NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Fresh off a win in their home opener, the Washington Commanders had to what has been a house of horrors lately, “Monday Night Football.” Things to build off of last week’s win against the New York Giants, but it would be nice to get into the endzone this week and see more progress from Jayden Daniels and this offense. The Bengals come in angry after giving one away to the Chiefs and being winless with Super Bowl dreams. They went toe to toe with the 2x defending champs and held their own. Washington got some help from the Giants, but in the NFL, it isn’t how you win, but did you win. There are things to look out for this Monday, where Washington has an 8-22 record in its last 30 games. How many times have YOU fallen for the hype and got all pumped up only to see us get whooped on the national stage? Now with Joe Burrow and company hosting us will the outcome be different?
Stop The Run
So far this season, the Bengals haven’t had the same running game without Joe Mixon in the backfield. Let’s not allow this game to be where they find it and open up the play-action pass for Joey B. After allowing Devin Singletary to get 95 yards last week at 5.9 yards a clip, things need to tighten up with the front four. Don’t get it twisted they will throw the ball around the yard, but having to deal with a running game only makes things worse. Last week, we managed ONE sack, and that is just not good enough at all. Not letting Zack Moss look like Barry Sanders is one of the keys to the game.
https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/aWLmY3eCan The Secondary Hold Up?
It is no secret that the backend has been an issue and a half for us this season. Now you get one of the best QBs in the league in his backyard, and he is looking to get his team out of a hole with the Panthers up next for Cincy. One of the best ways to slow down an elite signal-caller is to apply pressure and make him get happy feet. Unlike most at his position, Joe Burrow is not afraid to stay in the pocket and stick it out for a big play. He also has enough wiggle to escape the pocket while still keeping his head downfield to make you pay. This group like most of the team is still feeling each other out and it shows. Joe Burrow tossed the pill for 258 yards and 2 TD’s giving him a 103.7 QBR all this makes me super nervous about what he can do to the Commanders. If Nabers got 100-yards last week what can Ja’Marr Chase and friends do? And keep an eye on Mike Gresicki who has gotten off to a nice start.
Run The Rock
Keep the Bengals on the sidelines by getting the run game rolling, while Jayden runs when he needs to safely. Brian Robinson is coming off a career day and wants more. Austin Decker has been a threat through the air and should keep the Cincinnati linebackers busy. We all held our breath when he took that hit and walked off the field looking shaky. We can NOT be 0-6 in the redzone again and think you can win this game versus this team with just field goals.
This game screams another Commander’s poor showing in prime time and I have to agree. I want us to put up a fight and continue to improve and learn as the season goes on. Will we throw the ball deep more? Can we get ANY form of a steady pass rush? Can the secondary learn from the past 2 weeks? Will the redzone be a place of joy? A lot of questions that lead me to see a 31-21 Bengals win. What do you think? #RasieHail
