The Jaguars defense came out hot and forced an Andy Dalton interception only to have Kyle Bosworth fumble the return without being touched.  The Bengals took advantage of the mistake and marched down the field for a field goal.  The Jaguars responded with a nice two yard touchdown pass to Marcedes Lewis to go up 7-3.  That’s when the Bengals really started to up their game.  Down 3-7 in the second quarter, the Bengals when up 17-7 by halftime.  The Jags went on to score a field goal after stalling in the redzone and the game ended 27-10.

Rashean Mathis was easily beat by Green all day.  Source: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

It was a depressing showing for Maurice Jones-Drew who had a meager 38 yards on 13 carries (2.9 yards per attempt).  Meanwhile, BenJarvus Green-Ellis put up 82 yards on 26 carries (3.1 yards per attempt) but seemed to be doing much more for the Bengals offense.  Andy Dalton looked tremendous going 20/31 for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and the interception fumbled by Bosworth.  A.J. Green was a big recipient of Dalton’s success and caught six balls for 117 yards and a score.  Gabbert continued to struggle to move the ball for the Jaguars offense and ended the day 23/34 for 186 yards, a touchdown, and a pick.  While a much better completion percentage for Gabbert, a large number of his throws were underneath to MJD or other backs.  Justin Blackmon did seem to finally break out of his shell with six catches for 48 yards but looked out of place and failed to compete for some balls.

The Jaguars failed to open up their offense and it cost them in a game that made the Bengals defense look much better than the bottom-feeding type it has been thus far this season.  Meanwhile, the Bengals seemed to be able to do what they wanted against the Jags.  While the Jags forced two Green-Ellis fumbles, the Bengals D seemed unstoppable and got to Gabbert six times.  The offensive line, especially LG Eben Britton, looked lost early in the game and allowed the Bengals defense to set the easily set the tone.

With the win the Bengals increase to 3-1 and the Jaguars join the Titans at 1-3 and at the bottom of the AFC South.

- Luke N. Sims

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You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims

If Michael Johnson isn’t limited, the Jags could be in for a long day.  Source: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

The Bengals come to town to take on the Jaguars in this week’s NFL action.  Cincinnati, unlike the Jags, were able to make a seamless transition from Carson Palmer and company to Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.  The baton has been handed off and the Bengals are again a playoff contender and probably will be for a few more years to come.  The Jaguars, in contrast, look bewildered when it comes to rebuilding and, despite small progress, are not yet on the same level as the Bengals.  Is there a difference maker for the Jaguars in this game?  Is it possible that the Bengals don’t have a player step up enough to win a game that many pick them to win?  Let’s take a peek at five players to watch for this Sunday’s game:

1. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Cincinnati - The Law Firm is averaging 3.6 yards per carry.  For a guy the Bengals wanted to carry the load he really needs to get a few more yards per touch.  The sad thing is that it isn’t that much of a departure from his 3.7 yards per attempt last year with New England.  Green-Ellis could always return to pre-2011 form and could explode against the Jaguars defense, especially if he makes it to the second level past the front four.  Look to see how he does, if he has running room then this offense will have become much more balanced and potent.
2. Michael Johnson, DE, Cincinnati - Coming in with four sacks, Johnson could prove to be a problem for the Jags offensive line. With Cameron Bradfield probable for the Jaguars at right tackle and Eugene Monroe still managing the left, it could be difficult for Johnson to find some pressure on Gabbert.  That said, if anyone on the Bengals squad is going to be threatening Gabbert into his rooke-esque poor play it will be Johnson.  His play could dictate how well the Cincy defense plays.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville - I’m not predicting an explosion like last week, but the Bengals run defense should be a cakewalk compared to what MJD has faced thus far this season.  The jaguars offense still runs through Jones-Drew and his carries haven’t seemed to decrease.  While his pounding the ball may not be the way to wins for a young Jaguars team, it will certainly make for a big day for MJD.  Who knows, it could even open up the passing game (finally).
4. Austen Lane, DE, Jacksonville - If Lane takes the field for the Jaguars on Sunday (listed as probable) the team could have a much better rotation at defensive end.  George Selvie is still out so it will be up to Aaron Morgan and Lane to be the fresh legs on the outside.  For a team that was contemplating moving DT Tyson Alualu to the outside on some downs, this is really big.  Lane has yet to have much success at the NFL level, but last year’s coaching staff, this year’s coaching staff, and GM Gene Smith have been high on him for a while now.  He’ll be looking to make an impact when he takes the field.
5. Derek Cox, CB, Jacksonville - Can Cox cover A.J. Green?  That could be the question for the day.  With Green-Ellis not being as impactful as anticipated for the  Bengals, they may have to turn to the air.  Green is a top flight receiver and could dominate weaker secondaries.  Cox is the Jags’ best corner and has demonstrated that he can shut down number one wideouts in the past, but can he do it against Green.  I expect some help over the top from Cox, but on the plays he’s alone with the receiver on the outside look to see who is getting the upper hand.

