Enemy Reaction 2019: Cincinnati Bengals

It wasn’t the prettiest win, but the Seattle Seahawks got their 2019 campaign off to a successful start, edging out the Cincinnati Bengals 21-20 to remain undefeated in September home games under Pete Carroll.

Of course, one of the great parts about a Seahawks victory (no matter how ugly and disjointed it might look) is that Field Gulls readers get to enjoy Enemy Reaction, as we recap Sunday’s contest by comparing fan comments from both gamethreads, along with some post-game thoughts from the opposition.

Bengals comments are courtesy of Cincy Jungle.

---

Ben Burr-Kirven strips Alex Erickson, Seahawks recover (3-0 CIN)

Chris Carson gets the Seahawks on the board (7-3 SEA)

John Ross III returns to Seattle with a touchdown off a flea flicker (10-7 CIN)

Russell Wilson finds D.K. Metcalf deep downfield for 42 yards (10-7 CIN)

Chris Carson breaks tackles and scores his second touchdown (14-10 SEA)

John Ross III gets behind Tedric Thompson for his second touchdown on the stroke of halftime (17-14 CIN)

Chris Carson fumbles, Dre Kirkpatrick scoops it up for the Bengals (17-14 CIN)

Andy Dalton has a slip-up, Al Woods capitalizes for a huge turnover (17-14 CIN)

Randy Bullock hooks his field goal wide left (17-14 CIN)

After 4th and 1 stop, spectacular D.K. Metcalf catch extends Seahawks drive (17-14 CIN)

Russell Wilson to Tyler Lockett for the go-ahead touchdown (21-17 SEA)

Tre Flowers gets flagged for pass interference, challenge fails but Bengals kick a FG (21-20 SEA)

(If anyone has video of this I’d appreciate a link)

Chris Carson breaks free for critical 21-yard run (21-20 SEA)

Rasheem Green forces Andy Dalton fumble, Seahawks recover and win (21-20 SEA Final)

Post-Game: Zac Taylor’s debut produces career day for Andy Dalton (Chris Roling, Bengals Wire)

Passing yardage doesn’t equate to wins, but it’s hard to ignore the context and the general attitude from all involved. The chatter about a new energy all offseason proved true in many ways, including the expansion and inclusiveness of an offense that produced a career day for Dalton.

And no, it isn’t a bad thing to think about what the Taylor-Dalton tandem could look like with Green back and everyone healthy. If this — on the road, in the rain, with a new coaching staff and a bad offensive line — is what a new Bengals offense looks like without a top-15 wideout on the field, it’s hard for fans to not get excited about the future. Week 1 produces weird things and isn’t always a sign of the future — but Bengals fans get a pass on feeling excited here after a superb showing for the first new head coach in 16 years and an oft-overlooked quarterback.

Post-Game: Seahawks win, but they weren’t the better team on the day (Steve Rivera, Stripe Hype)

I’ll be the first to say I thought Seattle would have an easy time with the Bengals at home. They didn’t. The second-best team in the NFC West struggled against a Cincinnati defense that had a lot of questions coming out of the preseason. Further, Dalton moved the ball with relative ease, posting some gaudy numbers. The veteran would go 35 of 51 for 418 yards, and two touchdowns.

The bigger question moving forward is if this is an indicator of things to come, meaning let’s go easy Bengals fans. Week 1 is now effectively the once traditional preseason game known as the “dress rehearsal game.” The Seattle offense looked clunky. Not something I’d count on in the weeks to come.

Taylor has a great offensive game plan. Dalton looked comfortable and in control. If the offensive line can find a way to break the rushing game lose, the Bengals will be a tough out. While I stand by my prediction of 4-12, Cincinnati could prove a nightmare for every opponent they face in 2019.

Post-Game Video: It’s a new day in Cincinnati (LA Bengal Fan)

Enemy Preaction: Pittsburgh Steelers

---

Next up for the Seahawks is a 10 AM game against another AFC North team, as the Pittsburgh Steelers look to win their home opener after a disastrous mauling against the New England Patriots. Seattle has been to Heinz Field twice and they were shutout both times, so perhaps the third time is the charm for both scoring a point and getting a win. By the way, the only time the Seahawks won their road opener under Pete Carroll? 2013. That was a good year, as I recall it.

Thanks for reading and go ‘Hawks!