Packers vs. Bengals 2013: Cincinnati edges out Green Bay after late fumble return for TD

Very few things in the world confound expectations quite like the start of an NFL season. Early-season darlings, surprise swoons, breakout stars and fantasy busts all call into question why any sane person tries to make predictions about any of this.

Let’s take a look at some of Green Bay’s trouble spots and assess just how worried Packer fans should be.

Josh Kirkendall of Cincy Jungle is glad to have won the game, that was full of action and intense lead changes:

Evan Western of Acme Packing Company believes the Packers have discovered some more running back depth in the loss:

After the game, Franklin accepted the blame for the loss and says he has to improve his ball security. From the Packers’ official website:

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Rodgers finished the game with 244 yards passing on 43 attempts, as well as throwing two interceptions. It was the lowest quarterback rating he posted since December of 2010. The feeling was similar throughout the team, one where players and coaches understood they let this one slip through their fingers.

Head coach Mike McCarthy didn’t mince his words about how demoralizing the game was.

Despite the fumble, Johnathan Franklin will be on the waiver wire radar this week. He rushed for 103 yards on 13 carries and got the touchdown.

The Packers entered the game as 2.5-point favorites but lost by four.

In the midst of a tussle, Vontaze Burfict sneaked in a little downtown tap on Ryan Taylor. Taylor retaliated like anyone would and it was HE who got the penalty:

Life’s not fair.

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Finley initally hopped up quickly after the hit and began jogging off the field. He didn’t make it far before he started feeling it, stumbling to a knee and rolling onto his side.

No official word has been released yet, but it certainly appears as though Finley may have suffered a concussion on the hit. His availability for the remainder of the game is unknown, and he’ll have to pass concussion tests before returning.

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The Packers offense could be enough to help make up for a thin secondary on the defense, averaging an NFL-leading 482.5 yards per game overall. The defense has struggled, however, getting torched by San Francisco is Week 1 and allowing more than 400 yards of offense against Washington in Week 2.

The full inactives for each team:

The Packers and the Bengals are both coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and are 1-1 after season-opening losses. One team will get over .500 for the first time this season while the loser of Sunday’s game will be forced to dig out of a 1-2 hole.

Rookie Giovani Bernard scored twice last week and could begin to see an increased role. Josh Kirkendall of Cincy Jungle detailed how that may be a good thing for the Bengals:

With competitive matchups on both sides, Sunday’s game in Cincinnati should be an interesting battle.

Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET

Out

CB Brandon Ghee (concussion)

Lacy, a rookie out of Alabama, was making his second career start and suffered the concussion on his first carry of the Washington game. He ran the ball 14 times for 41 yards in Green Bay’s season-opener and has carried the ball 15 times for 51 yards on the season so far.

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