2017 season review

164 Pages·2017·2.74 MB·English

2017 SEASON REVIEW
2017 STANDINGS
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

EAST DIVISION W L T PCT. PF PA EAST DIVISION W L T PCT. PF PA
#-New England Patriots ..................... 13 3 0 .813 458 296 #-Philadelphia Eagles ........................ 13 3 0 .813 457 295
*-Buffalo Bills ....................................... 9 7 0 .563 302 359 Dallas Cowboys ................................... 9 7 0 .563 354 332
Miami Dolphins .................................... 6 10 0 .375 281 393 Washington Redskins .......................... 7 9 0 .438 342 388
New York Jets ...................................... 5 11 0 .313 298 382 New York Giants .................................. 3 13 0 .188 246 388
NORTH DIVISION W L T PCT. PF PA NORTH DIVISION W L T PCT. PF PA
Pittsburgh Steelers ............................ 13 3 0 .813 406 308 Minnesota Vikings .............................. 13 3 0 .813 382 252
Baltimore Ravens ................................ 9 7 0 .563 395 303 Detroit Lions ......................................... 9 7 0 .563 410 376
Cincinnati Bengals ............................... 7 9 0 .438 290 349 Green Bay Packers .............................. 7 9 0 .438 320 384
Cleveland Browns ................................ 0 16 0 .000 234 410 Chicago Bears ..................................... 5 11 0 .313 264 320
SOUTH DIVISION W L T PCT. PF PA SOUTH DIVISION W L T PCT. PF PA
Jacksonville Jaguars ......................... 10 6 0 .625 417 268 New Orleans Saints ........................... 11 5 0 .688 448 326
*-Tennessee Titans ............................. 9 7 0 .563 334 356 *-Carolina Panthers ........................... 11 5 0 .688 363 327
Indianapolis Colts ................................ 4 12 0 .250 263 404 *-Atlanta Falcons ............................... 10 6 0 .625 353 315
Houston Texans................................... 4 12 0 .250 338 436 Tampa Bay Buccaneers ...................... 5 11 0 .313 335 382
WEST DIVISION W L T PCT. PF PA WEST DIVISION W L T PCT. PF PA
Kansas City Chiefs ............................ 10 6 0 .625 415 339 Los Angeles Rams ............................. 11 5 0 .688 478 329
Los Angeles Chargers ......................... 9 7 0 .563 355 272 Seattle Seahawks ................................ 9 7 0 .563 366 332
Oakland Raiders .................................. 6 10 0 .375 301 373 Arizona Cardinals ................................ 8 8 0 .500 295 361
Denver Broncos ................................... 5 11 0 .313 289 382 San Francisco 49ers ............................ 6 10 0 .375 331 383
*-Wild Card qualifier; #-Clinched home-field advantage throughout playoffs.

NOTES:
● Indianapolis finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head sweep (Colts were 2-0 vs. Texans).
● New Orleans finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head sweep (Saints were 2-0 vs. Panthers).
● New England was seeded ahead of Pittsburgh based on head-to-head victory.
● Jacksonville was seeded ahead of Kansas City based on conference record (Jaguars’ 9-3 to Chiefs’ 8-4).
● Tennessee was seeded ahead of Baltimore, Buffalo and the L.A. Chargers based on conference record (Titans’ 8-4 to Ravens’ 7-5, Bills’ 7-5 and Chargers’ 6-6).
● Baltimore and Buffalo were seeded ahead of L.A. Chargers based on conference record (Ravens’ 7-5 and Bills’ 7-5 to Chargers’ 6-6).
● Buffalo was seeded ahead of Baltimore based on better strength of victory in all games.
● Philadelphia was seeded ahead of Minnesota based on better won-lost percentage against common opponents.
● The L.A. Rams were seeded ahead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.

PLAYOFF SEEDINGS:
AFC NFC
1. New England 1. Philadelphia
2. Pittsburgh 2. Minnesota
3. Jacksonville 3. L.A. Rams
4. Kansas City 4. New Orleans
5. Tennessee 5. Carolina
6. Buffalo 6. Atlanta

POSTSEASON AT A GLANCE
Home team in CAPS.
AFC Wild Card Playoff Games NFC Wild Card Playoff Games
Tennessee 22, KANSAS CITY 21 Atlanta 26, L.A. RAMS 13
JACKSONVILLE 10, Buffalo 3 NEW ORLEANS 31, Carolina 26
AFC Divisional Playoff Games NFC Divisional Playoff Games
NEW ENGLAND 35, Tennessee 14 PHILADELPHIA 15, Atlanta 10
Jacksonville 45, PITTSBURGH 42 MINNESOTA 29, New Orleans 24
AFC Championship Game NFC Championship Game
NEW ENGLAND 24, Jacksonville 20 PHILADELPHIA 38, Minnesota 7
Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
PHILADELPHIA 41, New England 33
SEASON IN REVIEW
2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2017 TEAM NOTES ........................................................................................................... 2-9
Important dates ............................................................................................................................ 8
PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES............................................................................................ 10-137
OTHER PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES (2017 players no longer with Bengals) ......... 138-142
2017 STATISTICS AND OTHER INFORMATION ................................... 143-162
2017 preseason statistics ........................................................................................................ 143
2017 preseason participation chart .......................................................................................... 144
2017 game summaries ..................................................................................................... 145-152
In 2017, the Bengals were (regular season) ............................................................................ 153
Under Marvin Lewis, the Bengals are (2003-present; regular season) ................................... 153
2017 best performances (regular season) ............................................................................... 154
2017 game-by-game team statistics ........................................................................................ 155
2017-18 transactions................................................................................................................ 156
2017 participation chart ............................................................................................................ 157
2017 starting lineups ................................................................................................................ 158
2017 end-of-season depth chart (as of Dec. 31, 2017) ........................................................... 159
Pronunciation guide (as of March 13, 2018) ............................................................................ 159
Alphabetical roster (as of March 13, 2018) .............................................................................. 160
Numerical roster (as of March 13, 2018) ................................................................................. 161
2017 statistics .......................................................................................................................... 162

(The information in the 2017 Season in Review is accurate through March 13, 2018.)

— 1 —
2017 CINCINNATI BENGALS
TEAM NOTES
2017 AFC North standings: The Pittsburgh Steelers captured over Wyche (64). Lewis’ record now is 125-112-3 in the regular season and 125-
the 2017 AFC North Division championship by a four-game margin over 119-3 including postseason.
Baltimore. Over the last 10 seasons, the Steelers have won five division titles, Lewis in 2017 ranked second among NFL head coaches in longest current
while the Bengals have won three and the Ravens two. In that same span, tenure with one team, trailing only Bill Belichick, who was in his 18th straight
Pittsburgh also leads the group with seven total playoff appearances, followed by season with New England. In the category of most seasons as head coach with
Cincinnati with six and Baltimore with five. Cleveland has not won the division or one or more teams, Lewis ranked fourth among active coaches, behind Belichick
made the playoffs over that stretch. (23rd season in ’17), Andy Reid (19) and John Fox (16).
Here’s the AFC North picture at the end of 2017, with only the Steelers Lewis has developed an impressive “coaching tree” during his Bengals
moving on to the playoffs: tenure. Five of his former assistants have become NFL head coaches, and four
of those led teams in 2017. The list, including their teams and head coaching
TEAM W-L PCT. DIV. tenures, includes former Bengals offensive coordinators Jay Gruden
Pittsburgh ...................................................................... 13-3-0 .813 6-0 (Washington, 2014-present) and Hue Jackson (Cleveland, ’16-present), former
Baltimore ......................................................................... 9-7-0 .563 3-3 defensive coordinators Leslie Frazier (Minnesota, ’10-13) and Mike Zimmer
Cincinnati ........................................................................ 7-9-0 .438 3-3 (Minnesota, ’14-present), and former defensive backs coach Vance Joseph
Cleveland ...................................................................... 0-16-0 .000 0-6 (Denver, ’17-present).
