Brandon LaFell talks Bengals offense attacking
The Cincinnati Bengals offense was the worst in the league in 2017 when it came to yards per game. Brandon LaFell talks what will be different in 2018.
The Cincinnati Bengals struggled in 2017 to get anything going on offense. Ranking last in the league in yards per game, nothing went right for the Bengals. Playcalling was conservative; the offensive line played poorly, run game never stood a chance, quarterback Andy Dalton was inconsistent, and just about anything else you could think of. Cincinnati expects an entirely different offense in 2018.
Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor took over in week three at his new position but was working with the playbook left by Ken Zampese. This offseason Lazor has had the opportunity to put his stamp on the playbook, and it looks to be all about attacking. His background is working with coaches like Chip Kelly; it sounds like they seek to bring more fast-paced attacking plays to this offense. Even wide receiver Brandon LaFell talked about what he has seen so far in camp.
“It’s more attack. Stretching it down the field,” LaFell said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “Not these 10, 12-play drives. We’re trying to attack (quickly) and get in the end zone and get on the sideline.”
With players like tight end Tyler Eifert and wide receiver John Ross coming into the season healthy, this offense has the playmakers to take the attention off of star wide receiver A.J. Green. Both players add a deep field threat to the offense, and that’s precisely what Lazor wants to do this season according to LaFell. Other than playmakers being injured last season, the offensive line was another reason for the lack of deep plays in 2017.
Cincinnati has addressed the offensive line with a new coach in Frank Pollack. Also adding in players like left tackle Cordy Glenn and first-round draft pick Billy Price will help bolster the offensive line this season. Not only will it help the deep attack for the offense, but it will help the run game get going as well. Cincinnati faced their worst rushing season in franchise history last year and look to hit the ground running in 2018.
Next: Where will Bengals run game rank in 2018?
With the implement of more run-pass options in the offense, it will come down to Andy Dalton. If he can make the right reads, this offense has the ability to take the tops off defenses. If not, well it could be another miserable year for Bengals fans. Dalton has the playmakers around him and will have the opportunity to show what he can do in 2018.