Dissecting the film of Cincinnati's 17-6 victory over the New York Jets displayed points of emphasis and revealing glimpses of potential on defense and offense. During the quarter-plus the starters were in the game and as the backups entered, the potential of prospects and reshaped pieces of this team were obvious in slow motion. Here's a look at the four most telling plays:
Jets ball, 2nd-8, Jets 44, First Quarter, 9:02: Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer wants to use LB Manny Lawson much more with the pass rush than last season when Lawson finished with only 1.5 sacks. Remember, during Lawson's final three seasons in San Francisco, he racked up 12 sacks. This play clearly showed the advantage Zimmer felt went mostly untapped last season. Lawson lined up across tight end Jeff Cumberland to exploit a mismatch with the former college receiver. As the play broke, Lawson's long strides pushed him around the corner and Cumberland couldn't place a grip on him enough to stop him from the turning the corner toward Mark Sanchez. Lawson's long arms came into play as he reached out to grab a piece of the QB who went willingly to the ground.
Moral of the story: Lawson's 6-foot-5 frame can be a major asset in blitzes and his ability to blow by Cumberland is a prime example of how Zimmer sees a bigger second season on the horizon for him.
Bengals ball, 3rd-10, Jets 44, First Quarter, 1:34: Cincinnati planned to utilize free agent RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis as a receiver more than New England (21 receptions last two seasons). Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden felt strapped at times with RB Cedric Benson because his receiving ability lacked. Clearly, he doesn't feel that way with Green-Ellis judging by this play. Third-and-10 used to be the standard situation for third-down back Brian Leonard to enter and relieve the starter but Green-Ellis stayed in. The formation was four wide with Green-Ellis next to Andy Dalton, but when they see a man-to-man matchup with LB Bart Scott, the running back motions off to the slot receiver spot. At the snap, Green-Ellis gave one quick fake outside and a burst to the middle and the former Pro Bowler was left chasing from more than a yard behind. That made for the easiest completion of the night for Dalton and 14 yards after the catch.
Moral of the story: Not only will this open up the possibilities for Gruden on third down, but a play like this on first down instead of having Benson holding the team back in the passing game is a major upgrade.
Bengals ball, 2nd-and-goal, Jets 4, Second Quarter, 14:17: A.J. Green vs. Darrelle Revis. This matchup will be must-see TV every time these two get together. In this case, Green found himself on Revis Island deep in the red zone. Green added 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason specifically for cases like this. When a top bump-and-run corner does just that in tight space, he must be better at powering through. In this case, Revis respected Green's ability go up top on a fade and backed slightly off the second-year WR. Green showed an unspoken connection with Dalton and fast-twitched to the middle leaving Revis a step slow on the quick slant. Dalton put the ball right in Green's hands on the goal line. Only, for maybe the first time all training camp, Green dropped the pass. Green should have caught a ball that maybe jumped on him quicker than expected from Dalton, who planned on throwing to 18 the entire way. Still, the connection between Green and Dalton in their sophomore season was spot on and even one of the top corners in the game couldn't stop what should have been an easy TD.
Moral of the story: Despite the end result of a missed opportunity and dropped pass, the bottom line is a positive one as Green showed the ability to shake Revis and Dalton the understanding of Green's objective to put the ball on him. About 95 percent of the time that throw is a touchdown. The Bengals will take those odds.
Jets ball, 1st-10, Bengals 31, Third Quarter: LB Vontaze Burfict established himself as a first-round prospect because of his big-play ability and instincts. Other stories drew headlines and dropped him to an undrafted afterthought but the natural ability showed during this play and is exactly why Marvin Lewis took a flyer on him. Burfict lined up at middle backer and when Tim Tebow dropped and began eyeballing TE Cumberland on an out, the rookie linebacker saw the eyes and jumped it as he spotted the tunnel vision from Tebow. He was able to hide behind massive draft pick defensive tackles Devon Still and Brandon Thompson, but once the pass came out Burfict displayed his athleticism by leaping into position for the diving grab.
Moral of the story: The play was a freelance special from a guy who knows how to play the position –- when focused. As long as he can continue to keep his emotions and temper in check on and off the field, he may be making his way onto the team with plays like that.
Follow Paul Dehner Jr. for Bengals updates on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCIN.
