5 keys to beating the Broncos

The Bengals lost a game last week, but no matter how ugly it was, it was just one game. They have some problems to address, but all is not lost. Monday Night Football presents a great opportunity for the Bengals to get back on track with a road win over the Broncos. 

Run the Ball Effectively

The run game has been atrocious all season, and it really came to a head last week.

When you watch their film, it can be hard to even recognize what scheme they are running. At times, it looks like they aren’t even sure, and therein lies the problem.

They are tentative because they are unsure. They are unsure because the scheme is too confusing. It’s the same problem that the defense had a year ago. They need to simplify things so the blockers can confidently attack the defense.

Personally, I think they should major in the GF counter, blocking down on the play side, and pulling the guard to kick out and the H-back to lead up the hole. It would play really well to their strengths.

Protect the Passer

I know it seems impossible after last week, but this team went toe to toe with Myles Garrett and company and held them without a sack for all but one drive. True, that one drive was a three-and-out and consisted of three straight sacks, but the point remains, then can pass block. 

The veterans, Orlando Brown and Ted Karras, really need to bounce back, while the youth need to build consistency.

Win the Turnover Battle

Last week, the Bengals gave up the ball five times (two picks and three fumbles lost). Those turnovers resulted in 31 of the Vikings’ 48 points (and took potential points off the board for the Bengals too.

You can’t win games like that. 

They need to protect the football on offense and create turnovers on defense.

Win the Middle Eight

The middle eight is the four minutes before the end of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half. 

The idea is that if you score last in the first half and first in the second half, you get two scores without the other team being able to respond.

Last week, due to turnovers, the Bengals gave up 17 points in the final two minutes of the first half. 

Yuck.

The Vikings didn’t score in the first four minutes of the second half, but they did put up a touchdown about six minutes in and again three minutes later. They outscored the Bengals 14-0 in the fourth quarter. 

That’s a 31-point swing in about 14 minutes of play. 

You cannot win games like that. 

The Bengals need to win the middle eight to win this game.

Red Zone

The defense’s biggest issue a week ago was their red zone play. They gave up touchdowns on four of five red zone appearances. That is unacceptable.

They need to step up in the red zone and force field goals. 

Offensively, the Bengals need to make the most of their red zone trips and come away with touchdowns.