Packers vs. Bengals Preview: I Need to See Complementary Football

Photo via Evan Siegle, packers.com

           The Packers are back in action against the Bengals at Lambeau field for the first time since their underwhelming tie against the Cowboys. There’s a lot of headlines going into this game surrounding the Packers. The injury report being massive, the special teams’ unit, and Matt LaFleur’s play calling have all faced well-deserved criticism following the teams’ awkward 2-1-1 start.

           This game against the Bengals gives this Packers team a chance to do something we haven’t seen all season. Complimentary football. Pretty cliché, right?  

However, we haven’t seen it from this team over the course of a full game this season. The games against the Lions and Commanders were great overall for the defense, however the offense slowed down in both of those matchups. We all know the Browns game was a defensive masterclass until the Packers’ offense and special teams put the defense in the worst position imaginable to lose that game. Then there’s Dallas, where the defense was a complete no show and the Packers’ offense lit it up.

           This team is truly unpredictable, but they have insane potential. The Packers defense even after the Cowboys game ranks 3rd in points allowed in the entire league. They are tied with the Broncos at 84 points, while the Texans lead the league with 61 points allowed via ESPN NFL stats. The defense has had trouble forcing turnovers this season. The only turnover they have came off an arm punt from Joe Flacco just before halftime to Xavier McKinney in the Browns game. The defense needs to start taking the ball away from these other teams because that is how you build momentum in a game.

           The offense on the other hand, has faced a tone of adversity early with injuries. Josh Jacobs finally got going against the Cowboys, and Jordan Love has played great ball to start the year. The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the offense to get healthy. If the offense can keep up the pace and sustain drives as they did in Dallas, this team is going places.

As of right now, the only offensive lineman out against the Bengals is Anthony Belton. Rasheed Walker came up with a quad injury this week and is questionable, alongside Aaron Banks and Zach Tom.

Special teams, oh special teams. The Packers might have a big problem against the Bengals if kicker Brandon McManus isn’t ready to go. Per McManus himself, he did say the injury isn’t as bad as Matt LaFleur said earlier in the week. However, this injury is bothering his kicking leg. If McManus isn’t ready to go, an already struggling special teams’ unit is going to be hurting even worse.

One more gripe I have with this unit, is the kickoff and punt returners. Both Matthew Golden and Savion Williams are great athletes, but they have almost no experience in returning kicks in the NFL. Each game, we’ve seen these guys let the ball bounce, take a knee in the endzone, and end up costing the Packers yards to open drives on offense. Why isn’t someone experienced back there with these guys? I’m talking to you Mr. Bisaccia!

            Okay, I got my rant out. That doesn’t change the fact I still think this Packers team can win convincingly in this game. They’ve looked great a home to start the season, and you have to look at the Bengals like this. They traded for a 41-year-old quarterback who can’t move, with one of the worst offensive lines in football, who also averages 57 yards per game rushing the football per ESPN NFL stats. That is horrible.

            I expect the Packers defense to have a heyday with this Bengals offense after Joe Flacco jumped off an economy flight with 4 days practice. Even without Devonte Wyatt, they should still take advantage of a horrible offensive line. Expect Micah Parsons to finally cross Joe Flacco off the list of QBs he hasn’t sacked in his career yet. 

            As for the Packers offense, just play complimentary. This is a Bengals defense who has allowed about 259 passing yards and 132 rush yards per game so far this season (via ESPN NFL stats). The Bengals are also one of the worst teams against tight ends in the league. If you are a Tucker Kraft believer, I love every single prop for this guy on Sunday. He's a beast. (not financial advice) Although the offensive line is banged up, they still performed well against Dallas, and I expect the same from them against the Bengals.

            Special teams? Honestly a coin toss. I have nothing else to say.

             One week at a time guys. The Packers have a lot growing to do if they want to be serious contenders. If they whomp the Bengals in this game, I think they are taking a step in the right direction with a lot of winnable games in the coming weeks.

             Real Packer Fans Know

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