10. Cincinnati Bengals
Last week: 7th
The Cincinnati Bengals didn't exactly do anything to deserve to fall three spots in this week's rankings, but they were probably too high to start the season at 7th overall. Other teams around the league passed the highly subjective "eye test", but that doesn't mean we're just going to disregard what we saw from Cincinnati in Week 1.
On the contrary.
Even after scoring 33 points against the Buccaneers, it's the Cincinnati defense that needs to be talked about here. They forced four fumbles against the Bucs, including getting three forced fumbles on quarterback Baker Mayfield.
That new-look defensive front for the Bengals gave them some immediate return on investment. Jonathan Allen had a sack, a tackle for loss, and a QB hit. Boye Mafe had a sack, a tackle for loss, and a QB hit. Dexter Lawrence had a QB hit and was extremely disruptive.
Even though they still gave up 27 points, they gave the offense 4 extra possessions and proved why they made those significant investments.
9. Chicago Bears
Last week: 9th
It's safe to say there aren't really any concerns with Ben Johnson's offense after the first game of the season.
The Carolina Panthers' defense was one of the more improved units in the league last season, and Johnson's offense just absolutely embarrassed them. How bad was it?
- 59 points scored
- 552 total yards
- 291 rushing yards (7.5 YPC)
- 26 1st downs
- 34:03 time of possession
- 10-of-14 on 3rd downs
- 4-for-4 in the red zone
The Bears were able to do that with Colston Loveland not catching a single pass. Rome Odunze only had two catches. Kalif Raymond was the leading receiver on the day for Chicago.
Ben Johnson wasn't kidding when he said he's coming for the all-time NFL points record in a single season (606 by the Broncos in 2013). He's on pace for over 1,000. The problem after Week 1? His defense is on pace to give up 629.
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