More On How The Chiefs And Bengals Match Up
Nov 4, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) reacts after running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (not pictured) scores during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Paul Brown Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Bengals 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE
This Sunday the Cincinnati Bengals come to town. With my week filling in for Paddy coming to a close, I realized that with all the talk about banners, black outs, and possible draft prospects, I haven’t spent any time looking at the actual matchup this week, until now. Nathan Bramwell gave you a great look at the Bengals earlier, now here is a little more on how the Chiefs and Bengals matchup for this Sunday’s game.
When The Chiefs Have The Ball:
KC’s offense is ranked #18 in yards per game with 350.0.
Cincy’s defense is ranked #19 in yards allowed with 353.0.
KC is ranked #30 in scoring with 16.2 PPG.
Cincy’s D is ranked #25 in points allowed at 25.7 PPG.
KC’s run game is ranked #4 with 149 yards/game.
Cincy’s run D is ranked #20 with 118.3 yards/game.
KC’s passing game is ranked #26 with 201 yards/game.
Cincy’s pass defense is ranked #19 with 234.7 yards/game.
With these numbers alone, it doesn’t look like too bad of a matchup for KC’s offense. What it doesn’t show is that the Bengals best defender Geno Atkins could be poised to wreak havoc on KC’s offense. Atkins leads all defensive tackles in sacks with 7. Atkins is a beast and with Asamoah already out and Lilja banged up as well, it’s not a good time to face one of the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL right now. If the Chiefs can find a way to slow down Atkins, they could find some success against the rest of Cincy’s defense.
When The Bengals Have The Ball:
Cincy’s offense is ranked #20 with 346.6 YPG.
KC’s defense is ranked #11 with 336.6 YPG.
Cincy’s offense is ranked #12 with 24.4 PPG.
KC’s defense is ranked #28 with 28.4 PPG.
Cincy’s run game is ranked #25 with 93.7 YPG.
KC’s run defense is ranked #23 with 122.6 YPG.
Cincy’s pass attack is ranked #10 with 252.9 YPG.
KC’s pass defense is ranked #9 with 214.0 YPG.
I actually think KC’s run defense will be able to stop the Bengals rushing attack. The real test will be if the Chiefs can stop the Bengals passing game. AJ Green is a freak of nature. Flowers is the only defensive back on the roster with the game to hang with Green and he’ll be giving up 7 INCHES against him. If that wasn’t enough, they also have a very under the radar tight end in Jermaine Gresham. Gresham may not get the press that other top TEs do, but he’s just as good. Given the problems that KC has had against TEs, Gersham could cause problems. Stopping Green and Gersham will unquestionably be the key to stopping the Bengals.
Turnover Differential:
KC: -20
Cincy: -2
If Kansas City turns the ball over like they have most of the season they’ll lose. Period.
Key Players:
Andy Dalton – 64.4%, 2,329 yards, 7.39 YPA, 18 TDs, 11 INTs, 54.4 QBR
Matt Cassel – 58.6%, 1,703 yards, 6.53 YPA, 6 TDs, 12 INTs, 40.1 QBR
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 537 yards rushing, 3.4 YPA, 3 TDs
Jamaal Charles – 734 yards rushing, 4.7 YPA, 3 TDs
AJ Green – 58 receptions, 820 yards, 14.1 YPR, 9 TDs
Dwayne Bowe – 49 receptions, 626 yards, 12.8 YPR, 3 TDs
Geno Atkins – 7 sacks
Michael Johnson – 6 sacks
Justin Houston – 7 sacks
Tamba Hali – 5 sacks
Terrance Newman – 2 INTs
Brandon Flowers – 2 INTs
Bottom Line:
The Chiefs must find a solution for three of Cincy’s key players: AJ Green, Jermaine Gresham, and Geno Atkins. If KC can just contain them and keep them from doing massive damage all day long then KC has a shot to win. If those three players dominate the game then KC will have no chance. It also should go without saying that KC must not turn the ball over at the alarming rate that they have been most of the season.