Cincinnati Bengals vs. Dallas Cowboys Game Preview
USA Today
Following a disheartening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, the Cincinnati Bengals look to bounce back against the Cowboys this Sunday in Dallas. With Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott out for six-to-eight weeks, the Bengals have an easier road to victory, but they refuse to get complacent.
Cooper Rush has been named the starting quarterback this Sunday, and is expected to come out strong. In 2021, Rush started one game against the Vikings and threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns. He led the team back from a 10-to-three deficit at halftime, and threw a game winning touchdown pass to Amari Cooper.
The Bengals aren’t taking this performance lightly, and know what kind of performance to expect from Rush. In a press conference Wednesday, head coach Zac Taylor said, “You expect him [Rush] to be able to operate the offense the way that they want it operated.” They know what he is capable of, and aren’t letting their foot off the gas at practice this week.
It’s obvious that the Bengals had a slow start last week, but as the game progressed, they got into a rhythm, and almost came back to win the game. The Cowboys should not expect to have a slow starting offense from the Bengals this week, especially with how visibly upset Joe Burrow was following last week's loss.
In his press conference Wednesday, Burrow explicitly said “I gotta play better for us to win.” He isn’t afraid to take ownership of a bad game, but he is also able to keep his head up and continue to fight through the end of the game, a quality some quarterbacks lack, such as Kyler Murray. In the same press conference he also stated “I didn’t let any of the turnovers phase me, and I think that showed with the comeback in the second half.” Bengals fans should be excited with Burrow as their quarterback, as he never quits and continues to stay focused through bad performances.
Key Matchups:
Ja’Marr Chase vs. Trevon Diggs
One of the league’s best wide receivers against one of the best cornerbacks will be the most entertaining matchup this weekend. They are yet to play against each other in the NFL, but they did meet in the College Football Playoff National Championship game in 2019. Chase ended the game with six receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. Since this game, Diggs has developed into an elite player. Last season he led the league in interceptions with 11. Needless to say, it will be exciting to watch these two battle it out this weekend.
John Bazemore - AP
Eli Apple vs. CeeDee Lamb
Cornerback Eli Apple is known for struggling to break up catches when isolated, which is a great way for the Cowboys to gain yards in this game. Lamb will need to be on top of his game if the Cowboys want to find success offensively, which he wasn’t last week against the Buccaneers. He had two catches for 29 yards, which didn’t help the team much as they lost 19-3.
Bengals offensive line vs. Micah Parsons
It was clear last week that the Bengals offensive line struggled against the Steelers as Burrow got sacked seven times. However, it was the first full game the squad has played together, so it’s hopeful that they will gain more chemistry as the season progresses. Parsons is already on the radar of the Bengals as a player to watch this week. They know that every offensive lineman needs to be prepared to face him, as the Cowboys move him around frequently on the defensive line. Last season he had 84 tackles and 13 sacks, and he isn’t letting up this season. He already has two sacks this season, and if the Bengals offensive line doesn’t step up their performance from last week, he will surely add to that total this week.
Key Injuries:
WR Tee Higgins (CIN) - limited practice Wednesday (day-to-day).
QB Dak Prescott (DAL)
Where to Watch:
Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys at 4:25pm ET on CBS
