The Cincinnati Bengals live by way of a season of heartbreaks. With 4 losses already on the books, each a nail-biter, they’ve earned the title of the NFL’s unluckiest group.
Their Week 5 conflict in opposition to the Ravens was simply one other chapter on this story of near-misses, leaving followers questioning what might have been.
However don’t depend them out simply but. ESPN’s Mike Greenberg isn’t able to slam the door on the Bengals’ playoff hopes.
On a latest ESPN Radio phase, he shared his take:
“Look Cleveland is horrible, the Steelers usually are not actually that good, the Ravens are the category of that division however the Bengals completely had them beat yesterday. Even at 1-4, I’m not prepared to put in writing off Cincinnati.”
Greenberg sees a glimmer of hope of their remaining schedule, suggesting they might nonetheless emerge from the AFC North with a decent file.
And he’s not incorrect to carry onto that hope. Joe Burrow confirmed flashes of brilliance in opposition to the Ravens, with the Bengals holding a 10-point lead three separate occasions within the second half. However by some means, victory slipped by way of their fingers as soon as once more.
The true thorn in Cincinnati’s aspect? Their protection. As Greenberg suggests, “Their protection is so unhealthy.”
They’re languishing at thirtieth in factors allowed per drive and second-worst in defensive success fee, in keeping with ESPN Analysis.
They’re giving up 29 factors a sport, barely edging out the Panthers’ 33.
Nevertheless it’s their third-down and red-zone protection that’s actually killing them. Within the final three video games, opponents have been changing these essential alternatives into touchdowns at an alarming 83.3% fee.
The Bengals aren’t simply combating for a playoff spot anymore; they’re battling to reclaim their identification as a group.
They want wins, and so they want them quick.
