What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, so McCarron survived, and he will be able to utilize his experience moving forward. The Bengals know it. The Cincinnati Bengals, meanwhile, had already clinched the AFC North and were holding out hope of a first-round bye in the playoffs. Now that Andy Dalton has his cast off, the possibility of the “Red Rifle” starting in the first round of the NFL Playoffs seems to have some real potential.
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The subtext to that one: Houston’s defense picked off Dan Fouts five times to set up the win. Now’s the time to get analytical; show him you truly understand the nature of the game. “I’m going to let this process take care of itself and keep working and try to get back as soon as I can”.
The Bengals gave up a lot of yards and big plays this season, but were tough near the end zone.
Behind players like Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins, their defense ranks second in the league in points allowed (the most critical defensive statistic).
Defensively, the Bengals have managed the Steelers’ dynamic receiving corps of Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton to only one touchdown catch in the two regular season contests.
All year, the +2.5 underdog Bengals have managed to bend but not break, giving up ample yardage but not points, allowing just 17 points per game. Most of the blame had been placed on Andy Dalton for the losses, but now, the blame can’t be placed on him, as he has been ruled out for Saturday’s game with an injury to his thumb, which happened the last time the Steelers went to Cincinnati in Week 14. The Patriots will host Cincinnati if the Bengals beat Pittsburgh on Saturday.
“It isn’t about the schemes”, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said. Despite their somewhat inconsistent play, the Steelers found a way to sneak into the postseason (thanks in part to the Buffalo Bills) as the No. 6 seed in the AFC. He’s a great competitor. “We believe in AJ McCarron”.
Cincinnati’s defense can get pressure on Roethlisberger from up the middle or around the corners. Between Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins, Cincinnati can rush the quarterback very well too. He’s thrown three touchdown passes and no interceptions, i.e., he hasn’t beaten himself.
He went 22-for-32 for 280 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions in a 33-20 loss. In the second game, it was 31. In that game we had two turnovers.
Burfict is finally in form after missing the first six games while recovering from knee surgery. Dalton was having an MVP-caliber season before injuring his thumb a few weeks ago, and his status is uncertain at best for this game against Pittsburgh. Although the chemistry between McCarron and their star receiver Green hasnt looked bad i just cant see a team with such little overall offensive strength outscoring the Steelers… “He’s the spark of this defense”.
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The problem in facing the Steelers is you’re going to get a battle as long as Ben Roethlisberger is alive and has at least one leg to throw from. “By his presence alone, there’s a sense of being at ease, knowing that no one has anything to worry about”. “He’s done well. Still, Andy Dalton is the Bengals’ quarterback and if he is healthy with work behind him, he will play”. Keith Wenning, who was promoted from the practice squad December 16, is McCarron’s backup. Receiver Mohamed Sanu has taken snaps in wildcat formations and could be an emergency quarterback. But he did not practice Thursday…. He was evaluated for a concussion and sore back after Sunday’s game.
