ESPN Lists Bengals Biggest Weakness to Overcome Entering Final Stretch of 2023 Season

Cincinnati is looking to make the playoffs for a third year in a row.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
Dec 16, 2023 10:32 AM EST

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals hold a 23.4% chance to make the playoffs according to ESPN's FPI. Aaron Schatz assessed the biggest weakness they'll have to overcome to get that number to 100% by the end of the season: pass blocking.

Cincinnati's linemen have been great on the run-blocking side of things, but are lacking in the passing game.

"The Bengals have not had good pass protection at all this season. They currently rank 31st in pass block win rate," Schatz wrote. "The tackles have both been below average, but the real problems are on the interior. Cordell Volson currently ranks 62nd among 66 qualifying guards, while Alex Cappa ranks 63rd. Center Ted Karras is close to average.

"The pass protection was less of an issue when Joe Burrow was healthy because he gets the ball out fast enough to avoid sacks. That's not the case with Jake Browning, who is taking more sacks. Cincinnati's adjusted sack rate went from 5.9% with Burrow (which would rank fifth in the NFL this season) to 8.3% with Browning (which would rank 24th)."

Now, this group has played better in all facets in recent weeks and if the screen game continues to be efficient it'll take pressure off the drop-back passing snaps.

They'll get a great test against a blitz-happy defense out of Minnesota on Saturday.

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