Joe Mixon’s gargantuan effort couldn’t save the Cincinnati Bengals in Sunday’s 34-13 loss to the visiting New England Patriots.
Mixon checked in as the team MVP again but otherwise, this one largely went as most seemed to expect in the week leading up to the game. The Bengals couldn’t get out of their own way with five turnovers and a four of 13 mark on third downs.
Here’s a look at some winners and losers coming out of the affair, starting with the biggest winner of all.
Stud: Joe Mixon
Another week, another showcase of Mixon trying to do it all himself. He’s free of the bad blocking schemes from coaches put out there earlier in the season. Sunday was proof enough as he gashed a great Patriots defense for 136 yards on five carries (5.4 average). Impressive considering the Bengals don’t have much of a threat in the passing game or at quarterback.
Dud: Andy Dalton
Dalton looked lost when actually called upon to produce. There was a good pass here or there, but it is impossible to ignore two of the terrible second-half interceptions. And as has seemed to be the case often, one of his picks went back for a touchdown. He finished the day by completing 17 of his 31 attempts for 151 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions.
Stud: Carlos Dunlap
Dunlap isn’t a stranger to putting on strong performances as the season winds down. This wasn’t another three-sack showing by any means, but he did his part against Tom Brady, rallying for six tackles, one sack and one pass defensed. Dunlap was an x-factor considering Brady’s struggles against pressure this year.
Dud: John Ross
Ross’ second game back from injury went much like his first — not much happening. A potential game-breaking presence sheerly due to his speed, Ross ended the day with two targets. With A.J. Green out, the Bengals simply need more alongside Tyler Boyd. Ross had appeared on the injury report earlier in the week, though it’s hard to say if this played a role. Sheer logistics of playing a more run-based offense had an impact too.
Stud: Sam Hubbard
Hubbard is back from injury and feasting again, this time putting on strong pressure and tallying a sack in the process. Good to see this late in the season — he’s an important part of the future along the line as he forms a tandem with Carl Lawson and others.
Dud: Geno Atkins
Atkins again fell behind the all-time franchise sack race as Dunlap put in work. He also was mostly invisible during Sunday’s game, finishing with two tackles. On one noteworthy play, Atkins missed tackling a ballcarrier from behind and the play resulted in a Patriots touchdown.