Lewis was the consensus choice for NFL Coach of the Year in 2009, when
2018 opponents: The Bengals’ home and away opponents for 2018 the Bengals won the AFC North Division while sweeping all six division games.
are set. The full schedule, with dates and kickoff times, will be released this The Bengals also were AFC North champions under Lewis in 2005, ’13 and ’15.
spring. Named the ninth head coach in Bengals history on Jan. 14, 2003, Lewis
In addition to their six games against fellow AFC North Division teams, the started quickly. His ’03 club finished 8-8, six games better than the ’02 club, good
Bengals and the rest of the AFC North will play against all teams in the AFC for the biggest improvement in the NFL that year.
West and NFC South divisions. Lewis came to the Bengals with credentials as a record-setting NFL
Cincinnati’s remaining two games — at home against Miami and on the road defensive coordinator, having played a huge role in a championship season. His
against Indianapolis — were determined by the 2017 standings. As third-place six seasons (1996-2001) as Baltimore Ravens coordinator included a Super
finishers in the AFC North, the Bengals are matched against the third-place Bowl victory in ’00, when his defense set the NFL record for fewest points
teams from the AFC East (Miami) and AFC South (Indianapolis). allowed in a 16-game campaign (165). That team clipped 22 points off the
The list of opponents for 2017: previous mark. The 2000 Ravens are always an entry in discussions regarding
● Home: Baltimore-Cleveland-Pittsburgh plus Denver, Miami, New Orleans, the best NFL defensive units of all time.
Oakland and Tampa Bay. In 2002, the season before he joined the Bengals, Lewis led the Washington
● Away: Baltimore-Cleveland-Pittsburgh plus Atlanta, Carolina, Indianapolis, Redskins to a No. 5 NFL defensive ranking, serving as assistant head coach as
Kansas City and the L.A. Chargers. well as defensive coordinator.
He had his first NFL assignment from 1992-95, as linebackers coach for the
Bengals in the Pro Bowl: The Bengals were credited with three Pittsburgh Steelers. He aided the development of four Pro Bowl players — Kevin
selections for the 2017 season Pro Bowl game — DT Geno Atkins, WR A.J. Greene, Chad Brown, Levon Kirkland and Greg Lloyd.
Green and LS Clark Harris. Lewis began his coaching career as linebackers coach at his alma mater
Atkins and Green were selected in December’s initial voting. Harris was Idaho State from 1981-84. ISU’s team (also nicknamed the Bengals) finished 12-
added in January when he was chosen by Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike 1 in Lewis’ first season there and won the NCAA Division 1-AA championship.
Tomlin as a “need” player. The NFL stipulates that the head coach of each Pro Lewis played LB at Idaho State, earning All-Big Sky Conference honors for
Bowl team chooses a “need” player, and those players must be long snappers. three consecutive years (1978-80). He also saw action at quarterback and free
Atkins and Green were no strangers to the Pro Bowl, as Atkins now has safety during his college career. He received his bachelor’s degree in physical
been selected to and played in six games, while Green has been selected to education from Idaho State in 1981, and earned his master’s in athletic
seven games and has played in five. For Harris, however, it was his first administration in ’82. He was inducted into Idaho State’s Hall of Fame in 2001.0
selection. Harris also became the first-ever Bengals LS to earn a Pro Bowl nod. Born Sept. 23, 1958, Lewis attended Fort Cherry High School in McDonald,
In 2017 season game at Orlando, Atkins started the contest and had two Pa. (near Pittsburgh), where he was an all-conference quarterback and safety.
tackles (both solos), helping the AFC to post a narrow 24-23 victory. Harris had He also earned high school letters in wrestling and baseball. He and his wife,
four long snaps in the game (one FG and three PATs), including one for the Peggy, have a daughter, Whitney, and a son, Marcus. Marcus Lewis joined the
game-winning point. Green did not play due to lingering soreness. Bengals’ coaching staff for 2014 and remains on the staff for ’18.
Harris, who was named one of the AFC’s team captains, also had another
noteworthy accomplishment. During a Pro Bowl practice prior to the game, he Coaching staff changes: The Bengals have announced the
set a new Guinness World Record for the longest recorded snap ever recorded following coaching staff additions from 2017 to ’18:
at 36 yards, eight inches, shattering the previous record of 34 yards, set by Jase ● On Jan. 8, Teryl Austin was named defensive coordinator, filling the spot
Whitner in Perrysburg, Ohio in 2017. opened when Paul Guenther departed to become defensive coordinator of the
Oakland Raiders. Austin served as defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions
Head coach Marvin Lewis: Lewis in 2017 extended his from 2014-17. Prior to joining the Lions, he spent 10 seasons as a defensive
Bengals-record head coaching tenure to 15 seasons, nearly twice that of Paul backs coach in the NFL, including stints with the Seattle Seahawks (2003-06),
Brown (1968-75) and Sam Wyche (’84-91), who are tied for second with eight Arizona Cardinals (’07-09) and the Baltimore Ravens (’11-13).
seasons each. ● Also on Jan. 8, Bob Bicknell was named wide receivers coach, filling the
Lewis has led his teams to the postseason seven times, including a five-year spot opened when James Urban departed to become the quarterbacks coach of
run from 2011-15. The total number of playoff trips and the five-year streak of the Baltimore Ravens. Bicknell, who was wide receivers coach at Baylor
consecutive appearances are Bengals records, and the Bengals were one of University in 2017, has 25 years of professional and collegiate coaching
only four NFL teams to reach the playoffs every year from 2011-15. The playoff experience. His pro experience includes a total of 10 seasons in the NFL as an
run ended in 2016, however, when Cincinnati finished 6-9-1. The Bengals’ last offensive assistant coach with Kansas City (2007-09), Buffalo (’10-12),
five losses came by a total of 16 points. Injuries were a greater-than-usual factor, Philadelphia (’13-15) and San Francisco (’16). He also coached eight seasons in
and crucial missed place kicks plagued the team to an extent not seen for many NFL Europe with Frankfurt (’98-99), Berlin (’00-03) and Cologne (’04-05). His
years. previous collegiate experience includes seven seasons as an assistant coach at
The Bengals’ 65-45-2 record over the last seven full seasons (2011-17) Boston University (1993-97), Temple University (2006) and Baylor (’17).
under Lewis gives the team a .589 winning percentage for that span, ranked ● On Jan. 11, Frank Pollack was named offensive line coach. Pollack
sixth in the NFL. comes to the Bengals from the Dallas Cowboys, where he had been an assistant
Lewis has 125 career victories, the most in Bengals history by a margin of 61 coach from 2013-17. He was the Cowboys’ offensive line coach from ’15-17 after
— 2 —
(Coaching staff changes, continued) as time was winding down in the first half. QB Andy Dalton used the Bengals’
first down to spike the ball with 35 seconds remaining, however two subsequent
being promoted from assistant offensive line coach (’13-14). Prior to the passes to A.J. Green fell incomplete and Cincinnati was forced to settle for a 32-
Cowboys, Pollack spent one season with the Oakland Raiders as offensive line yard Randy Bullock FG.
coach (2012) and five seasons with the Houston Texans as assistant offensive Overall, Cincinnati finished the season 12th in scoring TDs in the red zone,
line coach (’07-11). Pollack began his coaching career at his alma mater reaching the end zone on 24 of their 43 trips (55.8 percent).
Northern Arizona (’05-06). Former Bengals assistant head coach/offensive line Here’s a look at each of the Bengals’ road games this season, along with
coach Paul Alexander now is the Cowboys’ offensive line coach. how their offense fared in the red zone.
