The 2016 campaign left Bengals fans in disbelief. After finishing below .500, the quest is a simple one. Return to the postseason immediately.
The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t made their first pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. But, the blueprint is already well established in most fans minds. After a disappointing (if not embarrassing) 2016 campaign, the ‘plan’ is simple. There has to be a change across the board. So far, the free agency period has proven to be a serious sign that the Bengals are looking to go younger with the roster. Stud guard Kevin Zeitler and long-time veteran Andrew Whitworth are getting cozy with their new teams. Once again, Cincinnati decided not to play the money game.
Bengals’ brass has effectively immortalized Big Whit and Zeitler with Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones. It’s like a straight man and funny guy duo. One name can’t be said without the other. Throw in Domata Peko and Reggie Nelson and suddenly the Bengals are starting to look mighty different. Considering the 6-9-1 record that kept them out of the playoffs, it may be time for the Bengals to make some changes. But, for the sake of keeping the fan base happy, the results have to be seen sooner than later.
The Bengals have made a habit of making the playoffs since the inception of the Dalton-Green era. From 2011 through 2015, seeing Cincy in the postseason was a given. But, injuries and the departure of coaches made the brew a hard beverage to drink. If the Bengals are going to get back to the Big Dance, there are a few things that need to be addressed. Outside of the offensive line chaos, here’s a look at the rundown.
The Bounceback
Looking at the production from the Bengals’ offense, it’s mind-boggling to see where they ranked. At the end of the season, Cincinnati finished just outside the top 10 at No. 13. What makes that stat so weird is their rank the previous year. After tying the club record for wins (12-4), the Bengals landed two spots lower. But, they were able to slide into the playoffs.
Part of the problem is easy to figure out. Andy Dalton didn’t have his big tight end as a target. Tyler Eifert was missing in action with various injuries. After undergoing ankle surgery from a Pro Bowl mishap, Eifert appeared in only eight games.
The Bengals went 4-4 in those battles. Without the big end, Cincinnati went 2-5-1. Before you toss your laptop in disgust, it wasn’t all on Eifert. The overall offensive scheme seemed to lack continuity. Hopefully, that will change, after getting used to Ken Zampese’s style of play calling. Dalton has gotten used to having Eifert in certain situations. Yes, he’s a crutch. That’s something Dalton will have to work on. All QB’s have one. Tom Brady has Gronk and Ben Roethlisberger has Antonio Brown. It’s all in the way they get used.
Speaking of Jeremy Hill, he has to get better. Man, that was an abrupt topic change. But, Hill’s dropoff was abrupt as well. If the Bengals want to sniff the Promised Land in 2017, the running game has to heal up fast. With the O-Line undergoing massive changes, Hill has to get it in gear. The jury is still out on Giovani Bernard. ACL injuries are unpredictable.
DEE-Fence Makes A Return
Simply put, the Bengals have to stop the run. Last year, the defense ranked in the bottom third of the league. If Cincinnati is going to make a valiant effort at making a playoff run, the front seven will play a huge part. With Peko clogging the line in Denver, Andrew Billings will have his time to shine. The Margus Hunt experiment is officially over. Look for the speedy and hungry Will Clarke to get more snaps.
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The draft will certainly play a big part in what happens on the line. If Billings hadn’t been hurt, there was a chance he would have seen limited playing time. But, any time would have been a plus for the Bengals. Unless a player like Derek Barnett makes his way to the shores of Cincinnati, Marvin Lewis’ isn’t going to change his policy on rookies.
It’s time for Paul Guenther to show what he can do with this defense. They flirted with a top 10 finish in 2015, with a strong effort against the run. But, if they want to do damage in the AFC North, the defense has to stop teams when they have to.
The addition of Kevin Minter will definitely help. Linebacker play should be intense and coverage from the second level should improve dramatically.
No Fear
It’s time to stop the insanity under the bright lights. Last year, the Bengals had four primetime games scheduled. The Week 15 duel with the Steelers was flexed. The result was a 1-2 offering that had only one game of merit. The Thursday night drubbing of Miami was a defensive and offensive collaboration that teased fans with what this team is capable of doing.
Unfortunately, the Bengals’ 6-9-1 finish could put a halt to heavy primetime scheduling. A lack of night games could give the franchise a shot at finishing above .500. But, that shouldn’t be the feeling. Playoff games have a primetime feel no matter what time of day they’re scheduled.
It’s time to start playing like champions.
The road warrior mentality has to make a comeback also. During the 2015 campaign, the Bengals were 6-2 away from the confines of PBS. Last season, the numbers were a complete flip. Unless the Bengals go undefeated at home, a losing record on the road is not an option. Ideally, splitting the road games and winning six at home will get a Wild Card berth. But, this is a new year. A new year means new mentality. It’s all about that bye week. In order to get it, there has to be a mindset to achieve nothing less.
Next: Is The Postseason Happening?
Making the playoffs will be a huge hurdle this year. The draft will give coaches and fans a better idea of what to expect. The moves being made denote there will be an infusion of youth. Hopefully, the Bengals will capitalize on the fresh faces and hunger for a playoff win.