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Stripe Hype Podcast: Mailbag edition

By Travis Steffen

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 05: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals leaves the field with his teammates at halftime of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 5, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 05: Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals leaves the field with his teammates at halftime of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 5, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) /
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The Cincinnati Bengals are in mandatory minicamp right now, and with little information coming out, we take a look at the final stage of the offseason.

The Cincinnati Bengals are finishing up their three-day mandatory minicamp, and while there is little news coming out of camps this season, there is still plenty to talk about. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap has returned to the team and is participating in drills as of last Wednesday. He has spoken to the media and said that the two sides are working on an extension to his contract. Tight end Tyler Eifert has been unable to participate in mandatory minicamp due to a medical issue that came as a surprise to even head coach Marvin Lewis.

Cincinnati’s offense was a huge disappointment in 2018 and the organization has brought worked hard this offseason to help get it back on track. The signing of offensive line coach Frank Pollack should significantly bump the offensive line production going forward. However, without good players, a coach can only do so much. The Bengals traded for left tackle Cordy Glenn and used the draft pick from Buffalo to draft center Billy Price. Will they be able to stay healthy for the entire season and what should we expect? Are these two additions enough for the Bengals offensive line to make a big enough improvement?

There were not any real major signings in the offseason even though this was likely the busiest offseason since head coach Marvin Lewis took over in 2003. Most of the players that were signed through free agency are role players that are not expected to be elite or huge upgrades. With money still left, did the Bengals make enough moves to go from two consecutive losing seasons to make the playoffs in 2018? Are there still players in free agency available that could help the Bengals make that jump?

Next: Bengals must prove win-now mode

Usually, we send out posts on social media for mailbag articles to come out on Thursday’s, but it got lost in the mix this week, unfortunately. I apologize and will get back to those next week. The questions in the podcast were sent to me through mostly site social media sites. If you would like to ask any questions regarding the Bengals, you can always send us a tweet on Twitter, direct message on Twitter, or even message the Stripe Hype Facebook page. I will get back with you as quickly as possible as some of you have already taken advantage of these. We are always willing to discuss Bengals topics with you guys!