Cincinnati Bengals Midseason Team Rankings

Here are the Cincinnati Bengals statistical rankings at midseason (out of 32 NFL teams):

Offensive Rankings

Rushing Yards: 9th (130 yards per game)
Passing Yards: 18th (219 yards per game)
Points Scored: 16th (22.5 points per game)
QB Rating: T-12th (89.5 QB Rating)
Completion Percentage (minimum 100 attempts): 14th (61.5 percent)
Total Yards: 12th (348.8 yards per game)

Defensive Rankings

Rushing Yards Allowed: 2nd (83.9 yards per game)
Passing Yards Allowed: 25th (241.6 yards per game)
Total Yards Allowed: 14th (325.5 yards per game)
Points Allowed: 5th (16.9 points per game)
Turnover Margin: T-10th (Plus-two turnovers)
Interceptions: 5th (10 interceptions this year)
Forced Fumbles: T-23rd (Four forced fumbles this year)

Special Teams Rankings

Average Kick Return Yards: 31st (19.2 yards per return)
Average Kick Return Yards Allowed: 16th (23 yards allowed per return)
Average Punt Return Yards: 5th (12.4 yards per return)
Average Punt Return Yards Allowed: 23rd (10.4 yards allowed per return)
Field Goal Percentage: 28th (70 percent)
Average Yards per Punt: 18th (43.1)

Analysis

The Good

The Bengals have shown a resiliency in the red zone that has helped reduce the amount of points opposing teams are scoring against them. Despite them ranking 25th against the pass, the low points-per-game ranking comes from the Bengals stout rush-defense and the ability to force turnovers (particularly interceptions) near their own end zone.

Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall have been able to shut down the opposing team's No. 1 receiver with ease (aside from Andre Johnson).

Cedric Benson has been electric at running back and has flashed ability that hasn't been seen since his college days in Austin. With 837 rushing yards, Cedric ranks second in the league, behind only Chris Johnson of the Titans.

The passing game has begun to open up for Cincinnati with a youthful-looking Carson Palmer starting to hit his stride in the past few weeks.

Finally, the red-zone offense has been very efficient. The Bengals offense has registered 18 touchdowns and five field goals in their red-zone attempts with zero turnovers.

The Bad

The Bengals have given up a ton of yards through the air. The linebackers have struggled at times to drop back into coverage and make plays. Opposing TE's have exploited Cincinnati's defense in a number of situations.

The passing game has lacked consistency throughout the season, although Carson Palmer's past two performances seem to be pointing the Bengals offense in the right direction. With the loss of Chris Henry, Laveranues Coles will have to continue raising his level of play.

Special teams has been an issue with this team all season long. Marvin Lewis made the decision to add Clark Harris and cut the ailing Brad St. Louis after numerous bad snaps led to a number of missed field goal opportunities and a missed extra point.

In addition, the Bengals are giving up a lot of yards on kickoff returns. They need to buck this trend in the coming weeks if they want to improve the unit as a whole.

Overall

The Bengals have surprised just about everyone this season. Two wins against the Ravens, and wins against the Steelers, Packers, and Bears have vaulted this squad into a first-place tie with Pittsburgh. The matchup between the two teams next week could be very telling to how the Bengals perform for the rest of the season.

If the Bengals can continue to improve their consistency in the passing game, stay aggressive against the run, pressure the quarterback on defense, and improve special teams play, they will be a very tough team to play against and a strong playoff contender during the rest of the season.