The Brandon Allen era continues…
Jamie Wroe
There is no joy in watching the Bengals any more, and a game against Miami offers uncomfortable comparisons. Both teams started 0-7 last year and yes, we won the Burrow race, but the Dolphins’ improvements in terms of scheme and roster has put them light years ahead of us. The Bengals’ failings in coaching and recruitment are laid bare. The Dolphins’ pass rush is scary and I don’t think we’ll cope. Poor Brandon Allen. Bengals 10 Dolphins 31
Phil Hatton
I think we know all we need to know about what we have without Burrow. Enough decent players to keep it close, not enough to win. The coaching could tip the balance in this scenario, but it doesn’t look like we have that either sadly. Another prediction: Anarumo won’t wear his mask properly – he thinks they are chin hammocks. Bengals 16 Dolphins 23
Duncan Price
It’s a funny one this week. I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised if either team won, despite Miami having a much better record, simply because we always seem to play them close. My interesting note in terms of the Dolphins is that they only give up just over 18 points per game – good for second in the league. Had Joey B been here I still think we would have put up numbers, but with Allen I’d be shocked if we bothered the 20s. The Bengals haven’t been all that bad on defense of late, but if you can’t score, you can’t win, no matter how well you restrict the other team. Bengals 13 Dolphins 28
Duncan Yeadon
Another game lost and Zac’s record is looking shoddy to say the least. And there are yet more injuries with Auden Tate going on IR having played with a dodgy shoulder for the past few weeks. It’s Christmas, it’s the season to be jolly…. but there’s no festive cheer from the Bengals this week as we lose another one. Joey B has had his op and the long road to recovery starts now, and he looks good for a return in 2021. Happy Holidays!!! Bengals 10 Dolphins 34
Paul Hirons
What a difference a year makes. Brian Flores has done an outstanding job down there in Miami and their rebuild continues apace, while in Cincinnati we’ve stayed utterly stationary. However, I genuinely believe the Dolphins aren’t that good (yet). What they are good at is defense, and their exotic blitzes and unrelenting thirst for turnovers pose big problems for a third-string quarterback. You’d hope Allen will be better after another week practising with the first team, and that XSF’s return in whatever capacity will bolster the offensive line. Even with those things, I just don’t see anything else other than a home win. (As ever, I’d be delighted to be proved wrong). Bengals 13 Dolphins 24
Bengals UK 