Oct 26, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars running back Denard Robinson (16) at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Richard Dole-USA TODAY Sports
TheCincinnati Bengalscontinued to be racked by injuries. TheJacksonville Jaguarsare not very good, and sport one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Something has to give when the two teams meet at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday, and it’s likely to be the scoreboard.
An already banged-up and suspect Bengals run defense took yet another hit this week when linebackerVontaze Burfictunderwent arthroscopicknee surgery. With Burfict out of action (again), Jaguars do-it-all manDenard Robinsoncould be poised for a big game. Although “Shoelace” is listed as wide receiver by Pro-Football-Reference.com, he lines up in the backfield most of the time and leads the Jags in rushing attempts (68) and yards (329). He’s gone over the century mark in each of his past two games, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see another 100+ this week.
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On the other side of the ball, the Bengals probablywill be withoutrunning back Giovani Bernard and wide receiver A.J. Green. Jacksonville is ranked 27th against the pass and 20th against the run, so Cincy quarterback Andy Dalton should have some leeway even with a diminished supporting cast.
Mohamed Sanuhas established himself as a legitimate top target in Green’s stead this season, and you can expect that trend to continue this weekend. On the ground, Bernard’s absence gives rookieJeremy Hilla chance to show what he can do with featured-back touches. Chances are good that he will top his previous one-game high of 74 yards.
The Bengals managed to stop their slide last weekend by pulling out a win against the Baltimore Ravens, but the injuries keep mounting. They should still be able to beat the Jags, but the cast of major contributors will look a little different.
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