CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line isn't getting any better. It was a concern going into the season and even a change at offensive coordinator has not helped that unit do a better job of protecting quarterback Andy Dalton or generating a consistent rushing attack.
Even on Sunday against an Indianapolis Colts defense ranked near the bottom of the league and playing without several injured starters -- including linebacker John Simon, cornerbacks Rashaan Melvin and Quincy Wilson, and safety Malik Hooker -- the Bengals' line gave up three sacks and allowed Dalton to be hit six times and hurried eight. One of Dalton's two touchdown passes -- to rookie Josh Malone -- came with a Colts defender in his face after being unblocked up the middle.
"We've got to do better in protecting Andy (Dalton)," wide receiver A.J. Green said. "We can't have him taking shots like that every week."
The Bengals also struggled in the running game, averaging 2.8 yards on 21 attempts. Rookie Joe Mixon was their leading rusher with 18 yards on 11 carries, a 1.6-yard average. The Bengals rushed for 58 yards as a team. Dalton managed to pass for 243 yards and two touchdowns without an interception despite the constant pressure.
"Andy did a really good job of not putting the ball in harm's way," said head coach Marvin Lewis. "He had the two scramble throws that he didn't get to his guy. He usually does that pretty well. He hung in there throughout the game and took care of the football."
Sunday was supposed to be the day the Bengals' offense busted out against a Colts defense that was both struggling and decimated by injury. Instead, it took an interception return for a touchdown by defensive end Carlos Dunlap to seal a 24-23 win with 6:58 left.
"We have to do a better job of communication overall," said Lewis. "We have to be consistent all the time. We've got to do a little better on third down. We need to keep those third downs manageable. It has to be across the board."
When veterans Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler left via free agency, it was assumed the offensive line would be a concern this season for the Bengals. Andre Smith was signed to provide some veteran stability, but was later supplanted by Trey Hopkins. Cedric Ogbuehi is coming off a rough season and has struggled at times at left tackle again this year.
The Bengals began the season with three first-time starters on the line.
Through seven games, Cincinnati ranks third-worst in the NFL with 78.4 rushing yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry.
"We've got to make sure we stay on the same page throughout," Lewis said, when asked about struggles in the running game. "It's got to be consistent. The upfront guys, the receivers, the backs. Whatever it is. (offensive coordinator) Bill (Lazor) is putting things together a little differently. We're having to make adjustments."
Dalton has passed for more than 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns with eight interceptions despite being sacked 22 times. He was sacked 42 times last year. On Sunday, Dalton was able to persevere.
"We were able to overcome it," Dalton said. "That's what it comes down to. I just know (on Malone's TD) I got pressure up the middle. We can't let that happen."
--Bengals rookie receiver John Ross was active Sunday after missing four games with a knee injury. But, despite a great deal of anticipation surrounding his return, the ninth overall pick in this year's draft did not have a catch and was targeted just once.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he chose to dress Ross because he needed a receiver when Cody Core couldn't play due to injury, and that Ross was not part of the game plan.
"We have 53 players and 46 players get to suit up," said Lewis. "He's trying to play catch-up."
--Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick has been playing with a shoulder injury. He briefly left Sunday's game and appeared to be in significant pain, but later returned to the field.
"I've been going through that all season," Kirkpatrick said. "If it ain't broke or it ain't out of place, I'm going to continue to go because I want to go out there and do everything I can for this team. No matter if I have to skip reps to whatever, I wanted to be out there today."
Kirkpatrick had three tackles for loss on Sunday and a QB hurry.
NOTES: CB Adam Jones was active on Sunday after missing one game with a back injury, described as a transverse process fracture. It was the first game he has missed this season. Jones injured his back during the Buffalo game on Oct. 8 and was a limited participant in practice last week. Jones split time at right corner with William Jackson III on Sunday. ... DE Michael Johnson left Sunday's game toward the end of the first half with a back injury and did not return. Johnson, who had one tackle before leaving the game, has had back issues in the past.
REPORT CARD VS. COLTS
--PASSING OFFENSE: B -- The Bengals' pass offense was efficient but uninspiring. Andy Dalton passed for 243 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions despite being sacked three times and hurried often. One of Dalton's best throws was a heave under pressure that rookie Josh Malone adjusted to in the end zone for his first career TD. But the Bengals couldn't find ways to involve A.J. Green, who had only three catches for 27 yards. Running back Joe Mixon had the biggest pass play of the afternoon, a 67-yard screen pass.
--RUSHING OFFENSE: D -- The Bengals' rushing attack remains a work in progress, five games into Bill Lazor's tenure as offensive coordinator. Cincinnati ran for only 58 yards on Sunday and averaged a paltry 2.8 yards per carry. Jeremy Hill continues to get the start ahead of rookie Joe Mixon, who was the leading rusher on Sunday with just 18 yards. The longest run on Sunday was by receiver Alex Erickson, who gained 14 yards on a toss-sweep.
--PASS DEFENSE: B-minus -- The biggest play in Sunday's game came with seven minutes left when defensive end Carlos Dunlap batted, then intercepted a pass from Colts QB Jacoby Brissett and returned it 16 yards for the eventual game-winning TD. Coming into the game, the Bengals expected to keep the pressure on Brissett, and they did sack him four times. Brissett passed for 233 yards, 121 of which were to tight end Jack Doyle, who had career highs in catches and yards.
--RUSH DEFENSE: C -- The Colts were able to keep at least some pressure off QB Jacoby Brissett with a consistent running game that averaged 4.1 yards per attempt. Frank Gore gained 82 of the Colts' 115 rushing yards while averaging better than five yards per carry. Indianapolis had six first downs via the rush while converting 50 percent of its third downs.
--SPECIAL TEAMS: D -- Randy Bullock made one field goal and had a 34-yard attempt blocked in the first quarter, which could have proven disastrous had the Colts managed to get into Adam Vinatieri's range for a game-winner in the closing seconds of the 24-23 Bengals' win. The Bengals' defense also held the Colts to a field goal after Alex Erickson muffed a punt. Erickson had another near fumble on his next return.
--COACHING: C -- The Bengals won a game and avoided disaster on Sunday. A loss to the Andrew Luck-less Colts, who were missing four key defensive players, would have dropped the Bengals to 2-5, crushed any remaining playoff hopes, and served as a gut-punch to fans. The fact that the Bengals had to rally with a pick-six in the closing minutes to win the game 24-23 didn't create much of a positive vibe. The Bengals still can't figure out their running game. Rookie receiver John Ross made his much-anticipated return, but was targeted once.
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