Tag: NFL Week 7

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray needs to be mistake-free vs. Dolphins

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will have his hands full attacking the Miami Dolphins’ pass defense in Week 8.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will need to beware of the Miami Dolphins’ pass defense at Hard Rock Stadium Sunday.

Defensive backs Jalen Ramsey and Jordan Poyer have done due diligence, keeping the Dolphins’ defense intact despite the injury to quarterback Tua Tagivoloa and defensive back Xavien Howard. Amongst NFL teams, the Dolphins actually rank No. 1 in opponent pass yards allowed per game.

However, the Dolphins haven’t been nearly as strong versus the run. The Tennessee Titans had a time of possession of 34:22 versus the Dolphins in week seven and rushed the ball for 142 yards.

With this, the Cardinals cannot fall into the thrill of trying to pass the ball at high volumes versus the Dolphins defense. With Tagovailoa back in the lineup, it is expected that the Dolphins will be just as effective as they were before his concussion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBftiTpSpAG/

To counter the Dolphins’ attack, the Cardinals may sequence in some run-option and give increased touches to running back James Conner. Sustaining offensive drives will be key on the road for the Cardinals and they cannot get off to a slow start if they want to win this game.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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Terrion Arnold: Breaking down the Lions rookie CB game film from win over Vikings

Terrion Arnold: Breaking down the Lions rookie CB game film from win over Vikings

Terrion Arnold has been somewhat polarizing through the first few weeks of his Detroit Lions career. The first-round cornerback from Alabama has looked decent in man coverage, but his play has been pockmarked with penalties and the occasional blown assignment when not playing man.

Against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, Arnold performed pretty darn well against an explosive offense. Playing on the road against the unbeaten Vikings, Arnold’s work at outside CB effectively reflected the entire Lions team for the day. Arnold is the subject of this week’s Detroit film breakdown.

As always, I grade the individual player for every snap. Arnold gets a plus for a positive play and a minus for a poor one. Not every play earns a plus or minus.

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He started off slowly but then turned it up more than a notch to outshine the competition.

Arnold’s day certainly started out rough. After the first play, a screen to the other side, Arnold was victimized by overzealousness on Minnesota’s second offensive play.

That is, of course, the Aaron Jones 34-yard touchdown. Arnold is responsible for the outside containment on the left-end run, but he overreacts to WR Jordan Addison (No. 3) motioning inside. Because safety Brian Brian is on a designed run blitz to the inside gap, there’s nobody behind Arnold.

Rookie mistake, and it cost the Lions a touchdown. Big minus for No. 0 on this one:

 

Arnold earned his first plus on the next drive, and he did so being in zone coverage. On 3rd-and-short, Arnold correctly identified that the TE (Johnny Mundt) would chip and release and ran to the spot where Mundt was heading. Perfectly executed option elimination. The play wound up being a first down conversion to Justin Jefferson just over a step-too-shallow Brian Branch, perhaps No. 32’s only real mistake of the game.

Arnold’s improved read-and-react in zone here is a very welcome development. He struggled to trust his eyes in the Week 3 win over Arizona, and this is a tangible improvement that reflects hard work and good coaching.

Plays that are negated by penalty don’t technically exist, or get factored into grades for outlets like PFF. But I’m giving Arnold a plus for his man coverage on Addison on the play where Carlton Davis was (correctly) called for defensive holding. Addison was San Darnold’s first read and Arnold was on his hip with inside technique, not allowing the wideout to break to the inside. And Arnold did that without relying on being handsy.

The next few drives produced two plusses (one on a play negated by an illegal formation penalty on the Vikings) and two minuses in coverage–both in zone. Write those minuses in thin pencil, however; Arnold erred on the side of caution and didn’t give up bigger plays. Better to be too deep/outside than too shallow/inside in Detroit’s zone scheme.

Arnold earned a plus on the Brian Branch INT for his perfect handling of transition coverage. He even pointed to Branch on where Addison was heading. Branch might not have needed the extra help, but that’s still a heady move from a rookie, showing his ability to incorporate film study into in-game action.

Arnold had a lot less to do after that drive, in part because he was so precise in his man coverage responsibilities. Twice he was part of lockdown coverage by the entire secondary that forced Darnold to scramble because there was nowhere to throw the ball. Those are plusses for Arnold.

