Bengals Get Struck Late As Chargers Win 34 – 27

Date: Wednesday November 20, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

The Bengals went to the Chargers. They started off slow. The Chargers were hot in the first half, leading with the score of 24 – 6 at halftime. In the second half Burrow and the offense made a push. The defense played better forcing Chargers to punt and causing a turnover with a fumble. Burrow threw for 356 yards and 3 TD’s. Higgins had 9 catches for 148 yards and 1 TD. Chase had 7 catches for 75 yards and 2 TD’s. RB Brown had 86 yards rushing and 5 catches for 57 yards.

Just when you think late in the game Bengals could turn the corner, things got rocky. They had a chance to get another away win. Bengals moved the ball on offense and got in FG range. In the 4th quarter, McPherson missed two field goals. These were costly and changed momentum of the game. At the end of the game Chargers got the ball. It looked like there was a chance the game could go into OT. Chargers were able to get in field goal range. They ran a run play and ended up getting a TD with 20 seconds left. Bengals had one last chance to tie the game. Burrow got a good pass play and they got to the 50. a last second hail mary was almost caught by Higgins that could have possibly sent the game to OT.

The Bengals need to get to 9 – 8 to make the playoffs and secure a Wild Card spot. Alternatively, they must win out and finish 10 – 7. It is possible to do this. However, the defense of the Bengals needs to play consistently. The offense also needs to keep putting up points. It is a tough task but I still believe they will make it in the playoffs. When they do you know none of the teams want to face Burrow. It is the BYE week this week. After this week Bengals play the Steelers in a must need win.

Who Dey!!!

Bengals Squander Opportunity vs Ravens

Date: Tuesday November 12, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

The Bengals went to Baltimore for Thursday night football. They aimed to secure a win and split the regular season 1-1 against the Ravens. They also sought to get to 5-5 for the season.

The Bengals offense and defense complimented one another in the first half as the Bengals defense contained Lamar Jackson. Bengals were up 14 – 7 at halftime. To begin the 3rd quarter the Bengals were able to score again and go up 21 – 7. However, the Ravens got into rhythm after a fumble by Bengals RB Brown. Ravens cut the lead to 21 – 14. At this point each team kept going back and forth with scoring. Ravens were able to get 2 TD’s because of poor tackling by the Bengals defense. Burrow and Chase kept giving the Bengals a chance to keep the lead and win.

At the end of the game, Burrow went the length of the field. Chase got a TD, putting them down by 1. There was less than a minute to play. Coach Zach Taylor decided they should go for 2. I also think that was a good idea. However, the play call was questionable. They didn’t even attempt to throw Ja’Marr the ball. Instead, they threw to one of the tight ends. The play had several issues. There was holding on defense where they were holding TE Gesicki. Additionally, there were three facemasks, including one on Burrow as he went to throw the ball. The failed 2-point conversion resulted in the Ravens getting the ball and kneeling the ball to end the game.

The Bengals are now 4 – 6 instead of being able to be 5 – 5. Each game should be approached with a playoff mindset. They are only 1 game back from the last playoff spot in the AFC. There are 7 games left. If they run the table and win all last 7 games they go 11-6. If they can go 6-1 in last 7 games they can finish 10 – 7. Getting to 10 wins is huge to make the playoffs on the AFC. This is very attainable if the defense can gather themselves. They need to play consistently and avoid big waves of playing well. Burrow is playing MPV level. Chase is playing as the best WR in NFL. Trey Hendrickson is showing why he is a top DE. If the Bengals can end these last 7 games playing consistent football they will get into the playoffs.

Bengals play Chargers on Sunday night football this upcoming Sunday. They then get their BYE week. After the bye its rounding third and headed home as they play the Steelers, Cowboys, Titans, Browns, Broncos, and Steelers. I see the Bengals finishing the season 10 – 7 and getting a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. If you ask any AFC team who gets into the playoffs, they would not want to face the Bengals as they know how dangerous they can be.

Next up Chargers! Let’s get that W and get to 5-6 at the BYE week. Let’s make a playoff run. The road to the Super Bowl begins now for the Bengals. Playoff mindset here on out.

