The Cincinnati Bengals dominated the news cycle before of their Week 8 game against the San Francisco 49ers, thanks in large part to an unpleasant event involving a rookie’s injury.
Aside from that, the team released their final injury report for the game, ruling two players out. Star wideout Ja’Marr Chase also made an interesting observation regarding the offense.
Plus, it’s NFL picks time for Week 8, with several experts weighing in on whether they believe the team will continue its hot streak against a strong 49ers team.Here’s a look at the top Bengals news, notes, and quotations for October 28.
This one is just getting more popular, at least among supporters. Bengals supporters are really interested in seeing Hayden Hurst return via trade, and it is now one of the most popular subjects among fans.
It is not excellent. One day after it appeared that coaches had a greater plan for the fifth-round rookie running back, the team had to rule him out on the final injury report due to a hamstring injury sustained during practice. The search for answers about Joe Mixon continues.
Chase made some rather revealing comments on Friday, stating that a major schematic change is a huge reason why the offense should only improve as the season progresses. It could also help explain why the offense has had such a slow start this season.
Bengals coaches are really pleased with Dax Hill’s progress thus far. After losing Jessie Bates, his ability to swiftly step in and give a consistent presence has been beneficial to the defense. He now faces a significant test against 49ers tight end George Kittle.
In addition, only two of five analysts believe the Bengals will win this battle. One person explains why it’s the 49ers: “I believe Kyle Shanahan when he says he trusts backup Sam Darnold. The coach is adept at juggling quarterbacks. On the other side, I’m not quite ready to trust Lou Anarumo’s run defense, at least not in this game. Just when it appears that these two teams are moving in opposing directions, I believe San Francisco will earn a hard-fought victory at home before their bye week.
While projecting a 27-24 49ers victory, CBS Sports gives this, mostly advocating for choosing the Bengals by a +5.5 spread, but not outright: “The 49ers have lost two consecutive games, and their defense struggled against Kirk Cousins. Now they face a solid Bengals offense coming off a bye, which is fortunate for Joe Burrow and his calf. I believe Burrow and the Bengals offense will be able to keep this game tight.”
The Athletic is all-in on the Bengals, in large part because things feel so similar to last year: “Their QB, Brock Purdy, is in the concussion protocol, but I am on the Bengals whether he plays or not. Last season, after their bye week, the Bengals won nine consecutive games, including the playoffs. This season, they won two straight before last week’s bye, and Joe Burrow appeared to be his old self after people questioned him and the squad following a 1-3 start. The Bengals’ defense also ranks ninth in pressure rate.”
When comparing quarterbacks, it’s important not to overthink the decision.And it’s not close: “I can see the 49ers forcing turnovers and running their way to victory here. But might it be Darnold vs. Burrow, with Burrow receiving more than a field goal? I apologize. “I’m not going to overthink this.”