Final tally

Arnold had 13 plusses and six minuses for the game. Nearly all of the scores came in coverage; Arnold had one plus and one minus (that fateful first-drive TD) in run defense.

The man coverage was fantastic. No. 0 picked up seven plusses and one minus in man coverage. Zone was not as sharp but still a respectable five plusses and four minuses. Two plusses and one minus came on plays that were nullified by penalties and therefore aren’t necessarily reflected in the box score or PFF grades.

This was a very strong game from Arnold as a rookie. Give him a bonus plus for not committing a penalty. And that’s phrased deliberately–I didn’t see one viable infraction that could have been flagged beyond one marginal illegal contact that was inconsequential to the play. That’s very real progress for Arnold, too.

Commanders vs. Panthers: Best photos from Week 7

We look at some of the best images from the Commanders’ win over the Panthers.

The Washington Commanders improved to 5-2 on Sunday with a 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers from Northwest Stadium.

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels left the game with a rib injury in the first quarter. Marcus Mariota replaced him, completing 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 71 yards and scored a touchdown in his return.

The Commanders’ defense held the Panthers 180 and forced two turnovers.

Here are some of the best photos from Washington’s latest win.

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: NFL Week 7

Week 7 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the fantasy football lineup decisions.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 7 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: RB Travis Etienne (inactive), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (active), WR Michael Pittman Jr. (active), WR Josh Downs (active), RB Kenneth Walker III (active)
Afternoon games: WR Cooper Kupp (inactive), WR Diontae Johnson (active), RB Brian Robinson Jr. (active), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (active)
Sunday night:
Monday night: WR Quentin Johnson, WR Mike Evans

Early games

New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars in London (9:30 a.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 62°F, 35% chance of light rain, SSW 20 mph

Patriots

Inactives: WR Javon Baker, LB Sione Takitaki, DL Jeremiah Pharms, QB Joe Milton III, WR Tyquan Thornton and OT Vederian Lowe

Lineup notes: RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) is active. WR Kendrick Bourne (knee), WR K.J. Osborn (shoulder) and QB Drake Maye (knee) are all good to go after full practices Friday.

Jaguars

Inactives: OG Cole Van Lanen, DT Maason Smith, RB Travis Etienne, OT Javon Foster, LB Myles Cole and DE Esezi Otomewo

Lineup notes: LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) is on IR, while CB Tyson Campbell (hamstring) was activated from the same list. RB Travis Etienne (hamstring) is inactive after limited work all week. TE Evan Engram (hamstring) and WR Gabe Davis (shoulder) had a full practice Friday and will suit up.

Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 69°F, clear (retractable-roof dome)

Seahawks

Inactives: OG Sataoa Laumea, OT Stone Forsythe, CB Tre Brown, LB Trevis Gipson, DT Myles Adams, DL Cameron Young and CB Riq Woolen

Lineup notes: WR Tyler Lockett (knee) had a full session Friday and will play. RB Kenneth Walker III (illness) was added as questionable Saturday but he’s active.

Falcons

Inactives: CB Antonio Hamilton, OG Jovaughn Gwyn, OT Brandon Parker, LB Troy Andersen, DE Brandon Dorlus, OT Elijah Wilkinson and DE Kentavius Street

Lineup notes: LB Troy Andersen (knee) is out.

Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 64°F, clear, SW 13 mph

Titans

Inactives: CB L’Jarius Sneed, OT Leroy Watson, TE David Martin-Robinson, DL Caleb Murphy, DL Keondre Coburn, RB Tyjae Spears and QB Will Levis

Lineup notes: RB Tyjae Spears (hamstring) is out, and WR Treylon Burks (knee) went on IR. QB Will Levis (shoulder) was downgraded from questionable and also won’t be available. QB Mason Rudolph will be under center.

Bills

Inactives: LB Joe Andreessen, S Mike Edwards, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, C Will Clapp and DT Zion Logue

Lineup notes: RB Ray Davis (calf) was limited Thursday and Friday, but he’ll be available. WR Khalil Shakir (ankle), TE Dalton Kincaid (collarbone), RB James Cook (toe), and QB Josh Allen (hand) all practiced Friday and will play.

