What Happened to the Cincinnati Bengals?
In 2011, the Cincinnati Bengals were coming off a terrible 4-12 season. That was the start of a new era. But, now, it seems they’re going in reverse.
Back in 2011, the Cincinnati Bengals were coming off a terrible 4-12 season. Carson Palmer was shipped to Oakland, Chad Johnson was shipped to New England and the Bengals replaced them by drafting Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. The duo was an instant success. But, as of late, the Bengals as a whole have just been flat-out terrible.
Cincinnati was once an up-and-coming team. A perennial playoff contender, a top 10 defense and an explosive offense. But since The Meltdown at Paul Brown, the Bengals have been a shell of their former selves.
Dalton doesn’t look like that guy we thought took the next step in 2015. The Bengals look lost and Marvin Lewis is destined to go down with his philosophy that rookies need to sit and watch.
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Now, I’m not a coach in the NFL, but it doesn’t take a genius to see that Joe Mixon is better than Jeremy Hill. Giovanni Bernard is explosive and you win by getting your playmakers the ball. That means throw the ball to A.J. Green and get the ball to Mixon and Bernard by any means necessary.
Watching Cincinnati’s offense feels like everyone is just going through the motions. Coaches, fans and players. The only excitement during the games is when the defense is on the field and Bengals fans are patiently awaiting Vontaze Burfict to do something ridiculous which will result in a fine or a suspension.
This is what Cincinnati has come to. What happened?
Now don’t get me wrong, the season is not over by any means. Thanks to Carlos Dunlap, the Bengals are only a couple of games out of first place. But, based on the competition that is still left on the schedule, at best Cincy is looking at an 8-8 season. Going 9-7 is pushing it.
Next: Win over Indianapolis left much to be desired
The die-hard fan inside of me is praying for a turnaround. But, regardless, major changes are coming in the Queen City. Hopefully, they start with the coaching staff.