● On Jan. 12, Alex Van Pelt was named quarterbacks coach. He comes to
Cincinnati from the Green Bay Packers, where he served as quarterbacks coach DATE OPP. R-Z TRIPS TD PCT.
since 2014. He also coached wide receivers in ’15, and he coached the Packers’ Sept. 24 at Green Bay ..................................................... 3 3 1.000
running backs from ’12-13. Prior to Green Bay, Van Pelt spent two seasons with Oct. 1 at Cleveland ...................................................... 2 2 1.000
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as quarterbacks coach (’10-11) and four seasons on Oct. 22 at Pittsburgh ...................................................... 2 2 1.000
the offensive coaching staff of the Buffalo Bills (’06-09). Van Pelt started his Nov. 5 at Jacksonville .................................................. 1 1 1.000
coaching career in NFL Europe as the Frankfurt Galaxy’s quarterbacks coach Nov. 12 at Tennessee .................................................... 2 1 .500
(2005). The Bengals quarterbacks finished 2017 being coached directly by Nov. 19 at Denver .......................................................... 2 2 1.000
offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. Dec. 17 at Minnesota ..................................................... 1 1 1.000
● Also on Jan. 12, Daronte Jones was named secondary/cornerbacks Dec. 31 at Baltimore ....................................................... 3 2 .667
coach. He joins the Bengals from the Miami Dolphins, where he was assistant TOTALS 16 14 87.5
defensive backs coach from 2016-17. His previous collegiate experience
includes assistant coaching roles at Wisconsin (2015), Hawaii (’12-14), UCLA
BENGALS FINAL 2016 RED-ZONE REPORT
(’10), Bowie State (’05-09), Nicholls State (’02) and Lenoir-Rhyne (’01). He also
coached defensive backs for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football OFFENSE DEFENSE
League (2011). He will work closely with Bengals secondary/safeties coach Inside-20 possessions: 43 Inside-20 possessions: 56
Robert Livingston, who served as one of two Bengals secondary coaches in Total scores: 37 (86.0%) Total scores: 52 (92.9%)
2017. Kevin Coyle, the other ’17 secondary coach, is not returning for ’18. TDs: 24 (55.8%) TDs: 26 (46.4%)
● Also on Jan. 12, Matt Raich was named defensive assistant/assistant FGs: 13 (30.2%) FGs: 26 (46.4%)
defensive line coach. He comes to Cincinnati from the Detroit Lions, where he TD% rank: 12th TD% rank: 6th
was an assistant coach from 2014-17. While with the Lions, he served as No scores: 6 (14.0%) No scores: 4 (7.1%)
assistant defensive line coach from ’16-17), defensive assistant/defensive ends
in ’15) and defensive quality control ’14. Raich’s NFL coaching experience also Bengals career records watch: Here is a look at potential
includes six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals as linebackers coach (’09-12) upcoming movement in the Bengals’ career records book (regular season)
and defensive assistant (’07-08), as well as three seasons with the Pittsburgh heading into the 2018 season:
Steelers as offensive assistant (’04-06). Raich previously held collegiate ● QB Andy Dalton has 22 career 300-yard passing games, one shy of QB
assistant coaching positions at Duquesne (2013), Robert Morris (’00-02; ’96-98), Boomer Esiason for the Bengals’ all-time lead.
Glenville State (1999) and Westminster (Pa.) College (’93-94). ● Dalton also has 3556 career passing attempts, eight shy of Esiason
Other changes to the Bengals’ 2018 staff include the departure of assistant (3564) for second place all-time. QB Ken Anderson (4475) is the Bengals’ all-
linebackers/quality control coach David Lippincott, who now is linebackers coach time leader. Dalton passed QB Carson Palmer (3217) for third place all-time in
for the Oakland Raiders, as well as title changes for several assistants. A Game 5, Oct. 8 vs. Buffalo.
complete list of the Bengals’ 2018 coaching staff can be found in the team’s ● WR A.J. Green has 31 career 100-yard receiving games, tied with WR
rosters on pages 160-161 of this booklet. Chad Johnson for the Bengals’ all-time lead.
● Green also has 57 career receiving TDs, six shy of WR Carl Pickens (63)
for second place all-time. Johnson (66) is the Bengals’ all-time leader. Green
BENGALS FINAL 2017 NFL RANKINGS
passed WR Isaac Curtis (53) for third place all-time in Game 9, Nov. 12 at
BENGALS Tennessee.
SCORING (AVERAGE POINTS): ● Green also has 57 career total TDs, seven shy of Pickens and RB James
Points scored .................................................................................. 26th (18.1) Brooks (64) for third place all-time. FB Pete Johnson (70) is the Bengals’ all-time
Points allowed ................................................................................. 18th (21.8) leader. Green passed WR Isaac Curtis (53) for fifth place all-time in Game 9,
NET OFFENSE (AVERAGE YARDS): Nov. 12 at Tennessee.
Total ............................................................................................. 32nd (280.5) ● DE Carlos Dunlap has 64.5 career sacks, 19 short of DE Eddie Edwards*
Rushing ............................................................................................ 31st (85.4) (83.5) for the Bengals’ all-time lead. Dunlap passed DE Ross Browner* (59) for
Passing ......................................................................................... 27th (195.1) third place all-time in Game 10, Nov. 19 at Denver, and then he passed LB
NET DEFENSE (AVERAGE YARDS): Reggie Williams* for second place all-time in Game 15, Dec. 24 vs. Detroit.
Total .............................................................................................. 18th (339.1) ● DT Geno Atkins has 61 career sacks, 1.5 shy of Williams (62.5) for third
Rushing ......................................................................................... 30th (127.9) place all-time. Edwards* (83.5) is the Bengals’ all-time leader.
Passing ........................................................................................... 8th (211.2) *NOTE: The NFL has counted sacks as official statistics since 1982.
TURNOVERS: However, the Bengals have sack statistics compiled since 1976 and recognize
Differential .................................................................................. 27th (minus-9) those sacks recorded from ’76-81 in its records. Thus, please note that, because
the NFL has sacks statistics for all teams only since 1982, the Bengals’ sack
Bengals’ road offense converts in red zone: Scoring on statistics for players whose careers included seasons prior to ’82 will not be
the road can be difficult for any offense, and so is scoring TDs in the red zone. included in league information.
But the Bengals in 2017 managed near perfection when combining both of those
challenges, scoring TDs on 14 of their 16 trips in the red zone as the road team Bengals D spreads the INT love: Ten different Bengals
this season. recorded an INT in 2017, marking the fourth time in five seasons that at least 10
That 87.5-percent TD conversion rate was the best in the NFL in ’17, with Bengals have recorded a pick. And until the season’s final game, that stat came
the Jaguars (13 of 19; 68.4 percent), Redskins (13 of 19; 68.4 percent) and Lions with a twist.
(13 of 20; 65.0) coming closest. Prior to Game 16 at Baltimore, no Bengal had more than one INT. Had that
Prior to Game 9 at Tennessee, the Bengals’ road offense had been a perfect stood through one more game, the 2017 Bengals would have been the first team
eight-for-eight on the year at converting red-zone trips to TDs. A fumbled snap — since the 1944 Brooklyn Tigers to have 10 players record an INT in a season
and Titans recovery — on the first of their two red-zone trips, though, spelled the without anyone having more than one pick.
end of the streak. But that statistic didn’t hold, and the Bengals ended up being quite happy it
In their final road game, the season finale at Baltimore, the Bengals scored didn’t. In the third quarter, CB Darqueze Dennard picked off a Joe Flacco pass
TDs on two of their three trips to the red zone. The lone trip without a TD came and returned it 89 yards for a score. It was Dennard’s second INT of the season.
— 3 —
(Bengals D spreads the INT love, continued) more passes of 50 yards or longer (21) than any other QB-WR tandem in the
league.
And although the play put the Bengals up 24-10, it ended up being critical to the Dalton and Green connected on three passes of 50 yards or longer in 2017
Bengals’ 31-27 victory, after Baltimore staged a second-half comeback. The — a 50-yarder vs. Houston, a 77-yard TD vs. Buffalo and a 70-yard TD at
Ravens ultimately fell short though, thanks to a dramatic 49-yard Andy Dalton TD Tennessee.
pass to Tyler Boyd on fourth-and-12 with 44 seconds remaining, putting the Through 2017, the duo has started 99 of a possible 112 regular-season
Bengals ahead to stay. games together over their seven seasons.
While Dennard finished the season with two INTs, nine other Bengals Here’s a look at QB-WR duos with the most pass plays of 50 or more yards
finished in a tie for second with one: CB Dre Kirkpatrick, CB William Jackson, DE since 2011 (regular season only).
Carlos Dunlap, S George Iloka, LB Vincent Rey, S Shawn Williams, S Clayton
Fejedelem, CB Adam Jones and LB Nick Vigil. QB WR TEAM NO. OF 50+ PASS PLAYS
Andy Dalton A.J. Green Cincinnati ............................................. 21
Geno earns another crown: For the fifth time in in his eight-year Aaron Rodgers Jordy Nelson Green Bay ............................................ 19
career, Bengals DT Geno Atkins finished atop all NFL interior defensive linemen Matthew Stafford Calvin Johnson Detroit .................................................. 15
in sacks (9.0). Atkins finished with a narrow edge over Jacksonville DT Malik Matt Ryan Julio Jones Atlanta .................................................. 14
Jackson (8.0), with Carolina DT Kawann Short (7.5) and Dallas DT David Irvin Eli Manning Odell Beckham N.Y. Giants ........................................... 12
(7.0) also within shouting distance.
Last year marked the third straight season Atkins finished finished in at least Defense’s 30-point streak ends at 22: Entering Game 13
a tie for the top spot. In 2016, he claimed the honor outright with nine sacks, vs. Chicago, the Bengals’ defense had held opponents under 30 points in 22
besting DT Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams, who was second with eight. consecutive games. It was the longest such streak in team history, and at the
No other interior lineman had more than seven. time had been the longest active streak in the NFL. But the Bears scored
He also was the outright winner in 2012, when he had a career-best 12.5 33 points in a winning effort, marking the first time since Game 6 of 2016 (a
sacks. He tied for the league lead in 2011 (7.5 sacks) and 2015 (11). 35-17 loss at New England) that the Bengals had relinquished more than 30
Atkins battled through a toe injury the last three weeks of 2017. The injury points.
limited him to a season-low 12 snaps on Dec. 10 vs Chicago, and 29 on Dec. 17 Cincinnati continued its 30-point skid the next week, allowing 34 points in a
at Minnesota. loss at Minnesota. The Chicago and Minnesota losses were the only two games
Late in the season, Atkins was selected to his sixth Pro Bowl in eight of the season in which the Bengals allowed at least 30 points.
seasons. His six selections are the most of any Bengals defensive lineman in The Bengals’ previous record streak was 20 consecutive games, which was
team history — no other DL has had more than two — and he’s now tied with CB accomplished twice. The first began in Game 3 of 1981, a 20-17 loss vs.
Lemar Parrish for the most selections by a Bengals defensive player (six). He Cleveland, and lasted through Game 5 of ’82, a 23-10 win vs. Cleveland. The
has 61 career sacks through 2017, the most by a Bengals interior lineman and second instance started in Game 16 of 1988, a 20-17 OT win vs. Washington,
fourth overall. and lasted through Game 3 of ’90, a 41-7 win vs. New England. The Bengals
went to the Super Bowl in both 1981 and ’88.
Lawson leads rookies in sacks: Bengals LB Carl Lawson, a The Bengals’ 22-game streak had been the longest in the NFL since the
pass-rushing specialist out of Auburn, ended his first pro season atop all NFL N.Y. Giants’ streak of 23 was snapped in a 51-17 loss vs. the L.A. Rams earlier
rookies in sacks, with 8.5. The next-closest rookie was Cleveland DL Myles this season. The Bengals also had been one of three teams, along with the
Garrett and Pittsburgh LB T.J. Watt, who had 7.0 apiece. Among all players, Eagles and Chargers, to hold each of their 2017 opponents to fewer than 30
Lawson finished in a tie for 25th, with Arizona LB Chandler Jones leading the points. Both of those other streaks, however, ended by the completion of the
way at 17.0. regular season.
Lawson finished his rookie season with at least a shared sack in seven Down as many as six starters at times over the last few weeks of the
games, including two multi-sack efforts. The highlight of his stellar rookie season season, the Bengals slipped to 16th in scoring defense at the end of the season
came in Game 3 at Green Bay, when he registered 2.5 sacks, the most by a (21.8 points per game), after ranking as high as second earlier in the year (16.6
Bengals rookie in a game since Justin Smith on Dec. 9, 2001 vs. Jacksonville through Week 6). In 2016, Cincinnati finished eighth in scoring defense (19.7),
(three). thanks in large part to a seven-game stretch to close the year in which they held
Lawson has also had a knack for making sacks in key moments. In Game 7 opponents under 20 points six times while allowing a scoring average of 15.0.
vs. Indianapolis, his seven-yard sack of Jacoby Brissett on the Colts’ final drive, That followed a 2015 campaign in which they ranked second in scoring defense
as they were looking to get into range for a potential game-winning FG, helped (17.4). In 2014, Cincinnati ranked 12th in scoring defense.
secure a Bengals victory. And on Dec. 24 vs. Detroit, Lawson’s nine-yard sack of “My job is to limit points, period,” said former defensive coordinator Paul
Matthew Stafford on fourth-and-15 with one minute remaining in the game ended Guenther said. “That’s what I get paid to do. It’s not holding them to 200 yards
the Lions’ comeback hopes and turned the ball back over to the Bengals. but have three plays be touchdowns. Regardless of where they get the ball — if
we turn it over (on offense) and it’s on the 10-yard line — let’s go play defense.
Carl falls short of Carlos’ rookie record: LB Carl Hold them to three. I’m paid to keep them off the scoreboard.”
Lawson’s impressive rookie campaign entered rare Bengals air late in the
season. Going into the final game, Dec. 31 at Baltimore, his 8.5 sacks stood just Andy’s blemish-free run ends at six: Bengals QB Andy
one shy of DE Carlos Dunlap’s rookie record of 9.5, set in 2010. Dalton entered Game 13 vs. Chicago riding a streak of six straight games played
But after being held without a sack in the finale, Lawson finished in a tie for (Games 7-12) without an INT. But an interception on a tipped pass midway
second on the Bengals’ rookie sack list, matching DE Justin Smith’s 8.5 in 2001. through the third quarter vs. the Bears ended his run, marking his first
In 2010, Dunlap played in only 12 games — inactive for four of the first five interception since the third quarter of Game 6, Oct. 22 at Pittsburgh.
contests — and didn’t record a sack until the team’s ninth game (Nov. 14 at Dalton’s streak was only the fourth in Bengals history, and the first since
Indianapolis). He finished the season on a tear though, recording at least a half 1998, to reach at least six full regular-season games without an INT. Neil
sack in seven of the last eight games, including four multi-sack efforts. O’Donnell has the most consecutive regular-season games in club history
Lawson, on the other hand, started hot, with a 2.5-sack effort in just his third without an INT, with seven in 1998.
game. He maintained a steady pace thereafter, with at least a shared sack in Here’s a full list of Bengals QBs to go six full games without an INT, along
seven of his 16 games. with their yards per attempt and number of TD passes during their streaks:
Lawson led all NFL rookies in sacks, by a margin of 1.5 over Pittsburgh LB
PLAYER YEAR(S) GAMES YDS/ATT TD
T.J. Watt and Cleveland DL Myles Garrett (each with 7.0). In 2010, Dunlap
narrowly missed out on the rookie sack crown when Detroit’s Ndamukong Suh Neil O’Donnell 1998 ......................................................... 7 7.3 11
logged his 10th sack late in the fourth quarter of the Lions’ finale. Ken Anderson 1973-74 .................................................... 6 8.7 13
As far as quarterback pressures, Lawson’s 21 QB hits topped Dunlap’s Ken Anderson 1979-80 .................................................... 6 6.8 5
rookie season total of 14. Andy Dalton 2017 ......................................................... 6 7.3 11
The Bengals managed a 3-3 record during Dalton’s streak. The team had a
Andy and A.J. stretch the field: Since entering the NFL losing record during O’Donnell’s streak (2-5). The Bengals went 6-0 during
together in 2011, QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green have connected on Anderson’s first streak and 2-4 in his second.
— 4 —
(Andy’s blemish-free run ends at six, continued) Atkins, Vontaze Burfict and Carlos Dunlap filling up the stat sheets, this edition of
the Bengals’ defense sported an unusually young surrounding cast. The
Dalton completed 101 of 171 passes (59.1 percent) for 1246 yards and 11 Cincinnati defense leaned heavily upon the ‘kids,’ a nickname coined by several
TDs during his six game stretch. He had a 103.1 passer rating over that span, analysts for the wave of young Bengals, and the results were impressive.
compared to 102.8 for O’Donnell in his seven-game streak, 123.9 for Anderson Fourteen of the 30 Bengals players to see time on defense this season were
in his first six-gamer and 93.1 in his second six-gamer. Dalton topped a passer either rookies, first- or second-year players, including eight who were on the field
rating of 100 in four of the six contests, compared to O’Donnell’s two of seven for more than a quarter of the team’s 1146 defensive snaps.
and Anderson’s five of six (first streak) and one of six (second). Bengal rookie and second-year players combined to play 4001 out of an
Dalton and Kansas City QB Alex Smith, whose streak of eight games without available 12,606 snaps (1146 plays, multiplied by 11 players on the field at a
an INT was snapped in Week 9 at Dallas earlier in the year, were the only QBs time) in 2017, which works out to 31.7 percent. And from a production
to go at least six consecutive games without an INT in 2017. standpoint, they didn’t disappoint, accounting for 11.5 of the team’s 41 sacks,
three of its 11 INTs, 24 of its 74 passes defensed, and 286 of its 986 total tackles
Dalton’s INT-free run a career-best: Bengals QB Andy (29 percent). And on special teams, rookie DE Jordan Willis had a blocked punt,
Dalton’s INT in the third quarter of Game 13 vs. Chicago was his first pick since and second-year CB KeiVarae Russell had a blocked FG.
the third quarter of Game 6 at Pittsburgh, ending a career-best stretch of 193 Nine of the Bengals’ 18 draft choices over the last two years (2016-17) were
pass attempts without an INT. The streak, which covered 27 full quarters of play, used on defenders, and eight of those players saw action on defense in ’17,
stands as the second-most consecutive pass attempts by a Bengal without an combining for 3726 snaps. The lone defensive draft selection to not appear on
INT, behind only Neil O’Donnell’s 238 in 1998. His streak also stands as the defense, rookie sixth-round pick Brandon Wilson, has been a contributor on
third-longest in the NFL this season, behind 287 straight by Alex Smith and 196 special teams (133 snaps).
by Matthew Stafford. Here are the Bengals’ rookie and second-year players who saw time on
Dalton also has INT-free streaks of 147 and 165 attempts, which he defense in 2017: Vigil (759 snaps), CB William Jackson (697), LB Carl Lawson
accomplished separately in 2016. (477), DT Ryan Glasgow (412), S Clayton Fejedelem (376), DE Jordan Willis
Here’s a look at the longest streaks of pass attempts without an INT in the (360), DT Andrew Billings (334), LB Jordan Evans (311), LB Hardy Nickerson
NFL in 2017. (158), CB KeiVarae Russell (46), LB Brandon Bell (36), Josh Tupou (19), CB
Tony McRae (16) and G Alex Redmond (five). Redmond was called into action
PLAYER TEAM PASS ATTEMPTS on defense in Game 13 vs. Chicago and Game 15 vs. Detroit, due to injuries
Alex Smith Kansas City ...................................................................... 287 along the defensive line.
Matthew Stafford Detroit ............................................................................... 196
Andy Dalton Cincinnati .......................................................................... 193 Dunlap the playmaker: Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap’s playmaking
Tom Brady New England .................................................................... 188 ability was on full display in 2017. The eighth-year pro finished the season with
Drew Brees New Orleans ..................................................................... 166 7.5 sacks, an INT, a FF and seven PDs, and to close observers, it seemed like a
majority of those entries in the stat column came at critical points in games. Here
Only A.J.: Cincinnati’s A.J. Green was selected in 2017 to his seventh are a few highlights from Dunlap’s impressive 2017 season:
Pro Bowl in seven seasons, making him the only NFL receiver since the 1970 In the season finale at Baltimore, he had a key sack of Joe Flacco on
merger to start his career with seven consecutive Pro Bowl nominations. He is Baltimore’s final drive. The Ravens were facing a second-and-five on their on 32-
also the only Bengal at any position to make the Pro Bowl in each of his first yard line with 32 seconds remaining in the Game. The Bengals were protecting a
seven seasons. Only one other Bengal, WR Isaac Curtis, made it for as many as four-point lead, after having just scored a dramatic 49-yard TD.
his first four seasons (1973-76). In Game 15 vs. Detroit, he recorded a five-yard sack on Detroit’s final drive,
In total Pro Bowl selections, Green’s seven selections move him ahead of helping snuff out the Lions’ last-ditch comeback effort. He also recorded a pass
WR Chad Johnson and CB Lemar Parrish (each with six) for second-most in defensed (batted pass) earlier in the game.
Bengals history, behind Hall of Fame OT Anthony Munoz, who had 11. In Game 12 vs. Pittsburgh, he recorded a sack, a pass defensed (batted
Although he was selected, Green opted not to play in the Pro Bowl due to an pass) and a QB hit.
injury. He opted not to play in 2016, due to a hamstring injury that cut his season In Game 11 vs. Cleveland, he had a half sack and an additional QB hit.
short after 10 games. In Game 10 at Denver, he recorded two sacks of Brock Osweiler, including a
seven-yarder on Denver’s final drive as they were driving for a potential game-
Marvin’s youth movement: According to information released by tying FG attempt. Two plays later, the Bengals forced the Broncos into a turnover
the NFL regarding opening-week rosters, considered the baseline for comparing on downs.
year-to-year roster information, the Bengals began the 2017 season with the In Game 7 vs. Indianapolis, Dunlap made perhaps the defensive play of the
youngest roster (average of 25.45 years old) in Marvin Lewis’ 15 seasons as year for Cincinnati, when he tipped a Jacoby Brissett pass in the fourth quarter,
head coach. Lewis’ next-youngest editions were in 2004 (25.7) and ’11 (25.74). hauled it in and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown. The score, which came
The Bengals’ opening-week roster also ranked as the third-youngest in the NFL with 6:58 remaining in the game and the Bengals trailing by six, put Cincinnati on
in ’17, behind Cleveland (24.17) and the L.A. Rams (25.11). The average age top to stay, 24-23. It was Dunlap’s third career touchdown and second pick-six.
league-wide was 26.05. Dunlap also recorded a sack of Brissett earlier in the contest.
The Bengals’ 14 rookie or first-year players on the Week 1 roster were also Dunlap has 64.5 sacks for his career, second in team history behind DE
the most ever for an opening week in the Marvin Lewis era, edging out the 2004 Eddie Edwards (83.5). He passed LB Reggie Williams (62.5) for second place in
season (13). The total ranked as the third-highest in the NFL, behind Cleveland Game 15, Dec. 24 vs. Detroit, after passing DE Ross Browner (59 sacks) for
(16) and Detroit (15). League-wide, teams averaged 10.53 rookie or first-year third place in Game 10, Nov. 19 at Denver.
players. And at 28 years old — he turned 29 after the season — Edwards’ record is
In terms of NFL experience, the Bengals’ average of 3.75 years was the beginning to come into focus. Dunlap, who will play his ninth season in 2018, has
fourth-lowest in the Marvin Lewis era, behind the 2004 (3.57), ’06 (3.6) and ’08 averaged 8.1 sacks over his first eight seasons in stripes, while Edwards
(3.67) seasons. The Bengals in 2017 tied for the seventh least-experienced averaged seven sacks over 12 seasons (1977-88).
roster in the league, with Cleveland leading the way at 2.55 years of experience. In 2016, Dunlap earned his second Pro Bowl nod, after after filling up the
The average level of experience across the league was 4.10 years. stat sheet with eight sacks, a team-leading 15 PDs and three FFs.
The Bengals also totaled only seven players aged 30 or older, which tied for In 2015, he had 13.5 sacks, second-most in Bengals history. Besides his
the fourth-fewest in Lewis’ tenure, behind the 2011 (two), ’04 (six) and ’12 (six) 64.5 sacks, his career totals include 16 FFs, eight FRs, 48 PDs, four blocked
seasons. The 2009 roster also had seven players 30 or older. The Bengals’ 2015 FGs and three TDs scored.
roster had the most players (11) aged 30 or older. “Carlos brings us a lot, and he needs to keep bringing it for us,” said former
Eleven of the 44 players to see action in Week 1 (two were active/DNP) defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. “The key thing for Carlos is that he’s an
were making their Bengals debut, and nine of those players were making their athlete, and a very big athlete. He’s explosive and he just makes plays. He has
NFL debut. also developed into a mature guy and a team leader.”

