Win must for Cincinnati Bengals versus Dallas Cowboys to cement playoff chance – NFL Preview
The Cincinnati Bengals are hosting the Dallas Cowboys at Paul Brown Stadium this Sunday (Dec. 09) in a must-win situation to cement their playoff chance because they are in neck-to-neck fight with the Pittsburgh Steelers, another playoff contender from American
Football Conference (AFC) North.
Both teams are coming into the game with almost a similar record. The Cowboys are 6-6 in the season so far. They maintain 3-3 record in on-road games, which is similar to the Bengals’ home record (3-3). This leaves the forthcoming game wide open for both
teams, although the Bengals will have the home-field advantage.
For the Bengals, their main strengths are running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis and quarterback Andy Dalton, who luckily are thriving on the best form in the season.
Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden referred to Green-Ellis saying:
"It was his first time with a new line and a new system and terminology and all that stuff. A lot of the runs were the same he's used to, but still you've got to get used to your linemen and our aiming points and all that.”
He added:
"He's done a great job being patient, but making his decisions and getting up the field have been outstanding. That's the big thing."
Dalton since being issued ultimatum by coach Marvin Lewis has returned to his prime form and led the offence from the front to record four consecutive wins.
Although the visitors are not an easy opposition to walk over, the situation is critical for the Bengals. They can edge past the Steelers with a victory, provided they lose their game too. The situation warrants them a win because the Baltimore Ravens are
in control of the division and can claim a berth in the playoffs straight with a win this Sunday.
The Ravens’ unexpected loss to the Steelers last Sunday delayed their arrival into the second round. Otherwise, they still lead AFC North at 9-3.
Wide receiver A.J. Green is confident that the Bengals can topple the Cowboys this weekend.
He said:
"This team is getting better each week. I feel like we have momentum on our side coming down the home stretch of the season."
Equally confident are their visitors about their victory chances. Some of their players have shown clear intentions for victory given their playoff situation is more open than Bengals.
Quarterback Tony Romo said they are playing each game of the season with the playoffs clearly on their mind and they will not spare the Bengals in the way to stop them from reaching their goal.
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