end zone for a 7-0 lead.</p>
<p><iframe width="480" height="300" frameborder="0" src="http://gfycat.com/ifr/FrightenedPertinentAmericanbittern" scrolling="no" style="-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;-webkit-transform: scale(1);"></iframe></p>
<h3>Tyler Eifert's 22-Yard Touchdown Grab:</h3>
<p>After the Rams cut the lead to an uncomfortable 10-7 score, the Bengals needed to put the pedal to the metal. The nine previous plays brought Cincinnati's offense to St. Louis's 22-yard line, marking a pivotal point as to where the game would be headed from there. Dalton found Eifert between three Rams defenders to take a 17-7 lead.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="EifertTDRams" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_zj6cT6BfIQeQW8-IjHoN0pDdT0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4313221/EifertTDRams.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<h3>Giovani Bernard's 45-Yard Catch, Fumble and Recovery by Eifert:</h3>
<p>The Bengals were on their way to a rout midway through the third. They had a ten-point lead as well as the ball in their possession, ready to strike. They decided to call a safe play to Bernard and let him do the work. He scampered 45 yards, but had the ball poked out at the end. Eifert jumped on it and the Bengals scored a touchdown two plays later.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BernardEifert" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GFIPbtOHd_pzMmECGOPHSN4MoJA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4313271/BernardEifertRams.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<h3>A.J. Green's Second Touchdown Catch:</h3>
<p>As mentioned above, the Bernard play set up Green's second touchdown of the afternoon from 18 yards out. He weaved through traffic to make the nice catch and give the Bengals a 24-7 lead.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="GreenTD2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-mQAccAlnA020kJVsnzHphKP8cg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4313289/GreenTD2.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<h3>Leon Hall's Pick-Six:</h3>
<p>The savvy veteran was sitting on short routes thrown by <span>Nick Foles</span> all afternoon and finally had it pay off big time toward the end of the third quarter. Hall returned an interception 19 yards for a back-breaking score to put the Rams away for good.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Leon" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SAV74nKBlFbtD9EhSlSUXFRwYtY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4313329/Leon.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/awards/2015/12/1/9822684/week-12-bengals-vs-rams-play-of-the-gameAnthony Cosenza2015-12-01T13:00:04-05:002015-12-01T13:00:04-05:00Dalton mesmerized Rams on Eifert touchdown
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k8fEcKoLv1CkloFFHoJCP1axYEg=/202x329:2170x1641/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47775041/usa-today-8961717.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In this weekly column, we keep track of Andy Dalton's play against the Bengals' weekly opponents. </p> <p><span>Andy Dalton</span> absolutely dominated the St. Louis Rams by catching them unprepared time and time again, leading the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> to an easy 31-7 victory and a 9-2 record. For highlights and detailed analysis of some of Dalton's most impressive plays, you can watch the following video:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FNX8cKvxyp0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h4><span>The Data:</span></h4>
<p>Dalton went 20/27 for 233 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also ran for four yards on two carries and was not sacked at all, despite facing a defense that had 30 sacks coming into the game. Dalton's QB rating was 121.4 and his QBR was 93.6.</p>
<h4>Deconstructing Dalton:</h4>
<p>Dalton's immense success in this game was due to his quick pre-snap adjustments, his ability to confound safeties with his eyes and pump fakes, and his perfect timing. One example is the touchdown pass to tight end <span>Tyler Eifert</span> late in the second quarter. <a href="http://insidethepylon.com/author/nazz45/">Brian Filipiak of insidethepylon.com</a> joined us for this episode of The Dalton Dispatch and gave an amazing analysis of the play.</p>
<p>It all started with the initial formation:</p>
<p>"The Bengals go with an extra offensive lineman and initially align in an I formation with [tight end] <span>Ryan Hewitt</span> lined up at fullback in front of [running back Giovani] Bernard," Filipiak said. "The Bengals have Eifert positioned as an in-line tight end to the right of Dalton, and [wide receiver A.J.] Green as the lone wide receiver out to the left. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Rams</a> counter this run heavy look with their base defense in a 4-3 alignment and walk a safety into the box over Eifert," Filipiak said.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ew6UDeUVvKt4w9E8ar0qOnVEXlg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4312045/1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Dalton then changed the play late, forcing the Rams' defense to defend the pass:</p>
<p>"With just a few seconds left on the play clock, Dalton sends Hewitt in motion, splitting him wide to the right. The Rams shift in the secondary and show a cover 3, or three deep look," Filipiak said.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T6pMF7ISAQnL9MOPJj_AM_62itI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4312047/2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Filipiak noted that this gave Dalton ample time:</p>
<p>"The Bengals use a seven-man pass protection, keeping Bernard in to block. Against only a four-man pass rush, the protection does a great job of building a wall to Dalton's left while also creating space and a throwing lane for the quarterback."</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SHNdrMjgrR6ed8wB7hUoUmhHAaw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4312049/Look_Off.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Filipiak then provided a diagram of the play and explained that:</p>
