Falcons at Bengals final score: Cincinnati topples Atlanta, 24-10
In today’s matchup, the devils of last season haunted the Atlanta Falcons as they drop their second game of the season to the Cincinnati Bengals, 24-10.
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Atlanta’s run-game was non-existent. The offensive line was brutalized by Cincy’s defensive line. That’s not a good recipe for Atlanta. Never has been and never will be.
After an even 3-3 in the first quarter, Cincy, despite Mike Nugent missing three field-goals broke away from Atlanta, scoring 21 unanswered points in the second and third quarters, two on the ground and one in the air. From there, the Falcons fought to put up points, but were unable to muster up a true comeback.
For the entire game, Matt Ryan was never able to grow comfortable in the pocket. This played into the hands of the Bengals as they were able to disrupt Ryan’s comfort in the pocket with four or five defenders consistently, allowing the defense to better defend the receivers. The method worked, forcing Ryan into 3 uncharacteristic interceptions.
But gives the Bengals’ offense credit. Without All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Green (foot) for 98 percent of the game, the running game carried the offense. Behind the legs of Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill, the Bengals rushed for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns.
And when the Falcons looked to have stopped the run, Andy Dalton pushed the team in the air. Even wide receiver Mahomed Sanu got in on the fun, tossing a 50-yard pass to Brandon Tate out of a reverse-turned-pass trick play.
For the Bengals, all that’s important as of now is the health of A.J. Green. Re-injuring a toe that affected his play last season could be an issue as the season progresses and without him, it’s hard to see this Bengals team posing a threat to anyone in the playoffs.
But with him, that changes. Right now, it’s arguable that Cincy is the best team in the AFC, depending on how the Patriots continue to play. And that’s where this team is expected to be in Year 3 of Dalton-Green.
For Atlanta, it’s back to the drawing board. If last seasons issues remain relevant, it’s going to be hard for them to play out this season as one of the best teams in the league. The run game, unless someone breaks out, it doesn’t look to be improving any time soon which ultimately puts more pressure on Matt Ryan who, if the offensive line doesn’t improve, won’t have time in the pocket to make the right decisions.
At 2-0, the Bengals remain at home as they prepare for the Titans in Week 3. Atlanta, at 1-1, they head into Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers.