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Friday, September 17, 2021

AFC North Whiparound, Week 2: Opener overreactions and surprises, biggest statement win and predictions

 






















By Jeff Zrebiec and Jay Morrison Sep 17, 2021

 

Each week during the season, and at other points from February to August, our AFC North beat writers discuss their teams and provide a look at some of the key storylines making an impact on the division.

Week 1 always spurs the biggest overreactions. What was the biggest one concerning the team you cover — either positive or negative — that came out of the opener?

Jay Morrison (Bengals): I almost forgot what the view looks like from up here. Anyway, the biggest overreaction in Cincinnati is that the offensive line is going to send Joe Burrow to the hospital again. Yes, the Bengals gave up five sacks and another two quarterback hits, one of which was right under Burrow’s chin, but head coach Zac Taylor pinned only two of the five on the line, citing poor eyes and missed assignments from the backs and tight ends as the cause of the others. Center Trey Hopkins had his toughest day as a pro, but he suffered a torn ACL in the season finale last season and was on a load management plan all of camp. The rust is off, and he should look more like himself each week. It’s also worth noting that tackles Jonah Williams and Riley Reiff didn’t give up a single pressure on 31 dropbacks Sunday, and Reiff finished with a pass rush win rate of 100 percent.

 

(Top photo of Chase Claypool: Mark Konezny / USA Today)


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