Only the most hardcore Bengals fans would make it through another 4-12 season without completely jumping ship. I’m going to touch on a few things on both sides of the ball that gives even the most pessimistic fans a reason for hope. This will be a two part story so we will start with the side of the ball with the most questions.
Offense:
Jermaine Gresham is a complete beast out there and despite coming off a knee injury from college he proved very durable. Gresham fits much better in Gruden’s system than that of Bratkowski because of the quick passing game. He will finally give us someone that will give Polamalu and Reed fits and drag them out of the middle of the field. Had a few fumbles but they were all effort plays trying to make something happen for a struggling team.
Andre Caldwell is flying under the radar after some fumbles and getting lost behind T-Ocho and Shipley. I think that was the best thing that could happen for him so he could sit and learn from two of the better WR’s in the league. Seemed to find a cure for his fumblitis at the end of last year. He had a special teams fumble against the Jets. Again he too is a better fit in the West Coast Offense. He has blazing speed that will show in the quick slants and screens this year. Probably in a tough spot again if we go WR in the first round but will still be a great situational guy.
Jordan Shipley will see his numbers improve this year and will display the toughness and smarts that made Cincinnati fall in love with him. I hope he learns to not take so many big shots but he’s been getting smashed for years and has proved pretty durable. Will make whoever is throwing the ball this year have a smoother transition.
Bernard Scott’s touches will finally go up this year and as long as he stays healthy he could have a break out year. Even if Benson is back his carries will increase because most backs decline after a few years of a lot of pounding. Insert Scott who has always peeked our interest. That 4.6 yards per carry would be very nice with an increased load over the season. Give him on average 10 carries a game and 5 receptions and he will give our new offense an edge.
Jerome Simpson seems very motivated this offseason. I believe the little taste he got at the end of last year has motivated him even more. With absolutely nothing but pride on the line it was very refreshing to see him and Caldwell giving everything they had even when run blocking. We need that so bad on this team and especially at WR. Can fill the void for a deep threat and also will be successful taking short passes for big gains. Mr. Simpson……Please hold onto the ball and don’t form a bad habit.
Andre Smith………will sit on the bench roasting marshmallows on the sideline heaters in December. His foot propped up on all the money he took from Mike Brown. I really hope he proves me wrong because we could really use him healthy.
Finally while it seems doom and gloom for the offense this year I actually think we will do pretty good. No I’m not saying top 10 but I say 15-20 with a solid D. We don’t face that many great scoring defenses this year other than Pitt and the Ravens so this is perfect year to have a new system mesh. If it were last years schedule I would say we were dead in the water, but I’m sure Gruden was all smiles when the schedule came out.
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