Can the end of a drought turn into a winning streak?
So goes the question facing the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend as they collide with the in-state rival Cleveland Browns,
The Bengals might surge into a matchup with the Browns at just the right time. Here are a few reasons the Bengals should come away with a win.
Revived pass rush
Formerly a big strength of the franchise, Cincinnati’s pass rush fell off a cliff for most of this season. But it has come back alive in recent weeks thanks to the return of Carl Lawson and the seemingly fully healthy Carlos Dunlap. The latter, coming off a three-sack performance, figures to keep it going against a struggling Cleveland offensive line.
The return of John Ross
Ross doesn’t need to have a big game statistically to make a difference. That wouldn’t hurt — he’s the owner of the offense’s biggest plays this year. But more importantly, the sheer threat of Ross’ speed on the field makes a huge difference for a passing game littered with targets that have problems creating separation. It also largely plays into the next point…
The running game
Since the bye, alterations to the blocking approach up front have helped spur Joe Mixon to his first 100-yard game and multiple touchdowns. Doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a start. With Ross back on the field to ease off defenders from the box, fans might be looking at Mixon’s beat game of the year.
Baker Mayfield’s injury
Mayfield slammed his hand into an opponent’s helmet during a loss to Pittsburgh last week. He says he’s fine and he’s practicing, but it’s something to keep in mind. Sitting atop the injury factor is the sheer fact Mayfield has struggled this year, completing just 60 percent of his passes with just 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
The state of the Browns
Yes, this might sound odd coming from a Bengals perspective given the miserable season so far. But the Browns were alleged contenders before stumbling to 5-7 while held back from bad playcalling, if not overall culture by head coach Freddie Kitchens. The Browns have scored more than 21 points in a game just once since a Week 7 bye, Mayfield has regressed, Myles Garrett is banned, the run defense is one of the NFL’s worst and sidetrack items such as Odell Beckham Jr. fielding questions about his future with the team continue to distract. In other words, the Browns seem primed for an upset.
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