The roster has been set and it’s time to get real. When the Cincinnati Bengals meet the Baltimore Ravens on September 10, the truth will be known.
It’s that time of year. All the preseason games have been played and, hopefully, any injuries will be short-lived. Rookies have either found new teams or have been sent packing to find employment in their hometowns. With a little luck, some will be back after getting an emergency call. However, the Bengals shouldn’t have to be worried about the cuts made. Even though only four of the seven draft picks made the cut, there is enough talent on this current Bengals roster to pack a serious punch.
It would be so easy to look at the past two seasons and declare 2017 a lost cause. The nightmare that ended up as last year’s campaign, has left a stain on the minds of most Bengals fans. Finishing 6-9-1 was a punch in the gut, after coming so close the prior year. Yes, we all remember that fateful and haunting day. The pain and heartache are still fresh and the gaping wounds seem like they’ll never heal. But, as always, the time has come to put the past behind and concentrate on just what could (and should) transpire in 2017.
Simply put, this team has the potential to do some heavy damage in the AFC North. Of course, I’m a homer and tend to look at the Bengals through rose-colored shades. But, Cincinnati’s future is so bright, fans will need a pair of eclipse glasses to prevent retinal damage.
Finally, it’s time to stop sulking and get ready for a new year. Preconceived doubts are always a part of the deal, when rolling with the Bengals. But, there always comes a time when pure talent takes the wheel and drives the point home. This team has the talent.
The Marvelous One
Yes, it’s true. There are times when Marvin Lewis will have you alternately calling for his head and rooting for his success. Again, the man has done wonders for the Bengals organization. He has turned a perennial basement dweller into a respectable franchise. When fans complain about the 6-9-1 record of the last campaign, it’s natural. Fans are inclined to want a winner. But, some of those same fans probably haven’t lived through the Lost Decade of the 1990s. One losing season in the past six years is a feat. Toss in the playoffs and it’s actually a really good deal.
Here’s the big problem. Cincinnati and fans abroad have grown tired of the same M.O. It’s time for Mr, Lewis to get things in gear and take this team to the next level. This version of the Bengals–to be quite honest–is stacked. In other words, there’s no room for excuses this year.
Lewis will be at the helm with no contract. Unless there’s a late-night session between now and the season opener, Marvin is in dire straits. What does that mean, kiddies? Quite simply, this has to be the best year of Lewis’ tenure. I’m sure owner Mike Brown isn’t looking for an immediate trip to Super Bowl LI. But, the talent is there and Lewis needs to tap into what will make the Bengals a lean and hungry menace to the AFC North.
Additionally, the man will be coaching for his football life. If the year ends on a seriously high note, there could be a chance Lewis gets bumped upstairs. The Bengals should hold on to his knack for finding players. He and Duke Tobin make a knockout team.
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.
Defensive Resurgence
Looking for the main reason the 2017 Bengals will be contenders? Look no further than the defense. Well, that’s getting a bit cocky. But, the X’s will be primed and ready to stop opponents. During training camp, there have been players turning heads. Not only are the vets looking good, the youngsters are ready to make a name for themselves in Cincinnati.
The key to any playoff run lies with the defense. The Bengals have done a good job of making this unit look like a nightmare waiting to happen.
During Week 3 of the preseason, the Washington Redskins had a close encounter with the new-look D. Carl Lawson, Chris Smith and Jordan Willis made themselves at home in the Hogs’ backfield. Each of them finished the game with a sack. Sure, it was preseason. But, Week 3 is generally considered the dress rehearsal game. Quite frankly, the defense was beastly.
The injection of youth could be seen in the push up the field. Lawson was able to have his way with Trent Richardson. Oh, did I mention Vontaze Burfict? Meh. He didn’t do much. Sike. He was freakin’ awesome, during the brief time he was on the field.
Fans are probably going to be worried about the three-game suspension Burfict has to serve at the outset of the year. But, there’s the bright and skillful Nick Vigil to look at. Want another rising superstar to watch? Jordan Evans made the Colts finale his personal highlight video.
This looks like a throwback to some of the early Bengals defensive units that featured names like Reggie Williams, Al Beauchamp and Bill Bergey. Get ready. They’ll deliver the excitement.
The Offensive Mix
Most of the anxiety about this team is about the offensive line. But, there hasn’t been much pressure on the Bengals’ quarterbacks. To be precise, the O-line–that everyone is worried about–surrendered five sacks over the four tune-up games. Yes, that’s right. According to CBS Sports, the line was ranked No. 2 in QB protection. Cedric Ogbuehi and Co. seem to have found some continuity. Andy Dalton may have the time to find those weapons after all.
Joe Mixon. That’s it. There’s no need to say anything else. Moreover, it would be beyond rude to harp on nothing but Joe. Yes, he’s an electric talent. Most of the preseason hype has been about the rookie class. But, some of the most sparkling developments have come from the second-year players. Cody Core looks faster. Scratch that. He is faster.
Sans the ankle injury, Jeremy Hill has been running with authority and purpose. The running game will be a welcome addition to the offensive mix. Coordinator Ken Zampese has been looking for the right pop to compliment the passing game. This looks like the year it could happen. A.J. Green is healthy and looking like he could make a run at the 1,800-yard pace he had last season before getting injured.
To Sum It Up
This will be an exciting time to be a Bengals fan. The team is younger, faster and there are high expectations afloat.
"“Our approach has changed this entire camp. We’ve had more physical work. We’ve had more competitive things since we started back in April, because we knew we were going to be in this situation — or at least I knew we were going to be in this situation, and nobody else did (laughs). But this was what I envisioned, and I feel good about that. We wanted to put these guys in those situations all the time so that they would be ready to go. Now we’ve got to go prove it.”"
It all gets real September 10. But, you already knew that.