Bengals: The AFC North Will Be Under Attack
By Emile Pierce
The Cincinnati Bengals walked away with the AFC North crown, in 2015. This season, attack mode will be in effect. Get ready for the fireworks.
The Cincinnati Bengals are doing it again. They’re preparing for another division crown. Bengals faithful will be treated to some of the best football they’ve ever witnessed. It takes a certain brand of gridiron moxie, to rumble in the AFC North. But, the Men in Stripes have been tailored to perfection. Bengals brass has taken the time to create the ideal fighting machine for the task. The North will be under attack.
“The sky’s the limit for us.”
Head coach Marvin Lewis is under the gun. There’s no need for owner Mike Brown to verbally admit the situation. The Bengals were a few plays away from reaching the next level, last year. The head coach can’t be responsible for everything that happens on the field. But, there were times when the Bengals needed more discipline between the lines.
If you’re wondering what the next level is, just say the word “playoffs” three times and click your heels three times. Passion and loose cannon play cost the Bengals a victory, against the rival Steelers. Pittsburgh may have gotten away with the win, but pride has lingered with the Bengals. The desire to make another postseason run is strong.
The Bengals have what it takes to dominate the AFC North. They have a combination of Thunder and Lightning that should keep defenses guessing all year. The duo of Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard will be hard to stop. Hill has vowed to make amends for his sophomore slump. Letting the “fumble” define him is not part of the plan for 2016.
As far as the Bengals domination, Hill isn’t shy with his enthusiasm. He knows that the offense will run through him and teammate Bernard. Per NFL.com, Hill shared his season outlook.
"“We want to pick up where we left off, as far as doing the right things and playing with energy and playing fast, just taking it week by week. I like the group of men we have right now and the sky’s the limit for us.”"
If you’re concerned about Andy Dalton and the rest of the offense, let it go. Under the tutelage of Ken Zampese, he’ll be firing darts like The Red Rifle of 2015. New Andy will have the toys and play calls to drive the AFC North bonkers.
What about the defense? Glad you asked. Bengals Nation can expect to see a change in the discipline level. Jim Haslett and Jacob Burney are hard-nosed coaches, with a no-nonsense approach to the game. As Burney barks orders to the D-Line, Haslett will make sure the linebackers are focused. There’ll be no time for attitudes. January 9 will be stricken from the records.
Can the Bengals dominate the AFC North? Of course they can. They have all the weapons necessary. Get ready for an all-out attack.