The Bengals, after moving on to the next round, were tasked with taking on the Titans in Tennessee. They were able to get a two score lead in the second half, but the Titans clawed back. The game was tied late, with Tennessee looking to go on a game winning drive. However, Cincinnati was able to force a clutch turnover, leading to a quick game winning drive for the Bengals. It was a hard fought game, with plenty of positives to take with them. After all, it wasn’t an easy environment to play with. But at the same time, there were some issues that are a major cause for concern.
The Good:
– K, Evan McPherson
McPherson might have had the game of his life. The kicks on their own were impressive, but the magnitude increases when you look at the situational pressure. He went 4/4 on the day, hitting from 38, 45, 54, and 52 yards respectively. The 52 yarder was the game winner as time expired. He hit the ball with confidence and perfect technique, something that is not easy when the pressure is on. His kicks from distance were right down the middle and would have been good from even further out. McPherson also successfully made his only extra point attempt.
– DT, DJ Reader
You could make a great argument for Reader being the best defensive player in this game. He was the key player going into the game. As the team’s top run defender, stopping Derrick Henry would largely fall on his shoulders. Reader was up to the task, making plays in the backfield and creating penetration in the most crucial times. He totaled 6 tackles on the day.
– WR, Ja’Marr Chase
The Bengals passing attack was slow out of the gate, but it was Chase who was contributing consistently from beginning to end. He turned a screen pass at the line of scrimmage into 57 yards, setting up a Bengals field goal. He finished the day with 5 catches for 109 yards. The fifth catch was the one that set up the game winning field goal in the dying seconds of the game.
– LB’s Logan Wilson, Markus Bailey, and Clay Johnston
Logan Wilson had an outstanding day. Like Reader, he was a big part of the Bengals ability to stop Derrick Henry. He was quick and decisive when hitting his gaps, including on the team’s 4th down stand. Wilson additionally played well in coverage and, at the end of the game, he was able to intercept a tipped Tannehill pass. This led to the game winning field goal.
Markus Bailey wasn’t as involved as Wilson, but he showed up when it mattered. He was also involved in the 4th down stand, a play that drastically changed the course of the game.
Johnston primarily played special teams. However, he was the one responsible for catching Henry from behind on their 2 point conversion attempt. This was a critical play, as it stopped the Titans from taking the lead, something they would fail to do through the entire game.
– Safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell
Bates turned in another great playoff performance. He intercepted Ryan Tannehill on the opening play of the game, and was great in coverage for most of it. His only major miscue was a missed tackle on Foreman’s big run.
Vonn Bell was also solid in coverage, but his biggest contributions came closer to the line of scrimmage. He was able to sack Tannehill when he was used as a blitzer. He also did well when providing run support.
– CB, Mike Hilton
Hilton was effectively used as ablitzer by Lou Anarumo. He created disturbances when he was sent, and his bluffs were also effective. Hilton had a good game in coverage as well, and was able to bat a pass to himself for an interception.
– QB, Joe Burrow
Burrow did hold on to the ball too long at times, but the amount of pressure he faced was still a big concern. He took several hits, popping right back up after each one of them. He was never shell shocked, instead continuing to stand in the pocket and deliver accurate passes down the field.
The Bad:
– Pass protection
This was easily the team’s worst performance in pass protection this year, going well beyond even their performance in week 1 against the Vikings. Joe Burrow was sacked 9 times, and everybody is to blame. Jonah Williams and Isaiah Prince allowed pressure from the edge. The interior was even worse, especially Adeniji, who didn’t have an answer for the Titans pass rush. One on one matchups were lost and communication issues further plagued them. Burrow also contributed to the issue a few times by holding onto the ball too long. A performance like this is simply unacceptable. Drastic improvements will need to be made for Sunday’s rematch against Kansas City.
– CB, Chidobe Awuzie
Awuzie has been among the team’s best free agent signings. However, he had arguably his worst game as a Bengal on Saturday. He was burned deep multiple times by AJ Brown, with one of them going for a TD. He failed to turn his head around on the TD play. Had he done so, he might have been able to break it up.
– RB, Samaje Perine
It is tough to criticise a guy for one mistake, but at this time of year, you have to be at the top of your game. Perine let a pass bounce off his hands, which led to an interception. The Titans capitalised and tied the game soon after.
Homescreen Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)
