Coach Marvin Lewis was not pleased with any aspect of the defense in the Bengals' 44-13 loss to the Ravens (AP Images) |
There are times growing up when a student doesn't need to see the report card. It stays in the envelope the entire bus ride home and sits unopened on the kitchen table for mom and dad to eventually decide the punishment. This would be one of those times for the Cincinnati Bengals following the 44-13 debacle in Baltimore on Monday night.
The defeat tied for the worst season-opening loss in franchise history (1991 -- Denver 45, Cincinnati 14) and was the worst since the Bengals didn't play thier starters in the final week of the regular season in 2009 at the Jets.
Offense: C-minus -- For all the problems of the day, the offense showed flashes of proficiency. The offense churned out three drives of at least 12 plays and more than 65 yards during the first 2 1/2 quarters. BenJarvus Green-Ellis led a promising running game with 18 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. Only, once the team fell behind by two scores and the Ravens could tee off on the pass Andy Dalton became a punching bag. Dalton missed WR A.J. Green streaking open down the field multiple times and threw the costly interception S Ed Reed took to the end zone to all but end the game.
Defense: F -- Marvin Lewis put it bluntly after the game when asked if one aspect of the defense concerned him more than another: “Unfortunately, I can take my pick.” Outside of two sacks by Geno Atkins, nobody played well. The linebackers were lost in coverage and embarrassed by play-action throws to TE Dennis Pitta, who set a career-high of five receptions for 73 yards. The cornerbacks were burnt from the opening play 52-yard bomb over Leon Hall through the final snaps. Five of the first six Baltimore drives resulted in points with only one punt. No rush, no coverage, no turnovers. “We didn't make any plays all day,” Lewis said.
Special Teams: C -- Teams were unspectacular. Brandon Tate made a boneheaded decision bringing out a kickoff return while up-back Cedric Peerman told him to stop. Tate didn't break any significant returns on kickoffs or punts. Kevin Huber's 45.8-yard average wasn't bad and coverage contained Jacoby Jones well.
Coaching: F -- The defense came out uninspired and overwhelmed against Joe Flacco. Whether that's because of personnel, preparation or motivation, no matter, a tie for the worst season-opening loss in franchise history always falls back on the coaches. No unused challenge or gutsy fourth-down call alters those base facts.
Follow Paul Dehner Jr. for Bengals updates on Twitter at @CBSBengals.