NFL: Separating the contenders from the pretenders
Cincinnati Bengals (3-0): Contenders
With all due respect to Marshawn Lynch, the Bengals are playing on beast mode. Like the Ravens, the Bengals keep you from scoring and they score themselves. They rank sixth in the NFL in scoring, averaging 26.7 points per game. They rank as the best in points allowed, allowing just 11 points per game.
They are right in the middle in rushing yards, averaging 121.7 yards per game, but you can expect an uptick in production from Giovani Bernard.
The Bengals and Ravens have already battled this season, meeting up in the opening week at Baltimore. The Bengals came out on top, winning 23-16. They meet up again in Week 8 in Cincinnati. That should be a war.
Andy Dalton has been calm and cool in the pocket, and making the right plays so far. He has completed 65.5 percent of his passes, and has played the role of game manager. After the playoff failures, it looks like some of the pressure of the offense is being alleviated.
The Bengals’ offensive line has done a great job. They are opening up holes for the running backs, and they have yet to allow a sack on Dalton.
The Bengals are being built much the same as the Seahawks were, a great defense to go with an effective offense. They haven’t experienced the same success, but they are certainly dominating this season. They will continue to use that defense to a division title and a high seed in the AFC.
Now, if they can just exorcise those playoff demons…