5 Bold Predictions for the Bengals in 2014

The Bengals will also be looking for a big year from rookie running back Jeremy Hill after choosing to part ways with veteran runner BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremy Hill Runs for 1,000 Yards

The Bengals believe they’ve found their “thunder” in the ground game in rookie running back Jeremy Hill.  Hill was drafted by the Bengals in the second-round of this year’s draft and at the time it was thought that he may supplant BenJarvus Green-Ellis as the team’s second runner alongside Giovani Bernard.  After parting ways with Green-Ellis prior to final cuts about a week ago, the team has clearly stated its belief in Hill and will be seeking a big year from the rookie.

Bengals.com editor Geoff Hobson believes Hill will get 200 carries on the year, but Hill could get more based on the type of offense the Bengals will run in the coming year.  The Bengals know Bernard is not made to get the tough yards and will want to get him many receptions in space allowing him to use his shiftiness to gain yards.  Hill is the most complete runner on the roster and is capable of moving the chains in tough situations.

This will keep opposing defenses honest while allowing the Bengals defense extra rest between possessions.

Hill will benefit from the presence of Hue Jackson who is looking to take some of the load off of Andy Dalton’s arm.  Jackson has proven his ability to coach a highly potent running offense (see Jackson’ 2010 and 2011 seasons in Oakland) and, with Hill in his backfield, Jackson has to be drooling over the potential.

Within a Jackson scheme and behind a very capable Bengals’ line, Hill could easily average 4.0 yards/carry and could even push this average even higher.  If Hill is able to push his average to 4.5 yards/carry, he’d only need about 223 carries to gain 1,000 yards.  Although it would be an incredibly successful rookie season, Hill is capable of such a success with Hue Jackson calling the shots.