Ohio’s NFL teams had bad first half of the season

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The Bengals and Browns have reached the halfway point of the NFL season, and are a combined 3-12-1 overall.

Ouch.

A lot of pundits expected the Bengals to make a run at another AFC North title, but Cincy has stumbled to a 3-4-1 record against a tough schedule of opponents. At this point last year, the Bengals were 8-0.

Sunday’s 27-27 tie with the Redskins in London was an example of Cincinnati’s problems.

The defense was again awful, allowing Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins to pass for over 400 yards.

Cincinnati’s defense was outstanding the last few seasons, and the only significant loss from last year was safety Reggie Nelson.

Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was looked at as possible head-coaching material last year … I doubt anyone will be making any offers after this season.

The offense has been inefficient in the red zone and on third down, but getting tight end Tyler Eifert back from injury made a big difference on Sunday as he had 102 yards in receptions.

The second half of the schedule is much easier for the Bengals, but the way they are going right now, a 4-4 finish might be too much to ask for.

In Cleveland, things have been disastrous in a winless first half.

The team has gone through more quarterbacks in half a season than some franchises use in a decade.

I thought first-year Coach Hue Jackson would be able to turn things around, but I have to question his judgment on several things, especially bringing in disgraced former Baylor Coach Art Briles to work with the offense last month.

Cleveland probably won’t finish winless … the Browns likely have their home rematch with the Bengals circled on their calendar.

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Trivia Time – Urban Meyer’s worst single season as a head coach was in 2010 when Florida went 8-5.

This week’s question – What was the last year the Cincinnati Bengals had a losing season?

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By Steve Stout

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Reach Steve Stout at 652-1331 (ext. 1776) or on Twitter @udcstout

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