The Cincinnati Bengals came very close to upsetting the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 on the road. They’ll now play their home opener in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers, looking to get to 1-1. Here are a few X-factors on both sides of the ball.
OG Michael Jordan
The Bengals’ rookie guard has a tall task. He’ll be an important piece of the puzzle trying to get Joe Mixon rolling this week. He’ll also have an important role keeping Andy Dalton upright, something the Bengals did a good job of against the Seahawks but will need to continue to do against the excellent defensive line of the 49ers.
DE Sam Hubbard
The second-year pass-rusher out of Ohio State had himself a very nice Week 1, sacking Russell Wilson twice. The Bengals could really use his streak to continue. Jimmy Garoppolo is a quarterback that has been rattled pretty easily lately and the Bengals would love for someone to step up at edge opposite Carlos Dunlap. Early on, Hubbard has become that someone.
WR Dante Pettis
We’re listing Pettis here because he really needs to be out on the field more and is someone that can help add a layer to the 49ers offense. There is really no reason why Pettis was only on the field for two snaps. Expect a lot more of the former second-round pick and for the 49ers to sustain a better offense because of it.
CB Ahkello Witherspoon
Witherspoon had the pick-six that secured the Week 1 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now he faces another strong wide receiving group after the big performance from John Ross in Week 1. We know Richard Sherman continues to be excellent but if Witherspoon can hold his own against whoever he is against, whether it’s Ross or Tyler Boyd or another Bengals receiver, the 49ers can build a secondary that could be tough for Andy Dalton to throw against with their pass rush.
