‘D,’ protecting QB, keys to Bengals’ win
The Cincinnati Bengals begin their season with a home matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, and it's one with no shortage of interesting storylines. Quarterback Joe Burrow is healthy and ready to go, and the Bengals dedicated their free agency to signing four players who will be starters on defense. Here are three keys to the game: Keep Dalvin Cook under 100 rushing yards
Minnesota's offense is centered around running back Dalvin Cook, one of the league's top players at his position.
“You can argue the guy, I think he finished second or third in the league last year in yards, with 1,500 plus,” defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. “And all those touchdowns. We have great running backs in our league, but he is in that top one, two, three without any doubt.”
After finishing No. 29 in the NFL in run defense in 2020, the Bengals made a concerted effort to improve in this specific area. Cook will be their first test to see if the new acquisitions and dedication to being a better defense against the run paid off.
Win the turnover battle Anarumo's biggest emphasis this offseason has been finding ways to create more turnovers to give more opportunities back to the offense. They go hand in hand.
“Turnovers … Week 1, turnovers,” Taylor said of what he thinks the game will be decided by. “That's every game of the season, but turnovers, you have to win the turnover battle Week 1. You have to.”
Keep Joe Burrow clean
Joe Burrow hasn't taken a hit since the one that ended his spectacular rookie season. He was sacked far too often — 32 times — in the 10 games he played in last season. The Bengals committed to bolstering their offensive line through free agency and the draft. Veteran tackle Riley Reiff was signed to anchor the right side. Jonah Williams is healthy and appears to be primed to have a big season protecting Burrow's blindside.
The biggest question surrounding Cincinnati's offensive line comes at the guard position. Will the interior guys hold up?
“We've got a new team,” Taylor said. “Our guys are fired up. We're going to be ready to play. We're going to give the fans something to cheer about.”