3 Bold predictions for Bengals’ 2017 season
Return Of The Ginger (2-0)
Here’s the skinny that most fans don’t care to think about. Andy Dalton had a decent 2016. Comparing his numbers from last year to his breakout season in 2015, Dalton was more than decent. In fact, if it hadn’t been for key injuries to all his targets, he may have been able to salvage a few more wins.
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Think about it. Eifert, Bernard and Jeremy Hill were all out of action. Oh, wait. A.J. Green was M.I.A also. That’s four big names that Dalton didn’t have access to. In fact, let’s just say it. If the running game was on point, the O-Line was better and everyone was healthy, Dalton’s final numbers would have been off the charts.
Yeah, I’m going there. Dalton’s primetime game will also improve. He’ll have to get focused early. The Bengals have two battles under the stars and the first is in Week 2. The same team that has been a thorn in Dalton’s side will be looking to embarrass the Bengals four days after the opener. Andy will be looking down the barrel of a loaded shotgun held by the Texans.
But, this is the year things start to go right. Dalton steps his game up and wins the Houston contest. Then he goes for seconds with a win against the Steelers at PBS.