Fansided

NFL: Grading Each Team’s First Half

By Brad Rowland

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Cincinnati Bengals fan reacts in the stands during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
A Cincinnati Bengals fan reacts in the stands during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Bengals

Following a three-week stretch in which they were dominated in two losses and uninspiring in the league’s lone tie of the season, the Cincinnati Bengals fell completely off the map. Of course, they responded with an impressive home win in Week 8, and now, the Bengals sit atop the AFC North once again.

It is impossible to erase the memories of Cincinnati’s ineptitude against both New England and Indianapolis, but the Bengals should have a healthy A.J. Green moving forward, and that should greatly help their offense. Andy Dalton is always going to be a reaction point for anyone who evaluates this team, but he is a better player when Green is healthy and dominating, and Dalton can rely on some quality skill players to ease his burden.

The defense has been, unquestionably, disappointing, but there is a long track record of effectiveness here. It would appear that the Bengals are somewhat of a mediocre team given their negative point differential, but in the same breath, it is tough to kill a team with modest preseason expectations that currently holds the division lead in the gauntlet that is the AFC North.

Grade: B-

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