Potential 'MNF' nightmare? Bengals' weak O-line vs. Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney
Cincinnati's offense faces a litmus test this week against Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns.
The in-state AFC North rivals play Monday night, and the embattled Bengals offensive line will go against Garrett (Pro Football Focus's No. 1-graded defensive end) and Jadeveon Clowney (No. 15). Garrett has six sacks and two forced fumbles in six games this season. Clowney has played in three games and has 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble and recovery.
QB Joe Burrow is 0-3 in his career against Cleveland, and Garrett has four-and-a-half of the team's 12 sacks in those games.
He's been a nightmare for Bengals fans and a savior to the Browns.
Cincinnati invested in its offensive line to avoid a repeat of those moments and the one that put a seal on Super Bowl LVI.
The Bengals added tackle La'el Collins (three-year, $30 million), guard Alex Cappa (four-year, $40 million) and center Ted Karras (three-year, $18 million) in free agency.
Burrow has been sacked 24 times, tied for second-most in the NFL, and per Football Outsiders, the Bengals offensive line ranks 28th in pass protection.
Per PFF, Karras grades 17th out of 37 eligible centers and Cappa 21st out of 77 guards. Collins has been the biggest disappointment, grading 69th out of 77 tackles.
They haven't passed every test this year, and Monday will be the unit's biggest test yet.
Eyes will be on the unit as wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will miss four to six weeks with a hip injury, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
It's a huge blow to an offense that was just starting to hit its stride. His connection with Burrow can mask a lot of deficiencies.
Without that safety net, the offensive line will have no cover if it struggles.
For his part, Burrow likes what he's been seeing lately from the line and built his linemen's confidence with praise this week.
Per USA Today, Burrow said of his offensive line: "Those guys up front are doing an unbelievable job for us. The last three weeks, they've been one of the top offensive lines in the league."
Burrow began the season under fire — sacked 13 times in the team's first two games — against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys. In the past three games, Burrow has been sacked eight times.
Burrow will be down his favorite target while going against his biggest enemy. He needs protection, and the offensive line will need some too if Garrett does what he's done so many times before.
CBS color commentator Tony Romo gave the best advice to the Bengals on defending Garrett before last year's Nov. 7 meeting.
The Browns won that game 41-16. Garrett had 1.5 sacks.
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