WHO DEY!!!

Bengals & Burrow Focused as they Win 41 -24

Date: Wednesday November 6, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

The Bengals hosted the Raiders in a must win game to get to 4-5. It was a home game in which the Bengals started out the year 0-4 at home. That is such a bizarre stat as I have not seen that in a long time.

Bengals came out on a mission with Burrow leading the way. Burrow threw for 27/39, 251 yards, 5TDs, & 1 INT. Without Tee Higgins for this game, the offense improvised. They used their Tight Ends and RB Brown to divide the workload. The defense came out and played a solid game. It is now looking to get back into rhythm with the way it should play. DE Trey Hendrickson had 4 sacks and is now the league leader in sacks with 11.

The Raiders showed they still have QB issues. These issues should be resolved in the off season. This can be done with the draft or by picking up a better veteran QB. Bengals defense contained the offense. The score was 41-17. A late TD by Raiders gave them 24 points. Raiders defense is a solid defense but Burrow was able to pick them apart. There are a few things Burrow wanted to have back. The pick 6 – play did not develop how it should because of a missed block causing the interception. Additionally, 2 dropped passes in the 4th quarter could have sustained 2 different drives and bleed out the clock.

Next up for the 4-5 Bengals are the Ravens tomorrow night in Baltimore for Thursday night football. A win in Baltimore would give the Bengals the split for the regular season with the Ravens. It would place the Bengals at 5-5. They would be right in the hunt for the playoffs.

Who Dey!!!!

Eagles Snatch a W as Bengals Fall Short

Date: Tuesday October 29, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

Bengals came into the week to get 3 wins in a row. However, the fell short as Eagles snatched the win 37 – 17. It was closer than the final score indicated. Burrow and the offense came in steady. They had one of the longest opening drives in recent years. This led to a Chase TD. The Bengals then got a FG to lead 10 – 3. At halftime the score was even 10 – 10.

Things were looking good as it was an even matchup between the teams. The Eagles started the second half strong. They scored an opening drive TD to go up 17 – 10. Burrow and the offense came right back and answered with a TD to tie the game 17 – 17. At this point the game shifts. QB Hurts went deep for a TD which the WR made a good catch. This puts them up 24 – 17. The Bengals get the ensuing kickoff and are moving down the field. Burrow tried a deep pass down the sideline to Chase that looked like it went incomplete. Yet, the CB tipped the ball. It landed in the Safety’s hands because they were in the right place at the right time. Eagles capitalized on this. They scored 13 more points. They went on a 20 – 0 run between the end of the 3rd and 4th quarters.

The Bengals tried to battle back but 2 big mistakes cost the offense late in 3rd and 4th. Bengals had a 4th and short situation. They threw a horizontal pass to Chase to try to gain yards. Chase had no blockers. Bengals did not get a first down and Eagles took advantage and scored on their next series.

Bengals still had a chance midway through the 4th to cut the lead to a one score game. However, a costly fumble by TE Gesicki on a first down play put the Eagles in scoring position. This sealed the game for the Eagles as the Bengals fell short.

The running game needs to be more consistent. The Bengals must improve to make a solid run at going 7-2 in the last 9 games. The defense should bend but not break. They need to play solid defense by limiting big plays. If they can do this the Bengals can go 7-2 in last 9 games.

They play at home against Raiders next week. Then play play away at Ravens and Chargers. These 3 wins can put the Bengals at 6-5 going into December. They will then host the Steelers then travel back to back weeks to play Cowboys and Titans. Then last 3 games are home against Browns, home against Broncos, and then away at Steelers.

The Bengals surprisingly do not have a home win yet this year. Now is the time to get a home win to be 1-4 at home. There is a chance they can go 4-4 at home. Bengals need to get to 10 wins to have a shot at the Wildcard for the playoffs. If there is any team to pull off this it is the Bengals and Burrow. They need to believe in one another and execute on the field. I believe they can do this……do you?

Next up Raiders!!!!!

Who Dey!!!!

