Bengals should be considered legitimate contenders in 2017

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 1: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball away from Matt Judon #91 of the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Baltimore 27-10. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 1: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball away from Matt Judon #91 of the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Baltimore 27-10. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /
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Bengals rally in 3rd quarter to beat Buccaneers 23-12
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Young And Lean

Remember when you wanted the Bengals to follow suit with the rest of the NFL? Come on…you know what’s up. The in-thing has been to get younger. There’s always going to be something left in the tank of a veteran player with skills. But, it’s time. The Bengals needed a breath of fresh air at some positions and it happened. 

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After initial cuts and players being squeezed onto practice squads or lost through waivers, the Bengals ranked high on the list of young teams. In fact, the Bengals’ No. 3 mark has them just a couple of notches under the Cleveland Browns. No, that’s not a cause for concern. As stated before, the Orange and Black has a boatload of talent. Actually, looking at last year’s version, they were ranked at No. 23. Of course, the data will get kicked around as moves are made. But, the youth movement will turn out to be a good thing for Lewis & Co. The team age dropped from 26.3 to 25.48.

Marvelous Marvin, per Cincinnati.com, has given the youth his blessings.

"“These young guys have come out here and demonstrated that they belong. We can sit back and think about it, but they have to go out and do it. And they have evidenced that to everybody.”"

Youth, speed and determination. What a wonderful combination. This bunch will have a chip on their shoulders.