A Trick Up
Their SleeveThe Bengals are off to a 3-0 start while establishing a reputation for offensive unpredictability with trick plays under new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.
By COLEY HARVEY
A Trick Up Their Sleeve
The Bengals are off to a 3-0 start while establishing a reputation for offensive unpredictability with trick plays under new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.Trick plays have become the norm in Cincinnati's offense. Since the Bengals promoted Hue Jackson from running backs coach to offensive coordinator in January, the team has featured at least one trick play per game, including one that resulted in a touchdown. Trick-play nominees are suggested in coaches' meetings on Mondays and Tuesdays. By the start of practice Wednesday, the Bengals have a clearer idea of which one they want to execute. After running a few reps of the gadget play during the mid-week practices, the Bengals circle back on Fridays to make sure they are good with what they want to employ. After that, the play doesn't get discussed much until Sunday.By COLEY HARVEYWEEK 1 at BALTIMORE
The Bengals' opening drive featured a formation that had tackles Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith lined up in the slot. A.J. Green was off the line behind Whitworth, along with another receiver on the other side of the field. On the ball were two guards and a center, who shotgun-snapped to quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton handed off to Giovani Bernard for a 7-yard gain.WEEK 2 vs. ATLANTA
On the Bengals' second drive with the score tied at 3, Andy Dalton pitched to former college quarterback Mohamed Sanu on an end around. Sanu stopped and delivered a perfect pass to receiver Brandon Tate, who caught it in stride 50 yards downfield.WEEK 3 vs. TENNESSEE
Mohamed Sanu took a pitch from Andy Dalton and ran right. He stopped, turned and threw across the field to Dalton. Titans cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson was waiting, but he didn't make the right decision to either hit Dalton as soon as he caught the ball or intercept the pass. Instead, Dalton caught it and sprinted to the pylon for an 18-yard touchdown.
