The Cincinnati Bengals have been in rebuild mode for the last several years, but with some key additions, there is a chance the team could sneak into the playoffs as a longshot in 2021.
The Bengals finished last in the entire NFL in 2019 and were in the basement of the AFC North in 2020. That typically is not the record of a team that would look to push for a playoff spot the following season. However, with the improved play last season (especially by the offense) and the addition of some new faces, there is optimism once again in the Queen City.
In order to even consider making the playoffs, there is a lot that has to go right for the Bengals. What is different this year is that it is not impossible that the team can make the jump from basement dweller to playoff contender. Cincinnati will need some help across the board, but they have the pieces in place to make some noise.
There are three things that will absolutely have to be true for the Bengals if they do not want to end up drafting in the top five again next season, but success in these areas will equate to winning a fair number of football games.
How Cincinnati Bengals can make playoffs – Offensive line must improve
It is no secret that the Bengals have had poor play from whoever they put in their offensive line and that came to a head last year when Joe Burrow was injured late in the season. Whether it’s suffering from inconsistency, injuries, and just poor overall play, the Bengals unit has been one of the worst in the NFL over the last several years.
In 2020, Pro Football Focus determined that Cincinnati had the 30th best offensive line in the NFL. That is not a formula that will allow the team to compete.
Right now, the offense is set to be the strength of the Bengals. With Burrow able to choose from three great wide receivers and a top running back, this unit could compete with any in the NFL if they are given enough time to operate.
The pieces are there but for Burrow and company to succeed, the offensive line will have to be better than they were the last few seasons. The additions of Riley Reiff via free agency and Jackson Carman through the draft provide an upgrade, but not as large as many fans were hoping they would do this offseason.
The offensive line will have to play above expectations for Cincinnati to compete in a crowded AFC North.
How Cincinnati Bengals can make playoffs – Defense needs to elevate level of play
The Bengals made a lot of changes to the defense in the offseason, but it is hard to tell if they got better, worse, or stayed at the same level. The addition of defensive end Trey Hendrickson headlined the arrivals along with cornerbacks, Mike Hilton and Eli Apple. However, these had to be brought in because of the departure of William Jackson and Carl Lawson.
The middle of the draft saw the additions of defensive end Joseph Ossai, edge rusher Cam Sample, defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin, and late-round pick-up defensive end Wyatt Hubert. This group will have to get acclimated quickly in order to jump in as rotational pieces.
In order for the Bengals to succeed, they don’t need the defense to be the best in the NFL. With an offense that is built to carry the team, all the Cincinnati defense needs to do is play at a league-average level.
Currently, the expectations are for the Bengals to be in the bottom quarter of the league which would put even more pressure on Joe Burrow.
If Cincinnati wants any chance of getting to the playoffs in 2021, their new-look defense will need to step up and play as a league-average unit.
How Cincinnati Bengals can make playoffs – Split each series with division opponents
The Cincinnati Bengals play in a very competitive division with the other three teams having playoff aspirations and expectations in 2021. For Cincinnati to have a chance, they need to not put themselves into a hole that cannot be climbed out of. That means keeping even with each division rival throughout the year.
If the Bengals were to fall to 0-2 against any of their division rivals, then they would need to go 2-0 against one of the other teams. Since splitting each series is already a daunting task, trying to sweep Cleveland, Baltimore, or Pittsburgh becomes near impossible for the current team.
The onus will be in large part up to the coaching staff to not only prepare the team for these crucial meetings but also to create special game plans six times over the season.
After a few seasons, Zac Taylor has a chance to make a shocking run if things go right. While the past two seasons have been about development and progress, this will be the start of his tenure that will be determined by success.
If the Bengals hope to compete this year, they will need to show that they can beat playoff-caliber teams, which included all three other teams in the AFC North.
These are three keys for the Bengals when it comes to making the playoffs. Will they be able to come close to pushing for a postseason berth in 2021?