This franchise looks rejuvenated under Taylor, the Bengals’ first new coach since
- But more talent is needed, especially on defense, before that translates into victories.
69
× ANDY DALTON REMAINS UP-AND-
DOWN IN ZAC TAYLOR’S RAMS-STYLE
SYSTEM. The shifts, motion and misdirec-
tion concepts brought by the new coach
play perfectly to Dalton’s sharp presnap
awareness, but the condensed formations
help defenses disguise cov-
erages and blitzes, exacer-
bating Dalton’s careerlong
struggles when the picture
changes after the snap.
× JOE MIXON RUSHES FOR
MORE THAN 1,300 YARDS.
Mixon would gain even
more with a sound offen-
sive line. Though 2018 first-
round center Billy Price
progresses, the season-
ending shoulder injury to
first-round pick Jonah Wil-
liams hurts. Veteran Cordy
Glenn’s move back to left tackle leaves a
massive hole at guard—a critical position
in Taylor’s outside zone scheme, which will
likely be filled with 2018 reserve Chris-
tian Westerman. Mixon, however, is gifted
enough to compensate, and he builds on
the improved decisiveness he ran with late
in 2018. Still, the ground game remains
a week-to-week proposition.
× T YLER BOYD’S PRODUCTION DECLINES.
The shifty slot receiver had a breakout
2018 in which he caught 76 balls for
1,028 yards and seven touchdowns—
and, just as important, regularly drew
double teams inside. But his lack of top-
end speed becomes more problematic in
Taylor’s scheme; Boyd still prospers
underneath, but Taylor’s condensed for-
mationing puts the slot receiver in more
downfield route combinations.
× THE BACK END OF THE BENGALS’
DEFENSE CRUMBLES IN THE MIDDLE.
Refreshed by playing for first-time defen-
sive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Cincy’s
maddeningly inconsistent
line stabilizes around tackle
Geno Atkins. But that is not
enough to offset limitations
at linebacker and strong
safety. Third-round rookie
’backer Germaine Pratt,
who played some safety at
North Carolina State, gives
Cincy its long-missing man-
coverage answer for tail-
backs. But tight ends pose
major problems, as strong
safety Shawn Williams’s
performance remains
wildly inconsistent and 200-pound free
safety Jessie Bates, while solid on deep
coverage, is too small for those matchups.
× WILLIAM JACKSON SHOWS HIS VALUE.
The new regime lets the corner occasion-
ally travel with smaller, faster receivers.
The Bengals sign Jackson to a long-term
deal after he plays out his fifth-year option
season in 2020.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
SI’S 2019
PREDICTION
4 – 12
2018 RECORD 6– 10
SEP T. 8
@ SEA
SEP T. 15
VS. SF
SEP T. 22
@ BUF
SEP T. 30
@ PIT
OC T. 6
VS. ARI
OCT 13
@ BAL
OC T. 2 0
VS. JAX
OC T. 2 7
(In London)
@ LAR
NOV. 3
BYE
NOV. 10
VS. BAL
NOV. 17
@ OAK
NOV. 24
VS. PIT
DEC. 1
VS. NYJ
DEC. 8
@ CLE
DEC. 15
VS. NE
DEC. 22
@ MIA
DEC. 29
VS. CLE
We
ak
ne
ss
QB
28
RB
8
WR/TE
21
OL
32
FRONT 7
29
DBs
14
JOH
N^ G
RIE
SH
OP/
GET
TY^
IMA
GES
(B
OY
D);
KIR
K^ IR
WIN
/^ G
ETT
Y^ IM
AGE
S^
CINCINNATI
