Cincinnati Bengals: 5 Major Keys For A Win Over The Arizona Cardinals

The Cincinnati Bengals have become a hot commodity this year. Starting out with eight straight wins — establishing a new franchise record — has garnered the attention of the bright lights. The Bengals will be playing the last of three straight prime time battles on Sunday Night Football against the Arizona Cardinals. The Bengals (8-1) have split the first two night duels and are looking to bounce back against the 7-2 Cardinals. But there are some key elements that have to be followed.

There will always be doubt when it comes to the Bengals playing night games. After laying an egg against the Texans on Monday, the Bengals are 4-8 in the Dalton era. But if you look at it in terms of a yearly situation, Cincinnati’s record is 1-1 under the lights with three more sundown games to go.

The Bengals are already locked in to play Denver on Monday night and the 49ers in a Sunday evening match up. Per the Bengals schedule, that leaves the possibility of four other games that could be flexed, depending on how the season goes. It costs to be the boss.

The Bengals will have to be ready for schedule changes and definite adjustments in attitudes. Sunday Night Football guru Tony Dungy gives the Bengals a chance against the Cardinals. He’s anxious to see how they bounce back after the loss.

“They’ve got everything you need,” Dungy said. “They’ve got speed and striking ability on offense. They’ve got people who can pressure the passer and they’ve got good coverage people in the secondary. They’re playing with a lot of energy. This is a good team. It’s going to be great to see how they rebound this weekend because they didn’t play their best game for whatever reason. I think we’re going to see what they’re really made of Sunday night.”

Here are five keys to the Bengals posting a win in Arizona.

Get Andy Dalton into the flow

Dalton has to be relaxed for the offense to flow like it should. Starting off with quick passes will get Andy into the game and help his confidence against the blitz. There will be a lot of nervous moments for Dalton, going onto the stage for a third straight prime time game. The media will be comparing him to former Bengals’ quarterback Carson Palmer. Getting him connected with Tyler Eifert will help them both erase the Houston nightmare.

The Bengals’ offense has been outstanding, because of Jackson’s game plans and knowledge. But against the Texans, Jackson tried to do too much. The exotic shifts and formations led to confusion and penalties. That can’t happen against a much better team like the Cardinals. The Bengals talent matches up well against the Cards. Jackson must lose the love affair with prime time cuteness and get back to basics.

Find the running game

The Bengals aren’t looking for Waldo. They’re looking for their running game. According to statistics by ESPN, the Bengals had Dalton drop back to throw almost 40 times. The ground game was attempted 16 times. That won’t sustain long, ball-control drives. If Jeremy Hill can’t carry the load, Giovani Bernard will have to bear the burden. Bernard’s numbers have him ranked with the premier running backs this year. He’s been able to accomplish the feat without starting. Hill’s 3.2 yards per carry have him close to the bottom of the league.

There’s not much to explain here. The Bengals’ defense was intimidating without Vontaze Burfict. But since his return, the unit is downright scary. The last three games have helped catapult the Bengals’ defense to the top position for fewest points allowed. Against the Cardinals, the Bengals will need to pressure Palmer into erratic passes. The key is to hurry him without heavy blitzing. Paul Guenther will need to find a way to free his front four. Palmer was knocked around in Seattle and had two fumbles.

The killer instinct

Once the Bengals establish a lead, there can be no looking back. The Cardinals are an explosive team with tons of weapons. If Cincinnati eases up on the stranglehold, Palmer and the Cards can easily fight back. Sunday’s shocking game against the Seahawks is exhibit A. Take the dangerous Cardinals out and keep it moving.

[Feature Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images]