Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Hawkins Emerges as Viable Threat in Blowout Loss to Ravens

By Kris Knox
Senior Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals’ quest to return to the post-season in 2012 did not get off the the quick start that the team had hoped for.

The young Bengals team, who made a surprise playoff run last season behind the play of then-rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and first-year wideout A.J. Green, found themselves out-matched, out-coached, and thoroughly out-played by the more experienced Baltimore Ravens during Monday night’s 44-13 rout.

Dropping the season-opener to the hated division rival Ravens in such convincing fashion is certainly a setback for a Cincinnati team looking to play, not just for a playoff berth, but for a shot at an AFC North title this season. Even more discouraging, the Bengals left the game with several lingering questions still unanswered.

The offensive line remains a work in progress, as Dalton was sacked a career-high four times and pressured into making several mistakes throughout the game. Cincinnati’s secondary, which was without first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick, also failed their initial test, allowing Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco to pass for 299 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

While Monday night brought few positives for Cincinnati, the Bengals may have found an answer for at least one question that remained constant throughout the offseason.

Since the end of 2011, the Bengals have been searching for a reliable No. 2 receiver to pair with Green. With Jerome Simpson gone to Minnesota and Andre Caldwell in Denver, the Bengals turned to the likes of Brandon Tate, Armon Binns and rookie third-round draft pick Mohamed Sanu to fill the role.

However, it was second-year wideout Andrew Hawkins who emerged as Cincinnati’s most consistent threat against the vaunted Ravens defense. The former CFL standout led the team with eight receptions for 86 yards and managed to test Baltimore’s secondary throughout the night.

While Hawkins may never be an ideal fit as an outside receiver–the 5’7″, 180-pound receiver is better suited for slot duties–do not be surprised if he quickly becomes Dalton’s second-favorite target behind Green.

Hawkins appeared in 13 games for the Bengals last season, hauling in 23 passes for 263 yards. Just one game into 2012, he has nearly matched one third of his 2011 production.

Dalton and Green combined to become one of the hottest young quarterback/wide receiver duos in recent memory last season. However, the league’s top passing attacks typically feature wide receiving corps that are three and four targets deep.

While Cincinnati will still likely look to develop Tate, Binns or Sanu as the team’s true No. 2 target, the Bengals now know that they have at least one viable wideout threat not named Green on the roster.

Expect Hawkins to see an expanded role next week against the Cleveland Browns, who will be without suspended star cornerback Joe Haden. Also expect Cincinnati’s opponents, especially those within the brutal AFC North, to keep an eye on Hawkins as the season continues to progress.

Follow Kris on Twitter: @Kris_Knox

Cincinnati Bengals: Andy Dalton Falters as Bengals Continue to Search for Answers on Offense