The Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) committed 11 penalties that helped lead to Sunday's 30-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings (11-2). It’s an issue that Cincinnati’s coaching staff will have to fix as the team inches closer to the playoffs.
But before the Bengals fix their penalties, they first have to get to the root of the issue. The AFC North blog provides some assistance by determining if the team’s problems are mental or physical errors.
Mental or Physical?
By our count, seven of Cincinnati's 11 penalties were mental errors. These types of infractions often drive coaches crazy.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis will have to preach to his team to play smarter and more discipline next week against the San Diego Chargers (10-3). Because another game with 11 penalties likely will lead to the same losing result.