Bengals’ A.J. Green sets the expectation early
By Tino Bovenzi
Bengals’ star receiver A.J. Green has been lighting up defenses for seven strong years, and now his desire to win a championship is stronger than ever.
A.J. Green is one of the most dominant forces in the NFL. His combination of size, speed and unbelievable hands make him a one-of-a-kind talent the Bengals are lucky to have.
Entering his eighth season, the product from the University of Georgia is stressing his one goal — win a Super Bowl for the Queen City.
"“One Super Bowl, that’s all I need,” Green said, per Bengals.com. “That’s the only number that matters. That’s all I need. One is good.”"
Green stressing the importance to win now is very important to this young Bengals locker room that will be playing for the coaching future of Marvin Lewis. Setting the expectation is extremely important now as the team rounds out voluntary workouts.
Bengals Rookies Will Open the Field for Green
There’s no doubt this Bengals team is making the right moves to achieve this goal. Drafting lightning-quick receiver John Ross in the first round of this year’s draft is going to open things up so much for Green in 2017.
Having to face double teams week-in and week-out has made Green’s life tougher on Sundays. Which is why adding Ross into the mix is going to pay dividends starting Week 1. Plus, the addition of Joe Mixon is going to provide incomparable depth in the backfield to help keep defenses honest.
He voiced his opinion on the Bengals rookies and how they’ll help to push the Cincinnati offense this season.
"“They can all make plays all over the field,” Green said to Bengals.com. “I feel like we’re getting back to where we were in 2015 with Marvin, Mo. I feel like once TB gets settled in, he’ll be able to play faster because now he knows what to do and the way CC is coming along, and after adding Ross and adding (rookie running back Joe) Mixon, I feel like we’re getting back to that 2015 roster.”"
This is the best news Bengals fans have heard in a long time. Green performing at the level he did in 2015 will no doubt help push the Bengals back to the postseason. Remember, that season he hauled in 86 passes for 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns? Talk about dominant.
Green can easily surpass those marks this season. Just as long as the Bengals young core can stay healthy.
I know it’s still the offseason, but the big takeaway here is A.J.’s leadership shining through this early in the process.
Green’s motivation and drive gives me hope the Bengals will be back in the playoffs in 2017.