Bengals Defeat Browns in Thrilling AFC North Showdown

Date: Monday October 21, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

Bengals went to the Browns for “the Battle of Ohio.” It was a classic AFC North battle. They won 21 – 14. Bengals received the ball first. Charlie Jones got the kick and ran the return for 100 yards and a TD! It was the second longest kick return for TD in Bengals history.

The Bengals got out to a 7-0 lead. The first half of the game was a good defensive battle. Both defenses forced the offenses to punt from midfield throughout most of the first half. In the second quarter, Browns QB1 Watson attempted to scramble. He promptly fell down and tore his Achilles on his right leg. It is a season ending injury in what is another shortened season for Watson in year 3 being in Cleveland. He has only played in 18 games in 3 seasons as a Brown. This might end up being one of the worst trades the Browns have made in team history.

In the 3rd quarter the Bengals came out and scored 2 TD’s as Burrow threw TD’s to Chase and Higgins. RB Chase Brown and RB Moss ran hard and help control the clock in the second half. Late in the 4th quarter Browns QB Winston threw a late TD. Bengals recovered the onside kick and knelt the next two downs to allow the clock to expire.

The Bengals are clawing back in the standings and are now 3-4 headed into week 8. The Bengals will host the Eagles (4-2) on Sunday October 27 for their “white out” game. The all white uniform and helmet is a cool feature they have added for one of the uniforms. They are one of the best alternate uniforms any of the NFL teams have.

With a win next week, the Bengals can be 4-4. They will then head to Vegas to play the Raiders. Then they could get the W and be 5-4. Then, they will play the Ravens for the second time this season. A win in Baltimore would split the regular season series 1-1 with the Ravens. It would give the Bengals an advantage for standings by the end of the season. Every game is a playoff atmosphere for the Bengals. They thrive in this and believe will help them as the playoffs approach. Let’s go Bengals !

WHO DEY!!

Bengals Secure Win: Defensive Dominance and Offensive Highlights

Date: Wednesday September 16, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

Sunday night football was a great statement game for the Bengals. They needed a W to keep their playoff and Super Bowl Dream alive. For the first time since the Chiefs game the Bengals defensive front were all healthy. It showed in the game as they managed to add continuous pressure on Giants QB Daniels. Defense played how Bengals fans thought they would play like they did against the Chiefs in Week 2. Bengals defense did their part causing turnovers and punts.

Joe Burrow and the offense came into the game averaging over 30 points per game in the last 3 games. Some of the drives stalled, but the offense got into a groove. They moved the ball up and down the field. On the second drive, Joe Burrow ran the ball on 3rd and 18. He went 47 yards for a rushing TD!!! It is the longest QB run for TD in Bengals history. Higgins and Chase had solid numbers each going for over 70 yards each. Chase Brown sealed the game in the 4th Qtr. with a TD.

Even though the offense did not score 30 points a win is a win. Next up is a division game versus the Browns. With a win over the Browns the Bengals can be 3-4 and headed in the right direction.

Also, yesterday the Browns traded WR Cooper to the Bills. Raiders sent WR Adams to the Jets to reunite with Aaron Rodgers.

It will be an exciting week of football !!

WHO DEY!!!

Bengals Lose Pivotal Game 41 -38 to Ravens in OT

Date: Monday October 7, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

Sunday was a classic AFC North battle coming down to the wire. Sometimes these games are low scoring but not yesterday. The Ravens and Bengals offenses both displayed how they can score quickly or sustain long drives and get TDs. Defenses showed flashes of stopping drives but for the most part both offenses dictated the game. The Bengals effectively stopped the run until the second to last play in OT. They forced the Ravens to pass most of the game.

Ravens QB Jackson went 26/42 for 348 yards & 4 TDs along with 55 rushing yards. Bengals QB Burrow went 30/39 for 392 yards & 5 TDs 1 INT along with 1 rushing yard. Chase had 10 catches 193 yards 2 TDs & Higgins had 9 catches 83 yards 2 TDs.