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 67°F, clear

Bengals

Inactives: DL Lawrence Guy, DT Jay Tufele, TE Tanner McLachlan, OT Andrew Stueber, DE Cedric Johnson and WR Trenton Irwin

Lineup notes: QB Joe Burrow (wrist, shin) practiced fully all week and is good to go.

Browns

Inactives: S Ronnie Hickman, RB Jerome Ford, LB Nathaniel Watson, CB Kahlef Hailassie, DL Quinton Jefferson and QB Jameis Winston

Lineup notes: RB Jerome Ford (hamstring) didn’t practice all week and has been ruled out. RB Nick Chubb (knee) practiced all week and has been removed from the Physically Unable to Perform list. TE David Njoku (ankle), RB D’Onta Foreman (groin), LT Jedrick Wills (shoulder, knee), WR Jerry Jeudy (knee) and DE Myles Garrett (Achilles) practiced Friday and are good to go.

Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 69°F, clear, SW 11 mph

Texans

Inactives: LB Azeez Al-Shaair, WR Steven Sims, SS Jimmie Ward, LB Henry To’oTo’o, OG Nick Broeker, CB Kamari Lassiter and WR Robert Woods

Lineup notes: WR Nico Collins (hamstring) remains on IR. RB Joe Mixon (ankle) and LT Laremy Tunsil (ankle) are good to go after full sessions Friday. LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) will not play.

Packers

Inactives: S Kitan Oladapo, DT Devonte Wyatt, TE John FitzPatrick, DL Brenton Cox, OT Travis Glover and C Jacob Monk

Lineup notes: WR Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) was limited all week but will play through a questionable designation. WR Christian Watson (ankle), WR Jayden Reed (ankle) and TE Tucker Kraft (groin) were all limited Friday but will play.

Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 67°F, clear (retractable-roof dome)

Dolphins

Inactives: DB Ethan Bonner, LB Channing Tindall, C Andrew Meyer, QB Skylar Thompson, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., S Jevon Holland and DL Emmanuel Ogbah

Lineup notes: QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) remains on IR. WR Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring) is available, and RB De’Von Achane (concussion) practiced all week and will go.

Colts

Inactives: RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Anthony Gould, LB E.J. Speed, LB Genard Avery, QB Sam Ehlinger, DB Chris Lammons and OG Danny Pinter

Lineup notes: RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) has been ruled out, and LB E.J. Speed (knee) joins him on the inactives list. WR Josh Downs (toe), WR Michael Pittman Jr. (back), WR Alec Pierce (shoulder) and RT Braden Smith (knee) were questionable but all will give it a whirl. QB Anthony Richardson (oblique), RB Trey Sermon (knee) and C Ryan Kelly (calf) are good to go after full practices Friday.

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Lions

Inactives: DE Isaiah Thomas, TE Parker Hesse, WR Isaiah Williams, OG Kevin Zeitler, DB Loren Strickland and OT Giovanni Manu

Lineup notes: DE Aidan Hutchinson (leg) was lost for the season due to a broken leg.

Vikings

Inactives: CB Akayleb Evans, LB Blake Cashman, RB Myles Gaskin, CB Dwight McGlothern, QB Brett Rypien, OT Walter Rouse and DT Levi Drake Rodriguez

Lineup notes: TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) was downgraded to out, and RG Dalton Risner (groin) also was ruled out. RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) was deemed questionable but will play.

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 71°F, clear

Eagles

Inactives: TE Dallas Goedert, OG Darian Kinnard, QB Tanner McKee, OG Trevor Keegan, CB Eli Ricks and DL Byron X. Young

Lineup notes: TE Dallas Goedert (hamstring) is out. LT Jordan Mailata (hamstring) was placed on IR.

Giants

Inactives: OG Chris Hubbard, P Jamie Gillan, CB Adoree’ Jackson, CB Anthony Johnson, QB Tommy DeVito and DE Carlos Basham Jr.

Lineup notes: LT Andrew Thomas (foot) was lost for the season due to a foot injury. WR Malik Nabers (concussion), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (ankle), RB Devin Singletary (groin) and WR Darius Slayton (groin) will play.

