Cowboys can absolutely win third in a row and Bengals expert's harsh but fair assessment of AFC foe explains exactly why
The Dallas Cowboys are set to host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football in Week 14 for what will be a matchup between struggling teams trying to secure a much-needed win for the fanbase. It's difficult to know what to make out of these teams given the expectations they had going into the season compared […]
The Dallas Cowboys are set to host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football in Week 14 for what will be a matchup between struggling teams trying to secure a much-needed win for the fanbase.
It's difficult to know what to make out of these teams given the expectations they had going into the season compared to the actual results they've found with a combined 9-15 record.
As such, I reached out to A to Z Sports' Bengals expert John Sheeran from some insight on the Cincy side of things.
Starting by Sheeran's harsh but fair assessment on the Bengals defense, comparing their athleticism and questioning if it's at the level of top college football teams, let's dive into his takes on the Bengals, ranging from their top defensive problems to where Micah Parsons could best be deployed.
1. The Bengals defense looks like it’s had many problems. What’s been the biggest reason for their struggles?
Eventually you run out of ways to say they stink. 90% of their defensive line cannot win as a pass rusher. They find themselves out of position so often in the back end. I’d bet most powerhouse college programs are more athletic in comparison on all three levels. Most players who were assets during the playoff runs of 2021-22 are now liabilities. They simply can’t keep up.
Note from Mauricio: This was even before the Bengals lost LB Logan Wilson for the season.
2. Over the last couple of weeks, Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has used Micah Parsons all over the place, even lining him up at defensive tackle. Who’s the weak link on Cincy’s OL that they could exploit Parsons with?
Right now Parsons has the advantage no matter where he lines up. Orlando Brown Jr. has been great when healthy, but he’s not right now. He tried playing through his fibula injury last week and Steelers edge Nick Herbig abused him late in the game. Amarius Mims has proven to be capable at right tackle, but Parsons of all people should be able to exploit his inexperience. Not one of their interior linemen can stop Parsons on a stunt. That would be how I’d deploy him Monday night.
3. The Bengals have a losing record but boy, that offense looks dangerous. Is there anything that has worked well against Joe Burrow?
Sheeran: Outscoring him has worked wonders and that’s not even been his fault. 33 points or more is supposed to be an automatic win for teams. Not this one. As far as specifics, Burrow’s one weakness this year has been his ball security. He’s fumbled seven times including three in the last two games. It’s tough to corral him in and out of the pocket, but going for the ball has been a worthy strategy.
4. It seems to be like the Cowboys have little shot of slowing down the Bengals offense. But can Cincy run the ball efficiently late in the game if they’ve got a lead to protect?
I like what running back Chase Brown has become as a starter. He capitalizes on the slightest of holes and is a burst of energy whenever he touches the ball. The problem is this offensive line can hardly generate movement at the point of attack and they can’t block on the move at all. That prevents them from being able to grind out games for four quarters. Much like the defense, they need to reevaluate everything they know up front.