The defense failed to make key stops in the 4th quarter. Additionally, a costly INT by Burrow allowed the Ravens to tie the game at the end of regulation. In OT, the Ravens won the toss. Jackson had a costly fumble. The Bengals got into field goal range to win the game. However, a botched placement of the ball cost McPherson to miss the kick left. The Ravens got the ball. They advanced into field goal range. Tucker nailed the kick to win a thriller in Cincinnati.

Bengals drop to 1-4 and all 3 losses combine to 15 points they have lost by. This illustrates the importance of making key plays at the end of games. Securing those plays can shift a record from 1-4 to 4-1. If the defense can clean up some things as they get healthy, and they match what the offense is doing, the Bengals can become a very dangerous team. They can make a run. It is going to be a tall task but if any team can do it this Bengals team can. It will be one game at a time and one win at a time.

Bengals “BYE” Week is week 12. They have 7 games to get on track. They aim to possibly be 8 – 4 or 7 – 5. This record would put them back into the playoff hunt. Bengals play Giants, Browns, Eagles, Raiders, Ravens, and Chargers before the BYE week. Bengals have a chance to be 5 – 4 before playing the Ravens. If they can do this and then beat the Ravens in Baltimore, the Bengals could be 6 – 4. They would then have the split with Ravens matchups this season.

This Bengals season is not what people expected but each season has its journey. Can the Bengals climb out of this and get back into playoff contention? I think so. I believe they can. Time for them to close out the 4th quarters and get some Ws.

Who Dey!!

Bengals Get Much Needed Win 34 – 24

Date: Tuesday October 1, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

Bengals headed to the Carolina Panthers and faced off against for Bengals franchise QB Andy Dalton. Bengals players knew Dalton would be steady and not faulter as he has shown the Panthers why he is their starting QB. Dalton had a solid game going 25/40 for 220 yards; 2 TDs and 1 INT with a QB Rating 83.3. Bengals defense showed up and made enough plays this game to allow Burrow and the offense to take grasp of the game. Burrow went 22/31 for 232 yards; 2 TDs and 1 INT with a QB Rating 100.5.

Ja’Marr Chase had 3 catches for 85 yards and 2 TDs. Tee Higgins had 6 for 60 yards. Burrow had 8 different people with receptions during this game. The running game was on point as RB Moss had 15 carries for 51 yards and RB Chase Brown had 15 carries for 80 yards and 2 TDs.

Burrow and the offense have found a good rhythm. They are showing they can point points up on the scoreboard. Slowly the defense is getting back some people that got hurt either right before game 1 vs Patriots as well as people that got hurt during game 1. Next week Bengals host the Ravens. RB Henry has been a nice addition to the Ravens. They are a run first and quick short/medium pass team with occasional deep throws. Bengals need to try and contain them as much as they can with running with giving up some yards but the question is can they make the necessary stops at key times to eliminate big plays. If they can Bengals can control the ball on offense and keep Jackson & Henry off the field. Time for Bengals to get this next W to get to 2 -3 before going to New York to play the Giants in game 6.

Who Dey!!!

Bengals Lose 3rd Straight

Date: Tuesday September 24, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

The Bengals offense tried to offset the Bengals defensive struggles but ended up losing their 3rd straight game by one score or less. They lost to the Commanders 38 – 33.

The Bengals defense struggled to stop 3rd down plays. Washington’s QB Daniels went 21 – 23 passing; 254 yards; 2 TD’s. Burrow and the Bengals offense ran the ball well and passed efficiently with Burrow throwing 29/38 for 324 yards and 3 TDs. Chase had 6 for 118 and 2 TD’s.

Either team did not punt as it seemed the game could be high scoring and it was. The Bengals offense was fun to watch but on the other hand it was frustrating watching the Bengals defense be able to stop 3rd or 4th down plays. One stop could have changed the course of the game but it never happened.

The Bengals defense needs to clean up a few things and play with the demeanor they did when they played the Chiefs. If you play all games like that then you will win a lot of games. The offense has found its form and with Tee Higgins back it adds the needed wrinkle into the offense.