Late-afternoon window

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 74°F, clear (open-air dome)

Raiders

Inactives: LB Kana’i Mauga, CB Sam Webb, WR Jakobi Meyers, LB Tommy Eichenberg, DE Janarius Robinson, OG Dylan Parham and RB Dylan Laube

Lineup notes: WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle) has been declared inactive. RB Zamir White (groin) will give it a go, and DE Maxx Crosby (ankle) was limited Friday but will play.

Rams

Inactives: WR Cooper Kupp, QB Stetson Bennett, DE Jonah X. Williams, DL Desjuan Johnson, CB Tre’Davious White and RB Cody Schrader

Lineup notes: TE Tyler Higbee (knee) remains on the PUP. WR Puka Nacua (knee) remains on IR. WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) is not quite ready, though WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder) will play.

Carolina Panthers at Washington Commanders (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 73°F, clear

Panthers

Inactives: DL A’Shawn Robinson, LB Claudin Cherelus, LB Josey Jewell, LB Jadeveon Clowney, OG Taylor Moton, TE Tommy Tremble and LB Jon Rhattigan

Lineup notes: WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) remains on IR. RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) was limited Friday, but he has been ruled out. WR Diontae Johnson (ribs, hamstring, ankle) is ready to play.

Commanders

Inactives: QB Jeff Driskel, S Dominique Hampton, DE Dorance Armstrong, S Tyler Owens and OT Chris Paul

Lineup notes: RB Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) active following a questionable status. WR Noah Brown (groin) is good to go after a full session Friday.

Kansas City Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 74°F, mostly cloudy

Chiefs

Inactives: DT Marlon Tuipulotu, OT Ethan Driskell, OG C.J. Hanson, DE Mike Danna and RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Lineup notes: RB Isiah Pacheco (leg) and WR Rashee Rice (knee) remain on IR. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is active after limited work Thursday and Friday. RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) won’t be available, while WR Mecole Hardman (knee) is good to go after full work all week.

49ers

Inactives: QB Joshua Dobbs, OG Ben Bartch, PK Jake Moody, TE Brayden Willis, LB Jalen Graham, WR Jauan Jennings and CB Darrell Luter Jr.

Lineup notes: RB Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) remains on IR. WR Jauan Jennings (hip), PK Jake Moody (ankle) is out, and PK Matthew Wright (shoulder, back) went on IR. With both kickers out, PK Anders Carlson will handle the role. RB Jordan Mason (shoulder) upgraded to a full session Friday and will play. WR Deebo Samuel (wrist) is good to go as well after a full practice Friday. WR Ricky Pearsall (chest) is expected to make his pro debut.

Sunday Night Football

New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers (8:20 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 58°F, clear

Jets

Inactives:OT Max Mitchell, S Michael Carter II, LB Braiden McGregor, RB Israel Abanikanda, OT Carter Warren, WR Malachi Corley and CB D.J. Ree

Lineup notes: TE Tyler Conklin (hip) will play through a questionable label, as expected. WR Davante Adams (hamstring) and QB Aaron Rodgers (ankle) practiced Friday and will play. LB Haason Reddick has ended his holdout with a restructured deal.

Steelers

Inactives: RB Aaron Shampklin, RB Cordarrelle Patterson, CB Damontae Kazee, WR Roman Wilson, LB Nick Herbig, QB Kyle Allen and C Zach Frazier

Lineup notes: RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) is out. RB Najee Harris (ribs) had a full practice Friday and will play. QB Russell Wilson will start, though QB Justin Fields is expected to see work, presumably in a gadget-play role.

Monday Night Football

Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8:15 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 75°F, clear, NE 12 mph

Ravens

Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy relevance.

Buccaneers

Lineup notes: RB Rachaad White (foot) is questionable but expected to play. WR Mike Evans (hamstring) will be a game-time decision, according to head coach Todd Bowles, though Evans is not on the injury report with a designation.

Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals (9:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 81°F, clear (retractable-roof dome)

Chargers

Lineup notes: RB Gus Edwards (ankle) is on IR. TE Hayden Hurst (groin) and WR Quentin Johnson (ankle) are doubtful. WR Ladd McConkey (hip) and WR DJ Chark Jr. (groin) were deemed questionable.

Cardinals

Lineup notes: PK Matt Prater (knee) was placed on IR. WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) is ready to go after clearing the league’s protocol. WR Zay Jones (hamstring) and WR Michael Wilson (ankle) carry no injury designation.

