The Bengals allowed a prime opportunity get away against a team they should have beaten at home, leaving everybody accountable.
Yet, for the first time this season, the offense lett the defense down in the 17-13 loss to the Dolphins.
Offense: D
For the first time this season, the Bengals' offense took the fall for defeat. Committing three turnovers while going 2 of 14 on third down won't win many games. It cost one Sunday. Quarterback Andy Dalton endured one of his worst games as a pro, missing time and again in crucial spots. Given the ball three times with an opportunity to drive for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter, he couldn't get the job done.
Previous game's grade: B
Defense: B-
The inability to intercept passes still haunts this group, but Sunday represented a third consecutive week of improvement. Ten of Miami's 17 points came on short fields allowed by the offense. The Dolphins won't be breaking records any time soon, but the rush defense stuffed Reggie Bush most of the day and the corners did a sufficient job containing big plays.
Previous game's grade: B
Special Teams: C
This group saved the Bengals on many occasions this year and twice created major field position swings through hustle plays. The first was LB Vontaze Burfict jumping on a muffed punt seconds before it rolled out of bounds. Secondly, Jeromy Miles saved a punt from being a touchback. Mike Nugent's missed field goal and Kevin Huber's shanked punts cost the team dearly.
Previous game's grade: A
Coaching: C
Two decisions are being second-guessed by Bengals fans. The first was coach Marvin Lewis' decision to kick the PAT rather than go for two and cut the lead to a field goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter. With so much time left, that decision was conservative, but proved to be the correct move. Lewis' second decision to attempt a field goal on fourth-and-5 with three minutes remaining deserved more ire, but had Nugent not missed his first field goal of the season Cincinnati would have had the opportunity to win with another kick on its final drive. Lewis' choices didn't kill his team -- its lack of execution did.
Previous game's grade: A
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