The Bengals have 4 big games coming up playing Panthers, Ravens, Giants. and Browns. If they can catch fire now they can be 4-3 and 2-0 in AFC North which could give them an edge in AFC North standings. Bengals have 8 more games until their bye week. If they can go 6 -2 in next 8 games they will be 6 – 5 and will have 6 games left where they could finish 10-7 or 11-6 and be able to win the AFC North. It will not be easy but if there is anyone who could pull it off I believe this is the team that can. We will see what happens !!

Next up for the Bengals is traveling to Carolina and playing against “Red Rifle” Andy Dalton and the Panthers.

Let’s go Bengals and get the W train started! Who Dey!!!

Here are some pics from the game last night:

Bengals Fumbles Results in First Loss

Date: Thursday September 12, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

Bengals hosted the Patriots. Bengals came out rusty as the Patriots came out with something to prove. Errors with 2 fumbles cost the Bengals an opportunity to be the winners. First half offense was sluggish but they got into better rhythm in the second half and made a slight comeback. Unfortunately the effort was too late and they lost 16 -10. Bengals will regroup and play better. It is a trend last 4 years Bengals struggle during first 2 games and then they adjust. That trend needs to be reversed someday and start out and stay on fire. Next up, headed to Chiefs!!

Week 1 of the NFL last week had plenty of action:

Chiefs hosted the Ravens and outlasted them 27-20 in a close game. Ravens almost ties it at the end.

Eagles and Packers played in Brazil. Eagles won 34-29 in a decent game. At the end of the game QB Love unfortunately hurt his knee and could be out anywhere 3 – 6 weeks depending on how his healing and rehab go.

Steelers edged out the Falcons as QB Cousins struggled as the game went on. Steelers QB Fields got his first win as a Steeler. It remains unseen when Wilson will get the start per his injury. Once healthy Wilson will be the starter.

Bills played the Cardinals in a close game as QB Allen was able to will his team to a victory at home. Safety Damar Hamlin started as he has been announced as their starting safety this season. He had 1 solo tackle and 2 assisted tackles. We will see how long he stays the starter. He is on the last year of his rookie deal. He may be looking for another team to play for after this season.

Titans lose to the Bears at Chicago as Titans QB Levis made a poor QB decision in the second half and threw an underhand pick 6 which the throw should have never happened.

Texans played at Colts in a close game. Texan pulled away with a 29-27 victory in which newly acquired RB Mixon had a stellar game with 30 carries 159 yards with 1 rushing TD and averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He also had 3 catches for 19 yards.

Dolphins hosted the Jags. It was a rough start for Miami before the game as WR Hill was pulled over for speeding, then was arrested and then let go in time to make it to the game. Miami played rusty but by 4th quarter worked out the rust and pulled out the win 20 – 17.

Saints hosted the Panthers. QB Carr and company destroyed the Panthers 47 – 10. Did the Panthers even know there was a game…..Carr went 19-23 for 200 yards and 3 TDs. RB Kamara had 13 carries for 83 yards and a TD.

Vikings played at Giants where they crushed New York 28 – 6. WR Jefferson had 4 receptions for 59 yards and 1 TD. Giants QB Jones went 22 -42 for 186 yards with 2 INTs. Daniel Jones will be on the hot seat. Will he even be the starter by the end of the season?

Chargers hosted the Raiders. New Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh got the W as the Chargers won 22 – 10. Chargers capitalized on their opportunities to score.

Seahawks hosted the Broncos and won 26 – 20. New Broncos rookie QB Nix threw 2 INTs. Seattle QB Smith played steady and led his team to victory.

Cowboys played at Browns. Cowboys played a solid game as the Browns struggles with QB Watson throwing 2 INTs. Cowboys win 33 – 17.

Buccaneers played the Commanders. Tamp QB Mayfield led the way and Bucs win 37 – 20.

Lions hosted the Rams and edged out the Rams in a close game winning 26 – 20. Rams had a lot of offensive linemen get hurt during this game. We will see how the team adjusts for week 2.

49ers hosted the Jets and QB Rodgers. 49ers took care of business and won 32 – 19. We will see how Rodgers adjusts to his Jets offensive weapons this season. Glad to see he is healthy.

Good luck to all teams going into week 2.

Who Dey!!