WATCH: Commanders LB Dante Fowler Jr. with a pick-6

Commanders LB Dante Fowler returns an interception for a touchdown in Week 7.

Who scored the first points in the Week 7 matchup between the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers?

You’d be correct if you said linebacker/defensive end Dante Fowler Jr.

That’s right, the veteran edge rusher, in his first season with Washington, intercepted Carolina quarterback Andy Dalton on the opening possession and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown.  It was Fowler’s third-career touchdown, but the first interception he returned for a score. Fowler has had two previous fumble recoveries, which he returned for touchdowns.

Here’s the play:

Fowler’s interception return for a touchdown was a preview for what was to come for the Commanders, who led the Panthers 27-0 at halftime. Unfortunately, Washington lost rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in the first half with a rib injury and was ruled out for the game.

In some good news, Daniels’ mother revealed that the rookie quarterback was fine on X.

Bengals injury updates immediately after Week 7 vs. Browns

The Bengals suffered multiple injuries vs. Browns in Week 7.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Cleveland Browns in Week 7, 21-14.

Along the way, the Bengals suffered a handful of notable injuries that spanned both sides of the football.

Here’s a quick rundown, plus updates as they happen.

 

OT Orlando Brown Jr. injury update

Brown, the starting left tackle, limped off the field in the first half and went to the blue medical tent with trainers. Cody Ford replaced him, which places the team in a tough spot because he’s also a possible backup at right tackle behind Amarius Mims with Trent Brown already out for the season. While he did remain on the sidelines, Brown didn’t return to the game.

 

S Geno Stone injury update

Stone was involved in a friendly fire collision with Vonn Bell in the fourth quarter and was carted off with an air cast on his leg. Jordan Battle, Daijahn Anthony and Tycen Anderson are the team’s backup safeties, though corner Mike Hilton also gets reps there, too.

Update: After the game, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Stone’s injury might not be as bad as he feared but cautioned to wait and see, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic.

Update II: According to Dehner, Stone was walking around the postgame locker room without help from a brace or otherwise, potentially hinting at a major injury avoided.

 

S Vonn Bell injury update

Bell, the other half of the horrific collision near the two-minute warning, eventually got up and left the field under his own power.

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Bengals fans exhale as Joe Burrow and Co. stay alive with win vs. Browns

The Bengals are still in it and Bengals fans are thrilled.

The Cincinnati Bengals moved to 3-4 on the season with Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns.

There, it felt like a typical AFC North slugfest for the Bengals, with big plays needed on special teams and defense before the offense awoke. Once it did, Joe Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for touchdowns.

With the season still alive and playoffs still possible, Bengals fans rejoiced. Some reactions from fans and media members on social media:

  • One fan reaction: “They could’ve won 2-0 and I would’ve been happy with a win in Cleveland”
  • Another: “Back home next week (white out game) with a chance to go to 4-4 AND our first home dub of the year!!”
  • Yet another pointed out the end of a drought: “For the first time in 2,576 days…THE BENGALS BEAT THE BROWNS IN CLEVELAND.”
  • Some want to see better from the offense: “Defense was historically bad, now they are willing the team to victories. Honestly, sometimes that’s the way it is. WTS, they HAVE to look at what they are doing on offense.”
  • From Cincy Jungle’s Anthony Cosenza: “On CBS postgame, Bill Cowher noted the Charlie Jones TD was the difference in the game, while noting Bengals’ offensive struggles. He’s technically not wrong, given the score, but the nuance is that the Browns’ 2nd TD came with a little under 1:30 to play in “junk time”…”
  • From Bengals UK: “Well, that was… a win. The first in Cleveland during the Taylor/Burrow era. Good for them, good for the team. 3-4, second win in a row and some decent stuff in there. Equally, some really average mince in there, too. Really need to figure out what’s going on on offense.”

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Bengals beat Browns: Quick takeaways after Week 7

Quick-hitting takeaways after Bengals vs. Browns in Week 7.

The Cincinnati Bengals moved one step closer to relevancy with the 21-14 Week 7 win over the Cleveland Browns.

There, the Bengals gutted out a rather standard-feeling AFC North clash by struggling on offense, getting some solid defense and a rare big play on special teams played a role.

Here is a look at some very quick takeaways right after the game.

