Cincinnati Bengals host Denver Broncos in expectedly tougher tie – NFL Preview
It is all about the American Football Conference (AFC) North and South this weekend as almost all teams from the divisions host rivals, except for Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. Starting right away, the Cincinnati Bengals will play versus the
Denver Broncos this Sunday (Nov. 04).
The struggling Bengals face another tougher opposition and will need to perform beyond their potential if they aim a win against the team that has toppled oppositions like Steelers twice in a year.
It is pertinent to mention that the Broncos will be coming with their star performer, former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, and although the Bengals have Andy Dalton as Manning of their own to give a befitting response, the problem is that
the second-year offence leader is out of touch and form so far this year.
A day earlier, coach Marvin Lewis came out with an urge to Dalton to return to their prime form as early as he can. Although the coach kept himself short of guessing any possible worse scenario for the team, his remarks nevertheless were a reflection of
his concern about the losing trend prevailing in Cincinnati.
The trend was started right at the outset of the season when the Bengals were humiliated by the Baltimore Ravens and since then they have found himself struggling at all positions. They with the record of 3-4 need to find prompt answers to their woes. Otherwise,
they stand falling far behind their divisional rivals in the season.
Dalton performed remarkably well in his rookie year. As a matter of fact, he led the team to playoffs after a long time albeit through a wild card opportunity. This year he is a different story, although he is not as bad as his counterparts at the Jacksonville
Jaguars and Cleveland Browns.
Yet he needs to work out on some of avoidable mistakes, as duly pointed out by the coach. If he is not able to find his lost form again, the Broncos are least likely to show any mercy to their offensive and defensive lines.
They are lucky to have Manning with them. He might not be as sharp as Dalton, but his accuracy, velocity and power in throws are still unmatchable. His long-haul passes can easily be converted into touchdowns. This gives an edge to the Broncos.
The Bengals will have the home-field advantage and if they are able to timely capitalise on it, a win cannot be ruled out in their favour. Otherwise, it appears that the Broncos are most likely to claim the game in front of the Bengals’ capacity crowd.
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