What happened to Cincy?

[RaineV1]

Through the first four weeks of the season, they're really good and kicking butt. The Ravens were the only ones to even have a close game with them. But then the Patriots kicked their butt, they tied with the Panthers, and then the Colts straight up shut them out (The Ravens offense was prolific against the Colts when compared to what the Bengals did). It's like they somehow swapped places with the Bengals of the 90s. What happened?

[hawkprey]

Some of the top teams in the league played each other the first few weeks (Packers-Seahawks, Chargers-Cardinals, Colts-Broncos), so they gave each other losses while the Bengals coasted to a fairly easy 3-0 after 4 weeks.

 

Also, teams needed time to figure out their offense. Apparently that's happened. With AJ Green and some defenders back, they could be a playoff team, but probably just the 6th seed.

[Inqui]

At the same time, they lost to a rebounding Patriots team and a very good Colts side. Not that it really justifies their tie with the Panthers (lol), but I don't think they're as bad as they've looked in the past few weeks.

 

Other teams having time to figure out their new system is definitely a factor though - and a big one. These next few weeks will show what they really are. I'm guessing it's somewhere between the first four weeks and the past three.

[ravensdan]

That long tie game affected both the bengals and panthers. It is a clear disadvantage. And no coincidence both teams got worked this week. That extra game time is a big deal in this league. Particularly both going on the road. The bengals aren't that bad.

[redrum52]

Injuries.

[ellicottraven]

Cincy happened to Cincy! They are just a terrible franchise but have surprised over the past couple of years making it to the playoffs. This is what can happen if you pick 12-15 straight years in the top 10 of every draft. Even the Bengals can luck out with some talent and that is where they are!

[AsianRice]

Injuries.

no depth....

 

Who worse than us losing 2 superstar OT? and subs with 2 rookies....

[redrum52]

They don't have their starting 2 wrs and their lb core is comical. I think Ertz is hurt as well and I'm not sure how their o line is. KO, maybe, but Monroe isn't exactly a superstar. AJ Green sure is though.

Also, we were kind of lucky to face teams for the most part with weak pass rushes for our injuries. If we went against 5he Colts with no Torrey or Steve

[The Cysko Kid]

The same thing that happened to pitt. The browns kicked their @$$

[Bobby]

WOW..we make Dalton look like Johnny U and then last night he was like a JV kid out there....crazy league....

[H8R]

Yep... We sure blew some chances against those guys... Both games could have been won... Instead BOTH were L's. If we could have gotten 1, we would have been in nice shape! This week is a MUST WIN!

[cobrajet]

Yep... We sure blew some chances against those guys... Both games could have been won... Instead BOTH were L's. If we could have gotten 1, we would have been in nice shape! This week is a MUST WIN!

Both our losses to them were heartbreakers!!!!!!!!!!!

[Moderator 3]

Not trying to start smack, but this is hilarious.

http://profootballmock.com/bengals-sign-automated-throwing-machine-replace-andy-dalton/

[757RavensFan]

Asking what happened to a team that we lost to three straight times?  Yeah that makes sense.