<p>"Cincinnati only has three receivers in route on the play, with Green running a deep fade, Hewitt on a short curl and Eifert working the seam up the right hashmark," he said. "With a clean pocket - and plenty of time - to work with, Dalton's initial three step drop is used to look off safety Rodney McLeod. Dalton eyes Green on the fade route throughout his drop and uses a pump fake to draw McLeod's attention away from his true target - which is Eifert running down the seam, splitting the underneath zone defenders and eventually McLeod and cornerback <span>Marcus Roberson</span> down field."</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0YuEXJssRPil8q7KQttEoXsJCPE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4312051/Route_Concept.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Filipiak credited Dalton's pump fake with creating the space for Eifert to score:</p>
<p>"After completing the pump fake, Dalton pivots to the right and delivers the pass to Eifert. The tight end snatches the ball at about the two-yard line and braces for contact. However, Roberson has too much ground to cover and McLeod - thanks in large part to Dalton's manipulation - is unable to impact the play. Eifert backs into the end zone unimpeded for his league-leading 12th receiving touchdown on the season."</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vILJUGKSBLTntvJgQKq4Isi0FOA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4312053/Seam_Route.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>On Deck:</h4>
<p>In Week 13, the Bengals head to Cleveland for the second edition of the 2015 Battle of Ohio against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Browns</a>. The Browns' pass defense dropped from eighth overall in 2014 to 25th this year. Dalton and the Cincinnati offense took advantage of Cleveland's depleted secondary in the first matchup, winning 31-10. But the Browns showed fight in a loss to the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> Monday night and will look to take out the frustration of six straight losses on their intrastate rivals.</p>
<h4>Dalton's Direction:</h4>
<p>No change. While he was brilliant against St. Louis, Dalton looked just as good against Arizona the previous week. The difference in the outcome of this game was better protection from the offensive line and the defense's ability to suffocate the Rams' offense. Dalton's body language has never been better, which means the Bengals should be able to avoid a letdown in Cleveland.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/12/1/9826064/week-12-rams-vs-bengals-the-dalton-dispatch-breaking-down-tylerDadio Makdook2015-12-01T11:00:07-05:002015-12-01T11:00:07-05:00Rams vs Bengals: Revisiting 5 keys to victory
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5ZSLfDVKTP51SAnsYxgHM_aRncM=/0x42:3365x2285/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47775613/usa-today-8962086.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Last week we posted the five things the Bengals needed to do (or avoid) to come away with a win against St. Louis. Now we're going back to see how accurate those keys were and if the Bengals accomplished them.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> beat the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">Rams</a> in a game that was never really in question. Cincinnati's squad did mostly everything right on offense, defense and special teams. Here, we look back and evaluate if the Bengals followed our game plan for success.</p>
<h3>No Turnovers</h3>
<p><span>Andy Dalton</span> had a bad interception. He knew it as soon as he tossed the ball. He winced with the knowing he made a mistake. He then came out and answered with touchdown drives. Mistakes happen and many fans were quick to turn on the quarterback as soon as it happened:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vintage Andy right there.</p>
— Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) <a href="https://twitter.com/CJAnthonyCUI/status/671051545090265088">November 29, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>I kid with AC, but this sentiment is shared by many people anytime Dalton has a hiccup. He finished the game with a 121 passer rating, three touchdowns and more than 200 yards, yet people still jab at his game. Another terrible mistake avoided was <span>Giovani Bernard</span> fumbling the ball after a long run after a catch. Luckily Tyler Eifert was in position to recover the ball.</p>
<h3>Play to your ability</h3>
<p>The Bengals played well. There were some missed tackles, but the defense held an NFL offense to under 10 points again and the offense moved the ball relatively easily. This is the way the game should have gone. If you consider yourself one of the premiere teams in the league, you should handle a bad team easily. The Bengals did.</p>
<h3>Stop Todd Gurley</h3>
<p>The Rams boast a couple of play-makers that should make opposing defenses nervous. One of those guys is Todd Gurley. The Bengals clamped down on him and held him to 19 yards on 9 carries. That is an absolutely awful day for the Rams' star, rookie running back. Another threat is <span>Tavon Austin</span> who did boast 63 yards on the day. But, when you realize one of his carries went for 60 yards, the rest of his day looked pretty terrible too.</p>
<h3>Run the Ball</h3>
<p><span>Jeremy Hill</span> looked to be on track to top 100 yards in this game. An injury derailed his chances but what he did do was gain 86 yards on 16 carries. That is almost a 5.4 yards per carry average. If this is how he runs for the remainder of the season, the Bengals are going to be in great shape.</p>
<h3>Stay Healthy</h3>
<p>This is the point in the season where the game starts to take a toll on teams. Two premiere tight ends were hurt this weekend in <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> and Jimmy Graham. The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a> are decimated and the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> quarterback is banged up again. The Bengals are not immune to this either. The secondary is trying guys out off the couch while Eifert, <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> and Hill all left Sunday's game with injuries, as did <span>Emmanuel Lamur</span> and Chris Lewis-Harris. The extent of the injuries is unknown, but <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/11/30/9823150/bengals-te-tyler-eifert-didnt-suffer-any-structural-damage" target="_blank">Eifert is questionable for Sunday already</a>.</p>
<p>Did the game play out like you expected? Let us know in the comments.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/12/1/9826640/week-12-st-louis-at-cincinnati-revisiting-5-keys-to-bengals-victorywhodeyfans