Defense leans on the ‘kids’: While the core of the Cincinnati’s Defense’s sack streak ends at 34: The Bengals were held
2017 defense was no doubt recognizable with veteran stalwarts like Geno without a sack in Game 6 at Pittsburgh, marking the first time in more than two
— 5 —
(Defense’s sack streak ends at 34, continued) the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent his entire rookie season on the Reserve/Injured list
with a pectoral muscle tear, thus he recorded the INT for a TD in just his third
seasons they did not record at least one sack in a game. The 34-game streak career game.
(regular season) began in Week 4 of 2015, in a 36-21 home win over Kansas Here is a complete list of the Bengals players who scored a TD on their first
City in which the defense tallied five sacks. It had been the longest active streak career INT:
in the NFL and the longest since Green Bay’s streak of 42 ended in 2015.
The sack streak registers as the second-longest in team history, behind a DATE OPP. PLAYER RET. YARDS CIN. RESULT
50-gamer that stretched over parts of five seasons in the early 1980s (Nov. 8, 9-22-68 Buff. LB Al Beauchamp .............................. 17 W, 34-23
1981 to Sept. 15, 1985). The next-longest streak is 32, which spanned from Nov. 10-19-75 Oak. S Marvin Cobb ................................... 52 W, 14-10
8, 2010 to Oct. 21, 2012. 11-11-79 @S.D. CB Ray Griffin ................................... 96 L, 24-26
Over Cincinnati’s 34-game streak, the Bengals recorded 87 sacks for 545 10-10-83 Pitt. S James Griffin .................................. 41 L, 14-24
yards. Twenty-one different Bengals had at least a half sack over the span, and 10-16-83 @Den. CB Ray Horton .................................. 55 L, 17-24
the defense logged more than one sack in 24 of the 34 games. DT Geno Atkins 12-30-90 Cle. LB James Francis .............................. 15 W, 21-14
totaled the most sacks during the stretch, with 22, and he recorded at least a half 9-17-95 @Sea CB Roger Jones ................................ 17 L, 21-24
sack in 19 of the games. DE Carlos Dunlap was a close second, with 20, and 10-31-04 @Tenn. S Madieu Williams ............................. 51 L, 20-27
logged at least a half sack in 16 different games. 1-02-05 @Phil. DE Robert Geathers .......................... 36 W, 38-10
In total, Cincinnati recorded 41 sacks in 2017, with 12 different Bengals 11-19-06 @N.O. S Ethan Kilmer .................................. 52 W, 31-16
recording at least a half sack. The defense recorded at least one sack in the 10-21-07 NYJ CB Johnathan Joseph ....................... 42 W, 38-31
team’s final eight games. 12-06-09 Det. DT Jonathan Fanene ......................... 45 W, 23-13
12-30-12 Balt. DE Carlos Dunlap .............................. 14 W, 23-17
Geno’s sack streak halted at six: Bengals DT Geno Atkins’ 9-24-17 @G.B. CB William Jackson ........................... 75 L, 24-27 (OT)
most productive sack streak of his stellar eight-year career ended in Game 3 at
Green Bay, when he was held without a sack for the first time since Game 12 of Dalton goes seven-for-3000: A season passing total of 3000
2016. Atkins had recorded at least a half sack in six consecutive games. His yards is not in itself a stupendous NFL feat — 22 passers reached it in 2017, and
streak of six tied for the longest streak in Bengals history with DE Eddie Edwards 25 reached it the previous season. But hitting 3000 in the first seven seasons of
(1983), LB Reggie Williams (’84) and current DE Carlos Dunlap (2010), and it an NFL career still is an event worth noting. Bengals QB Andy Dalton achieved
had also been the longest active streak in the NFL at the time. just that in Game 16 vs. Detroit, breaking the 3000-yard barrier for the seventh
Over the span of the streak, Atkins recorded 7.5 sacks for 51.5 yards. He time in seven seasons (ended the season with 3320 yards). Incidentally,
had two multi-sack efforts during the streak — two sacks for 19 yards in Game Panthers QB Cam Newton, who was selected first overall in the same draft the
13 at Cleveland in 2016 (the first game in the streak), and two sacks in Game 2 Bengals took Dalton at No. 35, also achieved the feat in the same week (Newton
of ’17 vs. Houston. totaled 3302 yards).
Atkins has 61 sacks for his career, fourth place all-time in team history and Dalton and Newton now join cinch NFL Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning as
the most ever by a Bengals interior lineman. the only QBs in NFL history to go seven-for-3000. Manning reeled off 13 straight
3000-yarders before missing the 2011 season due to injury.
Dre’s INT a historical oddity: In the first quarter of the Bengals’
Game 10 win at Denver, with the Broncos facing a third-and-three at the Dalton chasing Kenny in TDs: Although he was held out of the
Cincinnati four-yard line, CB Dre Kirkpatrick picked off a Brock Osweiler pass in end zone in 2017, QB Andy Dalton still stands at 19 total TDs for his career, just
the end zone and sprinted down the field toward what would’ve been his third one short of the franchise record for touchdowns by a QB, held at 20 by Ken
career pick-six. But, with about 15 yards to go before reaching the end zone, Anderson. Dalton played his seventh season in 2017, while Anderson played 16
Kirkpatrick fumbled the ball without any apparent disruption by a Bronco. He did Bengals seasons (1971-86).
manage to recover his own fumble at the Denver one-yard line, but before the All of Anderson’s 20 TDs were rushing scores. Dalton has 18 rushing TDs,
Bengals punched it into the end zone three plays later on a one-yard Tyler Kroft and he has 19 total by virtue of being the only Bengals QB ever to catch a
TD reception, the blooper had already spread around the internet like wildfire. touchdown pass. He scored on an 18-yard gadget connection from WR
Kirkpatrick’s 101-yard return, which he shared a laugh about after the game, Mohamed Sanu vs. Tennessee in 2014.
now stands as the longest INT return in NFL history to not result in a TD. The The next-most TDs by a Bengals QB is 10, by Jeff Blake.
next-longest INT without at TD was 98 yards, by Cleveland CB Brandon Dalton and Jack Thompson share the Bengals season record for
McDonald on Dec. 15, 2008, in a game at Philadelphia. touchdowns by a QB, at five. Dalton had five in 2014, tying the record first set by
Jamie Erdahl of the CBS broadcast reported shortly after the play that a Thompson in 1979.
visibly fatigued Kirkpatrick became sick upon returning to the sideline, a victim of
exhaustion and the Denver altitude (he did not miss any game time). ‘Crazy Legs’ Andy: QB Andy Dalton’s 18 career rushing TDs not
“They were coming from both ends and I was running this way,” Kirkpatrick only puts him in rare company in team history, he’s also among the best when
told reporters after the game. “[WR Emmanuel] Sanders and [WR Demaryius] compared to his current NFL peers. In the category of rushing TDs by a QB, only
Thomas were coming. I tried to catch the ball, and I thought they poked it out. I Carolina’s Cam Newton, whose 54 rushing TDs are beyond similarity, ranks
have to hold on to the ball. I didn’t know where they were, it was just an act of higher than Dalton since 2011. Dalton and Newton both entered the NFL in ’11.
the moment. I have to hold on to the ball, no excuses for it. I have to put that in.” Russell Wilson (16) Tyrod Taylor (15) and Andrew Luck (14) round out the
After the game, Kirkpatrick was the target of good-natured ribbing by top five.
teammates and fans. And he’s not above self-deprecation, either. As the team
boarded its flight back to Cincinnati, Kirkpatrick posted a photo on his Instagram An Andy roundup: Other records and notable accomplishments in
account (drepic6) of a gift someone had left on his seat — an oxygen tank, with a QB Andy Dalton’s career include:
note attached that read, “Who Dey. Great game.” ● He is one of only three QBs in the Super Bowl era to lead a team to the
postseason in each of his first five campaigns. Dalton did that from 2011-15,
Add Jackson to the list: Early in the second quarter of Game 3 while Baltimore’s Joe Flacco did it from ’08-12 and Seattle’s Russell Wilson did it
at Green Bay, CB William Jackson jumped in front of Packers WR Jordy Nelson, from ’12-16.
snagged an Aaron Rodgers pass for an INT and returned it 75 yards for a TD. ● Dalton has posted 42 career games with a passer rating of 100 or more,
It was a big play at the time, giving the Bengals a 21-7 lead, however and the Bengals are 35-7 (.833) in those contests.
