Cincinnati Bengals: 3 big reasons they could go 0-16
By Steve Rivera
The big question surrounding the 0-5 Bengals start is what may or may not happen with Cincinnati receiver A.J. Green. The prospects of ownership actually pulling the trigger on a needed trade is up for much debate. While it’s logical Green elsewhere helps this team in the future, his impact on the field remains to be seen.
The conventional wisdom amongst fans who would hate to see him go is that Green on the field yields wins for the Bengals. That’s just not likely. Having said that, against the Cardinals, Green May have been that one playmaker missing in Week 5 that is enough to tilt the scales against a now 1-4 Cardinals team.
But what about the rest of the season?
It’s not completely illogical that “Team Green” without a deal beyond this season decides to play it safe and sit out 2019. The current landscape of the rank and file players suggest that is a real possibility. Green is already nursing an ankle injury, and with no deal in place, why risk anything else?
Conversely, if the Bengals organization decides to trade Green, the ramifications are huge. You do take significant talent off of the field that may or may not change the potential for wins in any meaningful way.
Green is a serious talent. What he isn’t is a blocking offensive lineman, a linebacker, or the offensive play-caller. Green only allows for a big offensive play. That is if Andy Dalton isn’t on the field after being sacked for another loss.