Bengals Q&A: Ask Stripe Hype

Dec 22, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A general view of a Cincinnati Bengals helmet on the sidelines at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 37-28. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

I took to Twitter and Facebook asking you all to give me questions I could answer about the Bengals or at least give you my opinion on. Josh and Andre answered our request with great questions and we want to thank them for asking.

Josh: With Jeremy Hill’s performance last season it will be tough to take him off the field, so with that in mind how much is Gio going to get the ball? How will he fit into this offense and how will he be used?

Matt: Jeremy Hill had an incredible rookie year, and you are right in thinking that it will be hard to get Hill off the field, but you have to remember, a running back cannot take close to every snap. Le’Veon Bell for the Steelers was a great example of that very late in the season last year. Giovani Bernard will most likely see a significant decrease in the amount of touches he takes, but he still plays a vital role in early touches and even when icing games.

Remember, Hill had five fumbles, including two lost. It is important for the late game back to have some explosiveness, but, more importantly, have the hands to match. With no fumbles in 2014, Giovani Bernard gives you some security.

As for being used, Giovani Bernard will fit well in short yardage situations as a play action option and goal line situations.

Matt: Andre, I would love to tell you it is just one position, but it is more than that. First, I think the Bengals will greatly benefit from Marvin Jones return from injury, but A.J. Green needs to not give up on plays and just stop.

Next, Russell Bodine will need to perform better at center. He has the capability, but rookie jitters almost seemed too much last season.

They also need to look at the corners to perform better and shut down the passing game, but they are starting to get too old and Dre Kirkpatrick‘s time is almost over as he is entering his final year of his contract (the Bengals can exercise his fifth year option). Adam Jones is 31 and Leon Hall is 30, and they are facing younger divisional receivers like Antonio Brown, Dri Archer, Brian Hartline, and former Bengal Andrew Hawkins. They can’t afford to lose a step.

Finally, they immediately improved the pass rush by signing Michael Johnson and gaining leadership with A.J. Hawk. Yet a younger piece from the draft could help solidify the pass rush and even the run defense. It also helped when they released Robert Geathers.

Thanks for some great questions from Andre and Josh. If you have questions, please visit our Twitter or Facebook page and message us.

Next: Bengals Position Battle: Burkhead vs. Peerman

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