Week 8 Bengal Preview:Dunn saids "Must Win"

Well it is week 8 for our beloved Cincinnati Bengals who host the Miami Dolphins. With the Bengals being 2-4, 3 games back of the Steelers and the Ravens, this is definitely a must win situation for the Cincinnati Bengals. To be honest with the schedule they have, to even have a chance to be a playoff contender they have to win 3 of the next 4 games, games that consist of this weeks Dolphins, next week Steelers on a national stage, then the always dangerous Colts, then the up and down Bills. This is a stretch where I think the Bengals are definitely capable of winning 3 of these 4 game with 3 of them being home games, but that mean they have to win against the Steeler, or the Colts, The fan side of me say that the Bengals can win all 4 of these games, the wannabe anaylst of me says, it can't be done and it won't be done. As far as week 8 goes, it's going to be an interesting week and a offensive game in my opinion. This game could be a lot like last week minus a couple touchdown each way, it pretty clear to me that this defense is not the defense of last year, you couldn't help but think this defensive unit would be as good as last year when they finish 4th. They were a young defensive unit, that got a year older, another year of experience, but this year they are currently ranked 20th. The Miami offense is a offense that sits in the middle of every offensive category in the league, but when you consider the fact they have a lot of talent on offense and they've had a tough schedule so far this year with 3 loss all coming from division leaders(Jets, Patriots(T1st), and Steelers) this offense can be very explosive especially up against a very down and vulnerable defensive like the Bengals, not to mention they're really banged up as well. Out of all the Corner backs on the 53 man roster, Brandon Ghee is the only healthy corner back, Hall has a bad hammy, John Joesph has a bum ankles, Morgan Trent has a bad knee, we all know Pacman Jones is on the shelf for the rest of the year, Ndukwe and Williams is both hurt, and Keith Rivers will see a limited amount of snaps due to a knee problem, his back up Brandon Johnson also has a bad knee. All this spells a scary game for the Bengals defense, with the good running game of the Dolphins and the fact that Chad Henne is really hot right now, this defense is in a lot of trouble. As far as offensively, you like to think the Bengals are starting to find their mo-jo but the inconsistency makes you second guess that thought. I see the Bengals offense having another good game, no not a repeat of the explosion that we witness last week, but they will go blow for blow with the Dolphins. The Cincinnati Bengals will be able to run and pass against the Dolphins defensive, but it all going to be in the hands of the offensive line which has been very shaky and inconsistent week in and week out. One man that will for sure give them problem is Cameron Wake. This up and coming star has 6 sacks already and even though the Bengals pass protection last week was very good, they are still a team who is not good at pass blocking, Wake is a guy that's a hybrid DL/OLB, Bengals fans let's just hope he don't line up over Andre Smith. With the ailing hip of Carson Palmer, and the pass protect problems the Bengals have expect to see Cedric Benson who is averaging about 21 carries a game get the ball about 30 times, if the game is going in a way that the Bengals don't have to pass. If the Bengals are able to keep Carson protected, the pass game will definitely help, with Owens playing well, and the hot play of Jordan Shipley, not mention Jermaine Gresham, and sprinkle a little Chad in there, it could really open up the run game for Benson. For the Dolphins to win and if I was calling the D , I see them doing a lot of blitzing and testing that O-line, putting pressure on Palmer every time he drop back and forcing him into making mistakes. For the Dolphins to win offensively, Marshall will not be the man, if and when they pass the dangerous guy will be Devon Bess, and his slot abilities, with Pacman out the Bengals have no body that can keep up with the 'Wes Welker' like skill set of this guy. Be that as it may, Miami must play their game which is 65% run and 35% pass. Yes Henne is hot, but given the fact that most likely Hall and Joesph is going to play, you have to be careful cause these two guys are guys that will take the ball away. They must run Brown and Williams (who is playing the Ricky of old) and play smash mouth against that D-Line and Linebacker core. For the Bengals, the only way they can win this game is if the defense steps up, the defense really have to start strong, rather it be via turnover or 3 and outs on first few drives. Cincinnati is going to have to get up early on Miami that way they can control the game. Bottom line is this, Miami is a more complete team right now, it's not like either team is playing well this year but they're the hottest of the two, they are very balanced on offensive, and they're undefeated on the road, Cincinnati is a team that's really banged up on defense, very vulnerable, and offensively really inconsistent. All this plus the pass protection test there going to go through, I'm really hoping that Carson don't get knocked out of this game. I see the Bengals fighting hard, but falling short in a 31-28 loss to the Miami Dolphins. A loss in a must win situation, which will end their season and any hopes of winning the north or making a wild card spot for the playoffs.