Intriguing Game- Week Five
Miami Dolphinsat Cincinnati Bengals
Dolphins: After winning their first three games, they were humbled in week four after losing their first game of the year to the New England Patriots. They couldn’t do anything right in that game. The offense struggled to move the ball down the field, the defense gave up the most points it has all year (38) and they were outcoached, outhustled and outplayed then again, they were facing a team who was in a must-win situation after losing its last two games. Despite the horrible performance, they still sit alone in first place atop the AFC East but I don’t see them remaining there because of their inconsistent defensive play. They average a little over 20 points per game on the offensive side of the ball and they give up 22 on defense. Something has to give. It’s good to see Ryan Tannehill back on the field after suffering an injury that cost him his 2017 season. In their last 17 games together, Tannehill and Adam Gase have a record of 11-6. In their three wins, they’ve run the ball. Sunday, it seemed they forgot to do that and it hurt them. You never get away from what’s helped you win games. They will look to get back to the winning side of things on Sunday in a battle with the Bengals.
Bengals: They really had to grind that game out on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons and the Dalton/Green connection was what gave them the victory. I can sit here and say that I didn’t see the Bengals at 3-1 after their first four games and in first place in the AFC North. Then again, it’s been a down, yet interesting year in the division with the Browns finally winning a game, the Steelers and their mess and the Ravens are also sitting at 3-1. Andy Dalton is off to one of the best starts of his career and has the Bengals off to their best start since 2015. I know the record is what it is, but they still aren’t a contender to me. Every year, they get off to a hot start and they have people talking and when it matters most down the stretch, they disappear and we’ve seen this from them way too many times and that’s exactly why I don’t take them seriously. Their defense has struggled at times this year because the offense has been able to carry the team. After playing three of their first four games on the road, they begin their heavy slate of home games.
Dolphins Player To Watch: Kenyan Drake– Hey, remember him? He only got eight carries last Sunday for six yards. Don’t be afraid to establish the running game especially if that was helping you win football games. He should have some success against the Bengals defense that isn’t so strong.
Bengals Player To Watch: Vontaze Burfict– He’s finally back after serving a four-game suspension and his presence can make all the difference. We can talk about the antics off the field all day long, but what he does on the field speaks many volumes.
Final Analysis: It’s been such a crazy start to the year in the NFL with the shocking upsets, the teams who we expected to be strong off to slow starts and you have these two who are in first place after one-quarter of the season in the books. This game will tell us more about both teams when it’s all said and done. The Bengals offense should have a field day with the Dolphins defense.
Prediction: Bengals 30 Dolphins 21
