Bengals search 3rd instantly win: 5 storylines to observe lately vs. Chargers
The closing time the Cincinnati Bengals got here off a lopsided divisional win, they adopted it with two in their worst video games on protection, and the offense couldn’t get it in combination to stop a couple of disappointing losses.
Extensive receiver Tyler Boyd stated the Bengals may have lost sight of the New York Jets after the Week 7 win at Baltimore, and they may be able to’t manage to pay for a letdown this week. After a 41-10 win over Pittsburgh, Cincinnati (7-4) appears to be like to stay the momentum going lately in opposition to the L.A. Chargers (6-5) at Paul Brown Stadium.
The Bengals are searching for their first three-game win streak of the season, and trainer Zac Taylor instructed media Friday “now’s an opportunity to achieve some actual momentum” towards a playoff spot.
Listed below are 5 storylines to observe Sunday:
1. Run for it
Joe Mixon has rushed for greater than 100 yards in two instantly video games and had a occupation day in opposition to the Steelers with 165 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. He may well be in retailer for any other giant sport because the Chargers have the worst run protection within the league (145.3 dashing yards in keeping with sport).
Mixon wishes simply 76 yards to succeed in 1,000 for the season, which might be his 3rd time attaining that milestone in 5 NFL seasons.
“When he will get going and he’s assured and he’s operating downhill, I don’t assume somebody can forestall him,” tight finish Drew Pattern stated. “Once we’re in a position to present him some lanes up entrance, give him some room to make that reduce and hit that hollow, he’s bad, I believe probably the most bad again within the league. It’s at all times a laugh while you begin to see video games like that. Some video games, they’re dirty video games. 5, 3, 4, two backyard runs after which we’ll hit a 10-yarder and in some video games you roughly get the ones larger, explosive performs. We’re simply looking to put him in the most productive spot for him to be the participant that he’s and credit score to the O-line, the receivers and everybody for looking to get that going.”
2. Take a look at for Burrow
Pattern and offensive coordinator Brian Callahan each famous that the stats for the Chargers run protection are slightly skewed on account of how excellent they’re within the cross protection. Ceaselessly warring parties have to show to the run to have any good fortune on offense in opposition to L.A.
The Chargers rank 5th whilst permitting simply 204.9 passing yards in keeping with sport. A part of this is drive from avid gamers like defensive finish Joey Bosa (7.5 sacks), however protection Derwin James is any other key.
“You’ll inform they in reality need to remove giant performs,” Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow stated. “That’s roughly a commonplace theme around the league this 12 months when groups are taking part in us. They need to remove giant performs, on account of the fellows we’ve at the outdoor, so we’re going to must take our alternatives the place we get them. We’re no longer going to simply run the ball and dink and dunk, we need to take some pictures. We additionally need to be sensible. Derwin is among the very best avid gamers within the league. He’s a laugh to observe on tape. He makes a large number of performs and in reality affects the sport.”
The Chargers might be with out cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (concussion) and protection Alohi Gilman (quad), as each had been dominated out for the sport. The ones are their lone two accidents.
3. Alternative for protection
The Bengals face some sturdy offenses within the again finish of the time table. The Chargers convey their very own set of demanding situations.
Quarterback Justin Herbert, who was once drafted No. 6 general in 2020 in spite of as soon as being mentioned because the No. 1 pick out, has the highest overall quarterback ranking within the league and ranks fourth in passing yards with 3,230 to move in conjunction with 24 touchdowns. He’s were given huge receivers Keenan Allen (895 yards receiving) and Mike Williams (744 yards receiving), and operating again Austin Ekeler is a danger out of the backfield at the floor and in the course of the air. Ekeler has 604 yards dashing and 473 yards receiving.
“It unquestionably doesn’t get any more uncomplicated right through this stretch however our center of attention has were given to simply stay at the Chargers and it’s,” Taylor stated. “That’s all that’s going round this construction. What Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler and this complete team of offense brings to the desk, and accept as true with me, there’s nobody taking a look previous that. … They’re succesful, they have got lots of guns. Tight ends, backs, nice quarterback. And so it’s a problem and we will be able to no longer glance previous them for one 2nd and that is the largest sport of the season so far.”
4. Offensive line questions
Taylor stated proper take on Riley Reiff and heart Trey Hopkins might be game-time selections with ankle accidents leaving them questionable. Each didn’t observe all week, however Taylor had indicated Wednesday that was once the plan no less than for Wednesday and Thursday and the workforce was once nonetheless hoping they may well be to be had.
Hopkins has long past via complete weeks with out training this season on account of his fast restoration from ACL surgical procedure, but when he can’t play Sunday, rookie Trey Hill would get the nod. If Reiff can’t move, Isaiah Prince would get his first get started and what a matchup he may just face with Bosa.
“He’s earned each and every proper to be the swing take on,” Callahan stated of Prince. “He had a excellent camp and a excellent preseason and as he’s getting roles in our heavy programs and such things as that as the additional tight finish, he’s executed a pleasant task. He dumped a man that closing sport at the perimeter as soon as, and he’s been stable in that position. When he will get an opportunity one day to play right here or anywhere his occupation takes him, I believe he’ll be an excessively cast take on.”
5. Different issues
The Bengals have already got some problems with punt and kick returns on account of Brandon Wilson being on injured reserve and Darius Phillips suffering every now and then, however now Phillips is combating again from knee and calf problems. He practiced in complete Thursday and Friday after being out Wednesday so it sort of feels he’s excellent to move, but when he has a setback, the choices are getting skinny within the go back sport. Chris Evans (ankle) is in doubt and would had been regarded as another way. Pooka Williams may well be known as upon if wanted.
Cincinnati is also skinny on the receiver spot past the beginning 3. Auden Tate is coping with a calf damage after thigh issues prior to now, and he and Mike Thomas (sickness) are each in doubt. Defensive finish Khalid Kareem is also in doubt on account of sickness.
TODAY’S GAME
Chargers at Bengals, 1 p.m., CBS, 700, 1530, 102.7, 104.7
