Bengals vs. Jaguars: 5 Halftime Adjustments Cincinnati Must Make

A game which only had a rookie QB matchup as a storyline is looking a lot more interesting after this first half. Both Andy Dalton and Blaine Gabbert look impressive in the early going.

The Dalton to A.J. Green connection looks dangerous again, as evidenced by that perfect 37-yard strike in the first quarter. But to win on the road, the Bengals will need to step up on defense. Especially in the run game.

Here are five big halftime adjustments the Bengals need to make to win this game:

1. Keep Protecting Dalton

This isn't as much an adjustment, as a compliment. The offensive line has looked superb today, giving Dalton plenty of time to throw in a huge, open pocket. You would think Jacksonville might start pressuring on blitzes more often to try and get the rookie off his game. But so far, nothing has gotten through that line.

Dalton hasn't had anything to really worry about so far, and it's translating to his throws. The long touchdown to Green was a beautiful throw. He's showing us that if he has enough time to throw, he can make big things happen. So, keep protecting Dalton and the Bengals will continue to put points up on the board.

2. Blitz Gabbert

That being said, the opposing quarterback looks a little too comfortable also. The front seven of Cincy need to put some more pressure on Gabbert in the pocket. They have gotten to him a few times, but not enough to rattle him. Gabbert is also solid, but get his feet moving and make him nervous in the pocket, and he's bound to force something.

He hasn't looked comfortable when he's flushed out of the pocket, and making a throw on the move is no easy task for such an inexperienced quarterback. Keep bringing the heat and force Gabbert to make a bad throw that could turn into a game-breaking turnover.

3. Contain MJD

I know, it's easier said than done. But Maurice Jones-Drew is having his way with the Bengals' D right now. Every time he touches the ball he's busting six or seven-yard runs. If Cincinnati can't defend against that rushing attack, it doesn't matter how well Gabbert plays.

Jones-Drew is the type of back who can take over a game and just slowly drain the blood from a defense. He is a quick, punishing back. On his touchdown run, he bowled over a player who had a clean shot at him. That's not going to cut it if the Bengals want to win today.

4. Take the Momentum

And keep it! It's always tough to play on the road in the NFL, and a huge part of winning a game like this is stealing the momentum away from the home team. If Cincinnati can get a big score that takes the excitement out of the crowd and boosts their own confidence a little bit, they will definitely be in good position.

Dalton's pick at the beginning of the second quarter didn't turn into a touchdown for the Jags, luckily. But they need to cut down on mistakes like that, because they will do the exact opposite of what they need for gaining momentum. A big takeaway would do wonders for them starting the second half.

5. Stick with A.J.

I know the interception heading A.J. Green's way might have been a forced pass by Dalton. But by no means should they stop targeting the big first-round pick. He was their top draft choice for a reason, and he's already established himself as a big-time threat in the NFL this season.

The play-calling needs to keep sending it Green's way, and Dalton needs to have him as the first option. If he's not open, look for Jerome Simpson or check down to a running back, but Green is such a big, fast threat down field that he might be the key to a big play that springs a big score that leads to a big win.