THE BENGALS ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE

By: Braedyn Wozniak, RP Show Intern

Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the Cincinnati Bengals were viewed as contenders in the AFC this season. 

ESPN 1530 Cincinnati radio host Mo Egger believes the Bengals are rounding into form after their 0-2 start. 

“I think the team has figured out a way to get back to a place where you’re no longer panicking,” Egger said Wednesday on the Rod Pedersen Show. “Which two weeks ago, they start 0-2, the offence is broken and they’re not protecting Joe Burrow.” 

With Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow at quarterback, an upgraded offensive line and a plethora of weapons around him, it seemed this team was equipped with the tools necessary to return to the super bowl. 

Then they started the 2022 season with losses to the Steelers and Cowboys. 

The rebounded with back-to-back wins against the Jets and Dolphins to return to .500, but doubt still crept into the minds of many Bengals fans. 

Burrow was sacked 51 times last season, more than any other quarterback. This season, he is tied for second most with 16 this season. 

But the Bengals managed to only allow one sack against the Miami Dolphins last week. 

“They’re still a work in progress up front. I think Joe has looked more comfortable. He’s played better, he’s stopped turning the football over,” said Egger. 

“But I think more than anything, for as much as people talked about Joe and the wide receivers and what the offensive line is going to be, going back to last season, they made the Super Bowl on the shoulders of defence and special teams.” 

And Cincinnati has continued their strong defensive play. They currently allow the eighth fewest opponent points per game with 17.5. 

According to Egger, the group has returned 14 of their 15 most used defenders from last season and the continuity is the key to success. 

“I think this Cincinnati team’s defence should be talked about more,” he said. “There’s no real hole. The secondary is deep, there linebacker corps has a couple of guys that are really ascending.” 

The Bengals defence will be tested on Sunday night against the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson posing to be a handful for this Bengals defence.  

Considering the Bengals have played against Mitch Trubisky, Cooper Rush, Joe Flacco, Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater this season, Egger said this is their first real challenge. 

“Lamar Jackson’s not a backup quarterback and he’s having an excellent season,” said Egger. “He really presents the first significant test to this Bengals defence.”