We're on to Cincinnati: Running & Passing Previews

[soxfan121]

http://central.sonsofsamhorn.net/nfl/new-england-patriots/were-onto-cincinnati-passing-game-preview/
by Mark Schofield

The Cincinnati Bengals entered their bye week with a flawless 3-0 record, following wins over the Ravens, Falcons and Titans. In 2013, current Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer led a Bengal defense that finished third in the league in yards allowed per game, bested only by Seattle and Carolina. Newly promoted defensive coordinator Paul Guenther (a Bengals staffer since 2005, most recently as linebackers coach) leads a unit that has excelled against the pass in 2014, holding opponents to 5.4 yards per attempt, tied with New England as the best in the league.
 
In turn, Cincinnati has also held opposing quarterbacks to a QB rating of 56.9, the lowest by any defense in the National Football League. This is likely due to how their first three games have unfolded, as Marvin Lewis’s squad enjoyed a 15-point halftime advantage at Baltimore, a 14-pointhome cushion early in the 3rd quarter versus Atlanta, and a 19-point home halftime margin against Tennessee. These early double-digit leads allowed the Bengals to focus on pass defense and forced their opponents into desperation mode on passing situations. We reviewed the film from each game to ascertain if their pass defense, despite the numbers, has any weaknesses.
 

 
[SIZE=14.3999996185303px]http://central.sonsofsamhorn.net/nfl/new-england-patriots/were-onto-cincinnati-running-game-preview/
By Mark Schofield[/SIZE]

While the Bengals have excelled against the pass in its early contests this year, new defensive coordinator Paul Guenther directs a unit that has struggled to stop the run. Enemy rushers have picked up 5.1 yards per carry, which through three games ranked among the worst averages in the NFL. For Cincinnati’s sake, they enjoyed early double-digit leads in each of their games, forcing their opponents to concentrate on the aerial attack as each contest progressed. We reviewed the film from each game to evaluate the weaknesses in the Bengals’ run defense.
 
One facet of the Bengals’ run defense stands out immediately: Their front four looks vulnerable against the run. This is likely due in part to Geno Atkins’s ongoing recovery from a knee injury sustained on Halloween in 2013. As outlined in the TWIP/TWIR pieces before the Patriots-Vikings game, the defensive tackle – when healthy – is a formidable defender against both the run and the pass. However, Atkins is coming off an ACL reconstruction and opponents have taken advantage of this weakness in their run defense.
 
On this 1st and 10 play from Week 1, the Ravens are in an i-formation against Cincinnati’s base 4-3 defense. The Bengals are in an over front with Atkins to the outside shoulder of the right guard:

 

[mascho]

The running preview is worth if, if only because it contains one of the funniest pieces of film I have ever seen.  #Teaser

 

[soxfan121]

The running preview is worth it, if only because it contains one of the funniest pieces of film I have ever seen.  #Teaser

 
I concur. After a week of Patriots Follies, seeing bad football out of someone else was a welcome change. 

 

[Super Nomario]

Based on this, it seems like the Pats should use primarily 3-WR sets to get Jones on the field. He's a matchup they can exploit in the passing and running game.
 
Funny thought: If that kicks Hall to the slot, that means it'll take away Danny Amendola.

 

[soxfan121]

Based on this, it seems like the Pats should use primarily 3-WR sets to get Jones on the field. He's a matchup they can exploit in the passing and running game.
 
Funny thought: If that kicks Hall to the slot, that means it'll take away Danny Amendola.

 
LaFell against Jones is a mismatch in the Pats favor. So is Edelman, though I think that the Bengals will scheme to double him, so trying to get him 1-on-1 with Jones will be difficult.