Bengals Stock Up/Stock Down Week 8
Syndication: The Enquirer
The Bengals’ biggest win of the year came at the expense of the 49ers in Santa Clara by a final score of 31-17. Joe Burrow was efficient, the defense contained Brock Purdy and co., and the Bengals head into their Sunday Night matchup against Buffalo with three straight victories.
STOCK UP
Joe Burrow’s health
The bye week came at the perfect time.
After a narrow victory against Seattle where the offense struggled mightily in the second half, the team took the week off to regroup both physically and mentally. Oh, how it paid off.
In the rushing game, Joe Shiesty ran 6 times for 43 yards, including a long rush of 20 yards. In the passing game, Burrow posted his best game of the year. He completed 28 of 32 passes for 283 yards, ten of which were to Tee Higgins on a play that set the internet abuzz where he escaped an almost guaranteed sack.
Joe Burrow is INSANEpic.twitter.com/ZB2vB9gVQ5
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 29, 2023
The run game
Entering the game today, the Bengals had the worst statistical rushing attack in the NFL. While there is progress that still needs to be made, today was a step in the right direction.
On top of Joe Burrow’s incredibly solid rushing day, Joe Mixon produced a season high 16 rushes for 87 yards. This included a 4 yard rush where he ran into the end zone untouched to seal the game.
JOE MIXON TD PUTS THE BENGALS UP 14 🙌 #WHODEY pic.twitter.com/sQuj9x2Xln
— Cincinnati 💔 (@CincyProblems) October 29, 2023
STOCK DOWN
Irv Smith Jr.
The Bengals have never really put too much emphasis on tight ends, but Irv Smith has been a clear downgrade from last year when the Bengals had Hayden Hurst.
With the Bengals up 14-10 near the end of the second quarter and looking to add to it, Irv fumbled a pass deep in the 49ers red zone.
Irv Smith Jr. fumble. Costly Bengals mistake to close the first half.
14-10 at the break. Should likely be at least 20-10 CIN. pic.twitter.com/sHpv4GxcR9
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) October 29, 2023
Cincinnati had a chance to cruise into halftime with a two possession lead. Instead, Irv’s costly turnover not only gave the 49ers a chance to keep it close, but to narrow the gap as well.
On the season, Irv Smith has 10 catches for 57 yards.
On a day where nearly everything went right on defense, there was still a lot to be desired with safety Nick Scott. Many are calling for rookie Jordan Battle to start over the Bengals’ recent free agency signing, and Scott did himself no favors on Sunday by allowing George Kittle to have a day.
Oh look…
Dax hill defends George kittle well vs Nick Scott playing 8 yards off.
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) October 29, 2023
Scott struggled in coverage against the 49ers star tight end, as Kittle went off for 9 receptions and 149 yards.
Brock Purdy with the dart to George Kittlepic.twitter.com/VdpyWRWC9Q
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) October 29, 2023
With the young Jordan Battle on the bench and playing well in game action, Nick Scott, who has struggled as a starter, might have his days numbered.
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