- Luke N. Sims

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You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims

1. Arian Foster/Ben Tate, Houston Texans: The Houston duo put up some big numbers in 2011 (over 2,000 yards combined) and will look to replicate that success in 2012.  The duo is tough to stop and flows better than most 1-2 punches in the NFL.
2. 

   As Jackson does, so do the Bills. Source: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

   Fred Jackson/C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills: Fred Jackson is the real power behind the Bills running game, but Spiller is expected to have a big year. Both running backs averaged over five yards per attempt last year and have a good chance of repeating 1,500+ yards on the ground in 2012.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars: Jones-Drew is the reigning rushing title champion and looks to do it again in 2012….if he ends his holdout.  Jones-Drew pounded away last year for 30 more attempts than anyone else, but it paid off for the Jaguars.  With the return of a proper spell back for MJD and a better passing game, he could do a lot more damage per attempt in 2012.
4. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: Peterson was injured last year after logging 970 yards in 12 games.  It was his firs season not running for 1,200 or more yards.  He will come back with a vengeance and cement himself as a dominant runner once again in 2012.
5. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: CJ2K needs to get back to 2,000 yards per season.  He has the talent to do it, but his holdout and subsequent lackluster year is not laying a foundation for future success.
6. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders: With the departure of Michael Bush to Chicago, McFadden becomes the man in Oakland.  He runs hard and will be the focus of an offense that doesn’t want turnover-prone Carson Palmer throwing too many times.
7. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears: The Bears are worried about a Matt Forte holdout, but in Matt Forte they have a player who is something special.  Forte has skills catching the ball as well as running and makes the Bears offense more versatile whenever he is on the field.
8. Shonn Greene, New York Jets: Greene is a good runner and is the Jets workhorse when called upon.  With the addition of Tim Tebow and more gimmick plays, Greene may find that he will be used a little less and a little bit differently in 2012.
9. Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins: Reggie Bush finally lived up to his potential in 2011 with the Dolphins.  He’ll have to do it again in 2012 – though there will be more responsibility put on him with the front office placing an emphasis on rookie Ryan Tannehill and free agent David Garrard at quarterback.
10. Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals: Taking over after the departure of Cedric Benson, the ex-Patriot looks to emulate his success in Cincinnati.  It will be a tough task with a less high tempo passing game and no real depth behind him.
11. James Starks, Green Bay Packers: James Starks gets the spotlight after Ryan Grant leaves.  Starks is a strong runner who complements the Packers passing attack well.  But there is very little emphasis put on the running game in Green Bay.
12. 

    Donald Brown needs to prove he can be the workhorse the Colts need him to be. Source: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

    Donald Brown, Indianpolis Colts: The Colts finally got Brown to look like a first round draft pick in 2011.  Can he do it again with Andrew Luck leading the offense?

13. Jahvid Best/Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions:  Both of the Lions runners are gifted (So is Mikel LeShoure who is not on this list) but they have not been stellar.  The Lions need Kevin Smith to return to his former glory and they need Best to look more like he did in 2010 rather than 2011.
14. Stevan Ridley/Danny Woodhead, New England Patriots: While Woodhead and Ridley are on the bottom of this list, knowing Bill Belichick they will probably end up amassing huge chunks of yards on a run for the Super Bowl.  Woodhead is a fan favorite but is on the field mostly because he is a receiving target as well.

Check out our other roster strength analysis: QB

- Luke N. Sims

Feel free to leave comments on here or visit us at Facebook or Twitter!

You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims