Preseason Preview: Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals Season Preview: Kings of the North?
Cincinnati Bengals Team Review
The Bengals had a strong finish last year after starting off slow and nearly making it to the Super Bowl yet again. We should expect that they are one of the top contenders this year once again. Despite starting the season 4-4, they went on an 8 game winning streak to secure their playoff contention. In this in depth team review, we will look at their offense, defense, and finally their schedule, in order to create an outlook on how the Bengals might perform in comparison to last year, so let’s get into it.
Offense:
The Bengals offseason hasn’t had much drama, but one major incident has put the Bengals’ season in jeopardy: Joe Burrow’s injury. We don’t expect it to be significant as he is already back at practice, but Burrow’s calf injury did sideline him for weeks, and I wouldn’t blame the Bengals for resting their star until he is 100%. Even if he plays, he might have reduced mobility to start the season. It doesn’t help that he hasn’t practiced in a month in terms of being part of new play designs and just shaking off the offseason rust. Let’s not make this entire segment about Burrow though. He should recover and is one of the best Quarterbacks in the NFL. At Running back, they lost Samaje Perine, and Mixon took a pay cut for the team, so that they could sign Orlando Brown. Seeing the Bengals offseason moves raises questions about the sustainability of their offense, as big names have been getting cut. The Bengals have some of the most cap space, but need to save up for their receivers’ pay days. Speaking of receiver, they have arguably the best group in the NFL with Chase, who might be the best wide receiver in the NFL this year, Higgins, a deep threat who draws a lot of targets, and Boyd who is a solid #3. With Mixon in this offense as well, they have one of the most potent groups in the NFL. The only hole throughout the years has been the offensive line, but they signed veteran star Orlando Brown to block his blindside. Their only hole now is center, which is why they are one of the most dominant and well rounded offenses there is.
Defense:
The Bengals defense was 5th in allowed points last season, meaning that they allowed the 5th least amount of points to any team. Their rushing defense was stout, letting up only about 4 yards per carry and only 12 rushing touchdowns. Their passing defense was not too shabby either, only letting up 4 more passing touchdowns than interceptions. They struggled to get sacks, however, as they were 4th to last in total sacks. Their defensive line consisting of Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, Joseph Ossai, and Dj Reader will need to step it up next year in that regard. Hendrickson has been the most consistent of the pack in that area, accounting for 8 of their 30. The Bengals moved a lot of their defensive talent this year and are going to rely on their young talent. This could show some growing pains and defensive struggles throughout the year. They lost some of their best players overall and their best secondary players in Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell. Instead, Daxton Hill and rookie Jordan Battle will have to take the mantle. They also signed Nick Scott to carry the load. At cornerback, they still have Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton. They added Sidney Jones and rookie DJ Turner. Again, it will take time to see how these young stars develop, but I would expect a defensive regression this year.
Schedule:
Unfortunately, I believe that the AFC North will be one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions this year as the Ravens have a healthy Lamar and a revitalized offense, and Deshaun Watson has shaken off the rust for the Browns, who have an incredibly talented offense to watch out for. Finally, somehow the Steelers always find ways to win, whether Mike Tomlin is just that good or what not, they still get it done. However, the Bengals are no doubt the favorites to start the year, but their improved division will cut into their expectations. Last season, they split their division, and I think that may be the case again this year. They almost lost twice to the Steelers, who always give them a challenge, but this year their worries with getting swept should be with a healthy Lamar and Ravens team. It is possible that the Ravens sweep them, but I doubt it, which is why this puts them at a 3-3 record. Let’s get their easy wins out of the way. The Bengals have a fairly easy early stretch with the Rams, who could upset them, the Titans, and the Cardinals. The Cardinals is a no-brainer win, and the Titans less so, but early on won’t be enough to beat the Bengals. The Seahawks are up next, and are likely going to regress this season. Thus, this should be another win for the Bengals. They also play the Colts and Texans for a few more wins. Out of this group, I will posit an upset loss against the Rams, bringing them to 8-4. Finally, I have one more upset being the Jaguars to bring them to 8-5. Now we get into the brunt of their schedule with the Chiefs, Vikings, 49ers, and Bills. The likelihood of them winning the majority of these games is low, but I think that they will definitely lose to the Chiefs and 49ers. The Chiefs rivalry has only heated up, but Burrowhead is no more, and the Chiefs have improved while the Bengals may have regressed. Barring injury, I feel like the Chiefs have this one unless they bench their starters, which likely won’t happen with this rivalry. Their schedule was easier last year, but I will give them the benefit of the doubt with wins against the Bills and Vikings. This brings their final record to 10-7. This should be enough to make the playoffs, but they might need to step it up this year by sweeping a division rival to secure their place at the top.
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