The Bengals running back room just got a lot bigger Darqueze Dennard Jersey , and this is a very good sign." />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteCincy Junglea Cincinnati Bengals communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsLibraryBengalsOddsAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections #BITESIZEFilm RoomRoster Transactions and ContractsOrange & Black InsiderSalary Cap And CBABengals show understanding of roster construction with selection of 2 running backsNew,60commentsThe Bengals running back room just got a lot bigger, and this is a very good sign.EDTShareTweetShareShareBengals show understanding of roster construction with selection of 2 running backsPhoto by Bob Levey/Getty ImagesJoe Mixon had an excellent year running the football in 2018. He is a patient runner who can find cutback lanes in zone schemes, but has the power to convert in short yardage situations. He is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, but was not trusted in pass protection last season. That is where Giovani Bernard came in handy. Bernard lacks size, but is a shifty back with speed and is a talented pass catcher. He was always on the field at the end of the game, when it mattered most because of his skill as a pass blocker.Both Mixon and Bernard are skilled backs, but they possess different sets of skills. Bernard’s ability to protect the quarterback sets him apart while Mixon (who is 6-1 220 compared to Bernard’s 5-9 205) is more of the workhorse.When Mixon missed some time last season, the Bengals struggled because Bernard could not do the things that the team had been asking of Mixon. At the same time, with Bernard out of the lineup, Mixon struggled to fill his role. That is why in the 2019 NFL Draft the Bengals selected not one, but two running backs.First, they took Trayveon Williams from Texas A&M. Williams is the same size as Bernard and despite that perceived disadvantage, he was actually used as a workhorse for the Aggies in 2018. Williams exceeded 2,000 yards from scrimmage on 271 carries and 27 receptions; finding the end zone a total of 19 times as well. He is also perhaps the best pass protector in the draft, and coming from Texas A&M Randy Bullock Jersey White , he has familiarity with the pass-blocking schemes new offensive line coach Jim Turner favors.29 picks later, Cincinnati selected Rodney Anderson from Oklahoma. Playing for the Sooners is not the only thing Anderson has in common with Mixon. Anderson shares Mixon’s size and ability to run for power. He is also patient and sees cutbacks on zone runs. He can catch balls out of the backfield but struggles in pass protection. The Bengals realize that Mixon and Bernard both play important roles and that neither can truly fill in the other’s shoes, so they went out and got a backup for each. Think of it like this: Mixon is RB1a and Bernard is RB1b. Both will play a role in games, but if one goes down, the other’s role will not change substantially. Instead, if Mixon has to miss some time they will call on their RB2a, Anderson. If Bernard can not go on a given week, then RB2b, Williams, will get the call.This shows that the Bengals understand their roster and that just because two players play the same position, doesn’t mean they can do the same things. It also may point to an increased role for Bernard this season. Perhaps Mixon and Bernard will be on the field together in a Mark Ingram/Alvin Kamara style, with one lined up out of the backfield. One can only hope that the Bengals will make moves like this that result in their best players on the field at the same time.Bengals players react and celebrate to beating Ravens, starting season 2-0 Winning is fun and the Cincinnati Bengals are currently engaging in all the fun that comes with being 2-0. How did Andy Dalton celebrate the Bengals’ win over the Ravens on Thursday Night Football? With a Friday morning pilates class alongside his wife, Bengals wide receiver Alex Erickson, Erickson’s wife and other friends.Let’s take a look around social media, as well as a glimpse at the players’ post-game quotes Womens Preston Brown Jersey , to see how the Bengals reacted to beating the Ravens and starting the season 2-0. After the Thursday night win, a lot of Bengals are heading home for a long weekend to celebrate with their friends and family, too. Auden Tate is back in Florida, Malik Jefferson returned to Texas and Carlos Dunlap headed south to Miami.William Jackson posted a simple image following the game saying, “It’s gone come.” The photo shows him nearly grabbing an interception against the Ravens.He also shared this.Jessie Bates showed off his first interception ball after the game. And look who he gave it to! His mom.Here’s a look at the rookie’s first career interception, which he posted to Instagram.Bates visited a different jungle back home in Indiana on Friday night.Rookie Sam Hubbard also had a great game against Baltimore and got his first sack. Dalton and Green don’t typically celebrate touchdowns, but they did shake hands after one of their three scores, which Dalton shared on Instagram to celebrate the win.Clayton Fejedelem has been a big part of getting the Bengals to 2-0, and he’s happy about adding to the win column.Before heading home to Pittsburgh, Tyler Boyd had some family in Cincinnati for the game and celebrated with them afterward.It’s safe to say the Ravens do not like Boyd who has had his two best statistical games in the last two Bengals vs. Ravens contests.“This has been the best start since I’ve been here,” Boyd said after the game. “I’m loving it, and I am sure everyone else is loving it. As long as everybody — every player, every coach, everybody in this organization — does their part and does what they are supposed to do, the sky is the limit for us. I already believe our offense can’t be stopped. As long as we control the ball and do what we have to do, the sky is the limit.”Dre Kirkpatrick surprised his dad with a trip home after the Bengals’ win.“There’s some things I felt like I could do better. But it’s a great team win. We played as a team. I’m very proud of where we’re at Womens Trey Hopkins Jersey , because last year we had such a slow start,” Kirkpatrick said. “To start the season 2-0, it’s a blessing and it feels really good.”Tyler Eifert was hyped up after the win, but knows the Bengals have a long way to go.“There’s a long way to go. This is the best we could do right now,” Eifert said on Thursday night. “It’s a clich茅 to say this, but if we could just win the next week, and then win the next week, we will be alright. We are going to enjoy this one for the night, and then get on to the next one.”Darqueze Dennard had some big plays in the win, too.Everyone is happy when you’re 2-0. Except Joe Mixon. He’s probably not all that happy as he heads for knee surgery today. He’ll be out at least two weeks and the Bengals will look to get by without him against the Panthers and Falcons.He’s still excited about the win though.“Coach called my number and the team needed me, and they needed us to make plays, and we were fortunate enough to make them,” Mixon said after the game. “We settled in in the fourth quarter, and the last two drives we went out there and were fortunate enough to finish them off.”
