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NFL: 5 Teams Dangerously Close to the Panic Button

By Bryce Olin

Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) leaves the field after losing to the Miami Dolphins 27-14 at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) leaves the field after losing to the Miami Dolphins 27-14 at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) gets pressured by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Erik Walden (93) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) gets pressured by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Erik Walden (93) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Cincinnati Bengals (3-2-1)

What happened to the Bengals?

In 2013-14, the Bengals had the league’s fifth-best scoring defense and only allowed 19.1 PPG. This season, Cincinnati’s defense is allowing 23.3 PPG and is ranked 18th in the league.That increase wouldn’t exactly mean the Bengals were struggling, but the offense isn’t close to as good as it was last season either.

Last season, the Bengals were the sixth-best scoring team in the league and averaged 26.9 PPG. This season, the Bengals are averaging 22.3 PPG and got shutout against Indianapolis in Week 7.

What’s the deal?

Well, A.J. Green’s injury has caused the Bengals’ offense to go flat, but Giovani Bernard and Andy Dalton are struggling to get going this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bengals are getting no push from their defensive line. Cincinnati only has 6.0 sacks this season, which ranks them 30th in the league, and they are giving up 146.3 rushing yards per game, also 30th in the league. If they can’t get pressure on the quarterback or stop the run, the Bengals have no chance at recovering this season.

With more than half the season left, the Bengals look like they should be able to compete for a wild card berth, but the Ravens look far better than Cincinnati this season and have played like it so far. It might not be time to press the panic button in Cincinnati, but a loss this week at home against the Ravens could be a huge blow to Cincinnati’s postseason hopes.

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