 

The line is a concern

The front office getting conservative when it comes to depth has hurt the Bengals in both trenches this year. It might be the offense’s turn now after Orlando Brown Jr.’s injury on Sunday. Trent Brown is already out for the year at right tackle. Cody Ford can back up either spot. But now, if something happens to Amarius Mims, too, they’re in a bad spot.

 

Don’t panic on the offense…yet

The Bengals put up 30-plus in a handful of consecutive games this year before last week’s so-so showing against the New York Giants. But those Giants have the most AFC North-like front seven the Bengals will see outside the division all year. So…Sunday’s struggles weren’t all that shocking. Hanging 30-plus every week isn’t the standard (and doesn’t have to be if the defense keeps improving). Still, obviously, they do need to clean up the calls and execution, especially when it matters most.

 

Streak possible

Now the Bengals have a chance to really do something special. At 3-4, they next get winnable games against 3-2 Philadelphia and 2-4 Las Vegas before a rematch with Baltimore. That Week 5 loss to the Ravens was a three-point overtime collapse marred by mistakes and questionable play-calls. Point being, they could actually have a winning record going into that, then a game against the Chargers before the bye.

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Instant analysis after Bengals beat Browns to reach 3-4

Instant analysis after Bengals vs. Browns in Week 7.

The Cincinnati Bengals got the season back on track in Week 7 with a win over the Cleveland Browns.

A 21-14 final saw Joe Burrow’s offense experience big struggles at points. But a defense improving by the week kept things manageable until some of Burrow’s best weapons could break free.

Here’s a look at some quick notes and numbers to know from right after the game went final.

 

Quick Thoughts

  • Stunner of a start for special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. On the opening kickoff, tight end Drew Sample was back deep with Charlie Jones, a new wrinkle. Sample proceeded to throw a block that sprang Jones for a 100-yard score.
  • At least in the first half, the Bengals defense looked more composed than it had all season. It didn’t fall for trick plays and even guys like Joseph Ossai were getting run stops.
  • Zac Taylor went for and failed on a fourth down early. Fans might find fault with it, especially in field goal range, but it felt refreshing to see the aggressiveness after so many conservative looks in recent weeks.
  • Bengals were hammering Deshaun Watson before his serious-looking injury. Good pressure day for the offense.
  • That Burrow touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase is just unguardable. Good coverage by the Browns, but just an uncanny connection on timing and placement from two guys with literally thousands of reps together.
  • Tee Higgins busting out that touchdown was gritty and just more proof of how badly they need to get him on an extension, too.
  • The Bengals are pretty lucky the Browns didn’t have Jameis Winston active after Watson went down. That Cleveland offense was mistimed and inaccurate, or moreso anyway, once the injury happened.
  • Sam Hubbard and Geno Stone recorded interceptions, nice moments for both players who have been looking to rebound after slow starts.

 

Key Stat

2-of-12: We’ve written endlessly about the Bengals playing down to their competition. This horrible number on third downs is a big reason why this game wasn’t a massive blowout.

 

Game Balls

WR Ja’Marr Chase: He just turns everything into a threat to score. On the day, he caught five passes for 55 yards and the touchdown.

DE Joseph Ossai: How about Ossai getting what felt like a big snap count and turning in a strong showing in all facets of the game? It’s key depth they need to be effective all season.

 

Top Takeaway

Go time: Many will bemoan the offense’s showing on Sunday. But it really wasn’t all that shocking after the line struggled against the Giants’ front seven last week. This was an ugly AFC North game and the line lost Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle. Now, the Bengals are 3-4 with two more winnable games right in front of them before a rematch with Baltimore.

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Bengals’ Charlie Jones takes opening kickoff for 100-yard TD vs. Browns

Charlie Jones put the team on his back to start Week 7.

The Cincinnati Bengals started their Week 7 game against the Cleveland Browns with a bang.

On the opening kickoff of this year’s first Battle of Ohio, wideout Charlie Jones took the kick back 100 yards for a score, toe-tapping his way down the sideline before extending for the score.

The Bengals threw out a new wrinkle that appeared to play a big role in the score. Tight end Drew Sample, known for his prowess as a blocker, was back there as the lone guy in front of Jones and threw a key block to spring the return.

Here is a look at the play that put the Bengals up 7-0.

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