Cincinnati eventually lost in overtime. Despite the loss though, the INT stood out ● Dalton’s .587 winning percentage (63-44-2) is the best of any Bengals QB
from a historical perspective, not only because it was a TD, but because it also with 10 or more starts.
was the first INT of Jackson’s career. ● Dalton holds club season records for passing yards (4293) and TD
Jackson, a second-year player, became just the 14th Bengal to score on his passes (33), both set in 2013.
first career INT and the first since DE Carlos Dunlap did it in 2012. Jackson was ● He is the only Bengals passer to throw for 300-plus yards in four
the first defensive back to do it since CB Johnathan Joseph scored on his first consecutive games (2013).
INT in 2007. ● He opened his career with 77 consecutive regular-season starts, a
Jackson, from the University of Houston, was the Bengals’ first-round pick in Bengals record for quarterbacks at any point during a career. The previous mark
— 6 —
(An Andy roundup, continued) scrimmage yards and four total TDs (two receiving, two rushing), including a 61-
yard catch-and-run in Game 4 at Cleveland.
had been 61, posted by Boomer Esiason from 1985-89. Dalton’s streak ranks Bernard’s return allowed him to re-start his long pursuit of the all-time
tied for fourth in NFL history for the start of a career by a QB, trailing only Peyton Bengals leads in both receptions and receiving yards by a running back. With
Manning of Indianapolis (208), Joe Flacco of Baltimore (122) and Russell Wilson 230 receptions, Bernard stands 67 short of James Brooks’ record of 297. And
of Seattle (96 and counting). Dalton is tied with Miami QB Ryan Tannehill, whose with 2060 receiving yards, Bernard is 952 short of Brooks’ record of 3012.
streak of 77 ended in 2016 due to an injury. Brooks played eight seasons with the Bengals (1984-91), while 2017 was
Bernard’s fifth.
Lawson joins rare company: In Week 3 vs Green Bay, rookie Bernard has made his mark as both a rusher and receiver throughout his
Carl Lawson wreaked havoc in the Packers’ backfield, recording 2.5 sacks on career. He averaged 1147 yards from scrimmage over his first three seasons,
the day. Another sack was wiped off the stat sheet by an unrelated penalty. With and his injury-shortened 2016 campaign ended with 673 yards in 10 games.
the outstanding performance, Lawson joined DE Justin Smith as the only Bengal Bernard in ’16 was 91-for-337 rushing (3.7), with two TDs, and 39-for-336
rookies ever to reach the 2.5-sack plateau in a game (Smith had three on Dec. 9, receiving, with one TD.
2001 vs. Jacksonville). He also became only the second NFL rookie since 2013
to reach 2.5 in a game, joining Washington’s Preston Smith, who had three on A stat that matters: During the full term of head coach Marvin
Dec. 26, 2015 at Philadelphia. Lewis (2003-present), a plus-differential in turnovers is linked to a big plus in
Lawson cut his teeth at Auburn as a defensive end, playing with his hand on wins. And the reverse has gone for a minus.
the ground and developing a reputation as one of the Southeastern Conference’s The Bengals are 76-19-1 in the regular season under Lewis with a plus (.797
most feared pass rushers. After he was drafted though, Bengals coaches added winning percentage), but they are only 18-69-2 with a minus (.213).
linebacker duties to his plate, and he was listed on the Bengals’ depth chart “It makes a huge difference,” Lewis says. “You see it game after game. You
throughout the season as the No. 2 SLB . have to possess the football to win. If you possess the football, good things
But with great speed, quickness and strength — his 35 bench press reps of happen. If you turn the ball over to opponents, you have a much harder day.”
225 pounds at the 2017 NFL Combine tied for the top mark overall — Bengals The Bengals’ experience with turnovers under Lewis is backed up by league
coaches found a way to get him on the field in a fashion that suits his strength as numbers. Since the start of the 2003 season, Lewis’ first as head coach, here
a pass rusher. Throughout his rookie season, Lawson’s time on defense came are the records of teams with varying turnover differentials.
exclusively with his hand on the ground, as an edge rusher with the No. 1 nickel (NOTE: Minus differentials are not included because they are the exact
defensive unit. He totaled 16 tackles on the year, including 8.5 sacks for 57 reverse of the plus figure for the same numbers.)
yards. He started Game 4 at Cleveland, when the defense opened the game in a
DIFFERENTIAL W-L-T PCT.
nickel defensive package, and played in 447 of a possible 1146 defensive snaps.
Lawson battled injuries while at Auburn — he lost 2014 to a torn ACL, and a Plus 1 .............................................................................. 932-433-4 .682
hip injury cost him six games and limited him thereafter in ’15 — but he still Plus 2 .................................................................................. 752-157 .827
managed 14 career sacks among his 24 tackles for losses. In 2016, while Plus 3 ................................................................................ 418-40-1 .912
healthy, Lawson started 13 games for the Tigers and recorded nine sacks Plus 4 ...................................................................................... 221-6 .974
among his 13.5 tackles for losses, earning All-SEC First Team honors. Plus 5 ........................................................................................ 99-3 .971
Plus teams in 2017 season went 154-41 (.790 winning percentage).
Willie praises Lawson: Bengals rookie LB Carl Lawson, a noted
leader and two-time team captain in college, earned high praise from former And when it’s even? The Bengals are 31-24 in head coach Marvin
Bengals OT and fellow Auburn alum Willie Anderson earlier this year. Anderson, Lewis’ full tenure in games when the turnover differential has been even, for a
whose son attended Milton High School with Lawson in Alpharetta, Ga., offered winning percentage of .564. The Bengals have won 14 of their last 22 with an
this ringing endorsement of the rookie: even differential (.636), dating back to 2012, including a 4-2 record in ’17.
“He’s a great kid. A leader. He worked his way up. (He had) no college offers
before his senior year, and he and his dad worked hard to make him (one of the Turnover tables are turned: During the tenure of head coach
top recruits in the country). He dominated high school linemen and continued in Marvin Lewis (2003-present), the Bengals rank ninth in the NFL in turnover
college. He had the injuries, but now he knows how to train and take care of differential, at plus-42.
himself. He’ll give you Takeo-like (former Bengals LB Takeo Spikes) effort and The Bengals were minus-nine in differential in 2017, with 14 takeaways (11
intensity. He’s been a captain at both levels and has always been a positive guy INTs, three fumbles lost) and 23 giveaways (12 INTs, 11 FL).
that other young players like my son looked up to. Every coach he’s ever played In the 2017 season finale at Baltimore, the Bengals had an even differential,
for absolutely loves him. No one says a bad word about Carl. He’s a warrior.” with one giveaway (lost fumble) and one takeaway (INT).
Prior to Lewis’ tenure, the Bengals had posted a minus turnover differential
Green and some gold jackets: Bengals WR A.J. Green in for five straight years (1998-2002).
2017 logged his 10th career game of at least 150 receiving yards and one TD Since 2003, NFL teams with just a plus-one differential have won 68.2
(he had 189 and a TD on Oct. 8 vs. Buffalo), making him one of only six percent of those games. At plus-two, the percentage has been 82.7. Teams with
receivers to ever reach as many games through their first seven NFL seasons. any plus have won at a 79.1 percent clip.
The only players to have more such games in their first six seasons were Hall of Here are the top nine teams in differential since 2003:
Famers Lance Alworth (13), Jerry Rice (11) and Randy Moss (10).
TEAM TAKEAWAYS GIVEAWAYS DIFFERENTIAL
Here’s a look at the list of players with 10 or more games of 150-plus
receiving yards and a TD through their first seven seasons. New England Patriots ...................... 440 ........................ 273 .......................... +167
Kansas City Chiefs .......................... 398 ........................ 335 ............................ +63
PLAYER TEAM NO. OF GAMES Seattle Seahawks ............................ 407 ........................ 345 ............................ +62
Green Bay Packers .......................... 408 ........................ 349 ............................ +59
Lance Alworth ...................... San Diego Chargers .............................................. 16
Carolina Panthers ............................ 439 ........................ 383 ............................ +56
Jerry Rice ............................. San Francisco 49ers ............................................. 13
Indianapolis Colts ............................ 380 ........................ 328 ............................ +52
A.J. Green ............................ Cincinnati Bengals ................................................. 10
Baltimore Ravens ............................ 430 ........................ 380 ............................ +50
Torry Holt ............................. St. Louis Rams ...................................................... 10
Atlanta Falcons ................................ 393 ........................ 346 ............................ +47
Calvin Johnson .................... Detroit Lions .......................................................... 10
Cincinnati Bengals ........................... 416 ........................ 374 ............................ +42
Randy Moss ......................... Minnesota Vikings ................................................. 10
Since 2003, the Bengals rank seventh in takeaways (416) and 10th in points
Recovered Gio sets sights on Brooks: HB Giovani off turnovers (1261).
