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Stripe Hype podcast: Offense Expectations

By Travis Steffen

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 29: Marvin Lewis the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals watches the action in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 29: Marvin Lewis the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals watches the action in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Cincinnati Bengals have received a lack of good feedback when it comes to projecting their 2018 season success. Are analysts right to worry?

The Cincinnati Bengals have had their biggest turnaround in players and coaching personnel this offseason since the Marvin Lewis era began. While there is plenty to be excited about with all of the changes, there are just as many causes for concern. My biggest question about the Bengals is whether the offense will be able to carry some of the load instead of the defense completely carrying the team again.

Cincinnati has worked hard to help the offense this offseason and most of it is along the offensive line. The addition of offensive line coach Frank Pollack should bring better line production and development over the next couple of seasons. Trading for left tackle Cordy Glenn and drafting first-round pick Billy Price should add some much-needed talent as well. If they can live up to the hype they’ve received this offseason we are looking at a completely different offense.

Speaking of new offenses, offensive coordinator Bill Lazor has spent the offseason tinkering the playbook and placing his stamp on it. Players have talked to the media throughout offseason workouts saying that it is more aggressive and attacking downfield. Cincinnati has the playmakers to be an aggressive downfield threat if their players like wide receiver John Ross and tight end Tyler Eifert can stay healthy to complement A.J. Green.

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Of course, there are reasons that analysts are holding back on the Bengals as well. Given injury histories of Eifert, Glenn, and Ross, there is a reason to wonder what they will be able to do in 2018. There’s also the fact that Price won’t practice until training camp against an opposing lineman. Rookie linemen in recent years have needed more development coming into the pros and without more time on the field, its a question mark on what Price can accomplish in his rookie season.