The Bengals

[redsoxsrule1437]

Does matching up with the Bengals scare anyone else?

Assuming we're the 3rd seed, we'll open our play off run with a home game against Cincinnati.

A pass rush is the key to beating the Patriots. Geno Atkins is a beast. They currently lead the league in sacks. If they can get in Brady's face we'll have a tough time on offense. Overall, I'm impressed with their defense. They also have a man named AJ Green on the other side of the ball who could give us fits. We all know what BJGE brings to the table, he really doesn't worry me much. Their offense is very talented, just inconsistent at times. I'm not sold on Dalton, but we have made some bad QB's look good this year.

What do you guys think?
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[goldfishwars]

I think they have some nice pieces, but are probably a couple of years away from where they want to be. Atkins will give us problems because he is class, but I don't think they are a bad match-up for us by any means.
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Thanks Duron Harmon!

[Tzimisce]

Andy Dalton.

Denver is the only AFC playoff team that worries me.
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GTFO Tebow

[24isthelaw]

[Donut]

[mcmurtry86]

I'm not saying they couldn't beat New England but they're IMO the easiest match-up for the Pats.

I feel fairly confident that the Pats can score 24-27 points on everyone in the AFC if they don't turn the ball over a stupid number of times. The Bengals are the team I see having the hardest time scoring that many against New England.

They have one really good threat (Green) and not much else that the Pats couldn't handle. Their secondary receivers and Gresham aren't especially dangerous in the gamebreaking sense and they don't have enough speed to really exploit the Pats slow LB's.

On top of that, Green-Ellis is the ideal RB for the Pats to match up against. He's not especially good in the pass game or a big threat on draws/screens and he likes everything between the tackles.

In other words, assuming the Pats continue their success shutting down their opponent's #1 weapon, I don't see how the Bengals can possibly score enough points to win.

Their D is good (mostly their passrush) and Atkins is certainly a problem, but I think Brady can handle their secondary and LB's

[Stunnaboy]

As bad as this is to say, I'm looking forward to the Denver-Pats game already

I actually think this game ends up being a blowout, similar to the Denver-Bengals game earlier this year. Nice return for the Law Firm and Tate though
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[InRodWeRust]

We almost lost to the Jags. I'm scared of every team now
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Do you remember when the Pats were 1-15?
Adopt-a-Patriot: Tavon Wilson - Safety
2012 Totals:
Interceptions: 4
Total Tackles: 41
Passes Deflected: 6
Fumble Recoveries: 2

[ChazStandard]

Geno Atkins bothers me....he's exactly the sort of player that has good games against us. Plus you never know when Mankins will decide to play as if his brain has been switched with a particularly uneducated potato.

Where's the best place to get snap % stats? How much does Atkins come out? Because I'd be all for no-huddling to keep him on the sidelines, but he's not someone I imagine misses many snaps.
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[mcmurtry86]

[ChazStandard]

[mcmurtry86]

[Canton]

Bengals wouldn't be an issue. As far offense, they simply do not have enough guys to cover Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Deion Branch, Danny Woodhead, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Not to mention the multiple skill sets and versatility that each one of those guys possesses. Additionally, Stevan Ridley will do his thing for sure, despite Geno Atkins. And I actually think the O-Line can neutralize Atkins. As for defense, Alphonzo Dennard or Aqib Talib can cover AJ Green, and any other receivers. And Dalton would feel pressure often, not having enough time to get the ball off in the first place.

[mcmurtry86]