Bernard missed the last six games in 2016, down with a major knee injury (ACL)
suffered late in the fourth quarter of Game 10, Nov. 20 vs. Buffalo. But Bernard Some very good rushing numbers: The Bengals in 2017 had
reported to training camp in July fully recovered from the injury and was a full two games in which a player reached 100 yards rushing — Game 11 vs.
participant in practice from the first snap. Cleveland, when Bengals rookie HB Joe Mixon gained 114 yards on 23 carries
And in 2017, he didn’t miss a beat. Bernard played in every game and led (5.0), and Game 15 vs. Detroit, when HB Giovani Bernard rushed for 116 yards
the team in yards per carry, at 4.4 (minimum five carries). He also had 847 on 23 carries (5.0).
— 7 —
(Some very good rushing numbers, continued) Huber was an initial-ballot Pro Bowl selection in 2014 and also was named
first-team All-Pro by The Sporting News that year.
Both performances came in winning efforts, bringing the Bengals’ record
under Marvin Lewis with a 100-yard rusher to an impressive 46-7-1 (.861). Uniform watch: Since 2004, the year of the Bengals’ last significant
What’s more, their record with a rusher who hits the 25-carry plateau is 39-2 uniform redesign, a number of color options for jerseys and pants have been
(951). Reaching 30 rushes as a team usually spells success under Lewis as well. available. Below are the records (regular season plus postseason) for the
The Bengals were 4-1 when rushing 30 times as a team in 2017, with wins in different combinations:
Game 4 at Cleveland (30 rushes for 86 yards), Game 12 vs. Cleveland (30
JERSEY PANTS W-L-T PCT.
rushes, 152 yards), Game 15 vs. Detroit (34 rushes, 142 yards) and Game 16 at
Baltimore (30 rushes, 146 yards). In 2016, Cincinnati went 5-1-1 (.786) with 30 or Orange* Black ...................................................................... 6-0-0 1.000
more rushes as a team. Orange* White .................................................................... 15-6-1 .705
“It’s not always the rushing yardage total that’s most important,” Lewis has Black Black .................................................................. 16-12-1 .569
said. “When you’re running the ball a lot, it’s a sign that even though the yardage Black White .................................................................. 33-32-1 .508
will vary, you’re controlling the ball, controlling the clock, and keeping your White (CR)* White (CR)* ........................................................... 1-1-0 .500
defense off the field. As it shows for us, that is going to be a winning combo. White Black .................................................................. 27-30-0 .471
“We love seeing a guy get 100 yards, but sometimes he can break one big White White .................................................................. 19-29-0 .396
gain and then get to 100 even though you may not be running as consistently * — Orange is designated as a “specialty jersey” with the NFL and can be worn
well and controlling the game like you do when you get high-carry numbers.” for only two games per year. Color rush (CR) uniforms have been worn for only
Thursday night games since 2016.
The Huber roundup: Already a considerable presence in the
Bengals record book, P Kevin Huber in ’16 passed Lee Johnson for most career Bengal bites: Marvin Lewis’ winningest month has been November
inside-20 punts in Bengals history. Johnson, who punted for more than 11 (33-26-1, .558), followed closely by September (27-23-0, .540). His teams are
Bengals seasons (1988-98), had 186 career inside-20 punts, while Huber, who also above .500 in December/January (38-33-0, .535 [regular season]). Lewis’
just completed his ninth season, stands at 237. A Bengals fifth-round selection in only losing month has been October (27-30-2, .475) ... The attendance of 91,653
the 2009 draft, Huber also owns the franchise’s all-time best ratio of inside-20 on Oct. 9, 2016, at Dallas was the largest ever for a Bengals regular-season
kicks to touchbacks (4.02-to-1, with 237 inside-20s and 59 touchbacks). game, topping a house of 87,786 for a 2004 visit to FedEx Field in Washington.
Huber’s other top accomplishments with the Bengals include: The largest crowd for any Bengals game remains 92,045, for a 1990 season
● He is the franchise leader in career gross average (44.87) and net playoff game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the L.A. Coliseum ... The
average (39.72). Bengals’ tallest player in 2017 was DE Michael Johnson, who is 6-7. K Randy
● He holds the top three Bengals season averages in gross and the top five Bullock and HB Giovani Bernard were tied for shortest. Both are 5-9 ... DT Josh
Bengals season averages in net. His gross record is 46.84 in 2014, and his net Tupou was the heaviest Bengal, at 350 pounds ... CBs Dre Kirkpatrick and Tony
record is 42.10, also in ’14. McRae are the lightest players, at 185 pounds ... Eric Winston, who turned 34 on
● He shares the team record for longest punt (75 yards) with Kyle Larson. Nov. 17, was the oldest player ... The youngest player was HB Joe Mixon, who
● His 33 inside-20 punts in 2012 is a franchise record. turned 21 on July 24.
IMPORTANT DATES
2018 up to two Player Contracts that, if terminated on or prior to
March 12-14 — During the period beginning at noon Eastern time, on June 1, 2018, and if not renegotiated after Dec. 31, 2017,
March 12 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. Eastern time, on shall be treated as if terminated on June 2, subject to the
March 14, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into further requirements of CBA Article 13, Section 6(b)(ii)(1).
contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players March 15 — Deadline for all clubs to submit their individual lists of
who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the Physician-Certified Candidates for the 2018 Extended Injury
expiration of their 2017 Player Contracts at 4 p.m. Eastern Protection Benefit.
time, on March 14. However, a contract cannot be executed March 25-28 — Annual League Meeting, Ritz Carlton, Orlando, Florida.
with a new club until 4 p.m. Eastern time, on March 14. April 2 — Deadline for clubs to meet 2018 funding requirements for
During the above two-day negotiating period, no direct guaranteed or deferred compensation in NFL Player
contact is permitted between a prospective Unrestricted Contracts and contracts for non-player Club employees.
Free Agent and any employee or representative of a club, April 2 — Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the
other than the player’s current club. 2017 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
March 14 — Prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, clubs must exercise options for April 16 — Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason
2018 on all players who have option clauses in their 2017 workout programs.
contracts. April 18 — Deadline to bring draft-eligible players to their facilities for a
March 14 — Prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, clubs must submit Qualifying physical examination.
Offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts April 20 — Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.
to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation. April 25 — Deadline for Prior Club to exercise Right of First Refusal to
March 14 — Prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, clubs must submit a Minimum Restricted Free Agents.
Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their April 25 — Deadline to time, test, and interview draft-eligible players.
players with expiring 2017 contracts who have fewer than April 26-28 — NFL Draft (site TBD).
three accrued seasons of free agency credit. May 2 — Deadline for clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players
March 14 — Top 51 Rule is in effect. All clubs must be under the 2018 selected in the first round of the 2015 Draft.
Salary Cap prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time. May 4-7 — Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie
March 14 — All 2017 player contracts will expire at 4 p.m. Eastern time. minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through
March 14 — The 2018 League Year and Free Agency period begin at Monday.
4 p.m. Eastern time. The first day of the 2018 League Year May 8 — Deadline for Prior Club to send “May 8 Tender” to its
will end at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time, on March 14. Clubs unsigned Unrestricted Free Agents. If the player has not
will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all signed a Player Contract with a Club by July 22 or the first
transactions submitted to the League office during the scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is
period between 4 p.m. Eastern time, and 11:59:59 p.m. later, he may negotiate or sign a Player Contract from that
Eastern time, on March 14. date until the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the
March 14 — Trading period for 2018 begins at 4 p.m. Eastern time, after regular season, at 4 p.m. Eastern time, only with his Prior
expiration of all 2017 contracts. Club.
March 14 — Commencing at 4 p.m. Eastern time, clubs may designate May 11-14 — Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie
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