Should the Cincinnati Bengals follow the 49ers Rebuild Blueprint?

With the announcement of Andy Dalton’s benching, the Cincinnati Bengals seem to have finally hit the reset button. Here we look at the 49ers recent rebuild and discuss whether that path is the way to go. 

Right now the Cincinnati Bengals and the San Francisco 49ers sit on complete opposite ends of the spectrum. The Bengals are 0-8 and firmly locked in the AFC North cellar. The 49ers boast an 8-0 record and look like strong favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. However, it wasn’t long ago that the 49ers were in the same position the Bengals are currently.

In fact, they limped to an 0-8 start during the 2017 season, much like the Bengals this year. It certainly wasn’t the start they wanted-especially under their supposed new offensive guru, Kyle Shanahan. Does this sound similar to the situation in Cincinnati?

There is a lot of doubt surrounding the Bengals franchise and Zac Taylor right now, and rightfully so. Still, the 49ers’ recent success shows that all hope isn’t lost.

There are four key components involved in any rebuild: the head coach, the all-important quarterback position, draft strategy, and free-agency. Here we examine each and look at routes the Bengals can take, should they decide to follow this rebuild blueprint. One thing is evident, the Bengals will have to step outside their comfort zone if they choose to follow this path.