Cincinnati Bengals Preseason Review: Week 1 vs. Chicago Bears
By Kenn Korb
The Offense May Actually Be Good!
Last season, Cincinnati had one of the worst offenses in the entire league: 32nd in total yardage, 31st in rushing yardage, 27th in passing yardage, 26th in points per game. Advanced stats were at least as bad, if not worse: 22nd in Football Outsiders’ Offensive DVOA, and 25th or worse in numerous drive statistics including yards (No. 31), points (No. 25), plays (No. 31), time of possession (No. 31), punts (No. 31) and Drive Success Rate (No. 28).
Fortunately, the early signs of a turnaround are in place. Against a Chicago defense which has been highly touted throughout the offseason as a unit set to make a big step forward, the Cincinnati starters had a pretty successful go of things.
Andy Dalton led the offense for three drives. One ended quickly with an interception returned for a touchdown (not his fault; his receiver slipped), but the team went on to score touchdowns on each of the other two drives. On those two drives, Dalton went 6-of-7 for 103 yards with four completed passes of 20+ yards and two touchdown passes.
It wasn’t just Dalton, of course. A. J. Green grabbed two of those 20+ yard passes. 2017 wide receiver draftees John Ross and Josh Malone each caught one as well. Fellow 2017 draftee Joe Mixon also caught a 20+ yarder, showing off impressive balance and elusiveness to force missed tackles, stay on his feet and cap off that first Cincinnati drive with a touchdown.
A few good drives in a preseason game ultimately mean little, but for an offense which was completely abysmal throughout last season it represents a real sign of positive changes coming to fruition under the guidance of offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.