Bengals vs. Seahawks: 12 Things We Learned from Cincinnati's 34-12 Win

With the impressive win on the road to start what essentially is the second half of the Bengals' 2011 NFL season, Cincinnati showed impressive staying power with an array of weapons in every different facet of the game.

Be it the offense, defense, or special teams, each contributed to the scoring and picked up where (and when) the other left off.

Consistency, discipline, and endurance continued to be scrutinized on the offensive side of the ball, while the ground belonged to the defense but the air to the opponent.

Special teams saw the start of what is likely to become one of the best return tandems in the league — with the return of Adam "Pacman"Jones.

Yet what was missed in the absence of Jermaine Gresham and Rey Maualuga, gave more promise to a deeper than expected Bengals team.

Here are twelve things we learned about the Bengals this week...

Dalton Put Together an Excellent 1st Half...

Behind impeccable protection from the offensive line, Dalton completed 13 of 18 pass attempts during the first half — including a 14-yard touchdown pass to Jerome Simpson in the first quarter and a 43-yard perfect touchdown spiraling arch to A.J. Green in the second.

...While the 2nd Half Was Not Andy's Finest

The second half was a different story with Andy being stymied by the Seattle defense, being intercepted twice on two deep targets to A.J. Green inside the Seahawks' 10-yard line.

The statistics were to be forgotten as Dalton's second half was mired with 5 completions on 11 passes attempted, netting 43 yards and two interceptions.

Both intercepted passes seemed to lack the zip from the first half as the endurance question reared its ugly head.

Defensive Line Is the Backbone of the Defense...

The line was simply amazing, allowing a total of 61 yards rushing to move into the No. 1 rushing defense spot in the NFL.  Couple the aforementioned with three of four sacks coming from the line — including Carlos Dunlap's first of the season — and what you had was the makings of a pressure filled cauldron of fire.

Backing up the Seahawks' offense came in the form of 11 quarterback hits from the front and center members of the Bengals' defense.

...While the Defensive Secondary Needs Work

Allowing 375 yards passing — 323 of those yards to a quarterback that had been out injured (and of questionable status) the week prior — did not reflect well on the Bengals' secondary. 

It is becoming increasingly clear how much the Bengals truly lost when Jonathan Joseph left in free agency —to both fans and opposing offenses alike.

Wide Receiver Showcase Continues....

With A.J. Green ranked 13th in the league for receiving yards at 516, followed by Jerome Simpson at No. 38 with 367, the Bengals have replaced the prior tandems made up most recently by Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens.

Green caught his fifth touchdown of the season on a 43-yard bomb while Simpson finally cracked through with his first.

...But A.J. Green Needs To Round Out His Game

Green showed some rough edges on the two intercepted passes which were intended for him.

Both being underthrown, Green failed to challenge the cornerback for the pass from behind on the first and simply did not break up the pass with an effective challenge or effort on the second.

This issue should be easily remedied through coaching.

Donald Lee Was a Great Pickup at Tight End...

The former Green Bay Packer filled in for the starting tight end admirably, catching all three targeted passes for 44-yards — including one for 26, to help keep pivotal drives alive.

...But There Is No Replacing Jermaine Gresham

The long arms of the dynamic Jermaine Gresham were missed along with a three-dimensional game that cannot be duplicated.

Special Teams Are Keyed by Mike Nungent....

The true pivotal point for the Bengals came in the fourth quarter with Seattle trailing by 5 and the Bengals needing to put more distance between the revived Seahawks and them.

Enter Mike Nugent for a 48-yard field goal to spread the two teams apart for the icing on the cake to come...

...But Brandon Tate Confirmed He Is Key as Well....

...via another excellent pickup in the form of Brandon Tate (formerly of the New England Patriots) whose first career punt-return touchdown sealed the deal.

...As Adam

Add in Adam Jones' 63-yard return to say, "I'm back!," and one had the makings of a newly revamped special teams unit.  Jones tweaked a hamstring but is expected to return next week against his original NFL team — the Tennessee Titans.

Conclusion: Bengals Continue Climbing in the Right Direction

Though the Bengals continue to show some rough edges, they have shown another facet which other teams should not underestimate: depth.

Considering Cincinnati's starting middle linebacker Rey Maualuga has been out for the past two games and starting tight end (a key in the West Coast offensive scheme) Jermaine Gresham has been out for for one, the Bengals' win speaks volumes.

The keys to the game are working on offensive discipline, continuing to create in the short passing game and bolstering the pass defense.

Up next — the Titans of Tennessee.