4 things that must happen for Bengals to repeat as AFC champions

Staying healthy and fresh

Most teams with a successful season that make it to the playoffs usually have the healthiest rosters. I know what you are thinking; you cannot control that, and, to some degree, you would be right. However, there are some things the coaches can control to help avoid injuries.

Having just finished one of the most extended seasons in NFL history, the coaches decided to use the staff’s stability to their advantage and do away with the mandatory mini-camp this year. Enjoying the luxury of having the same coaches instructing the same players has allowed the team to do more with less, decreasing the chances of injury before training camp.

Starting with training camp, this same coaching staff has shown in the past that it can get the veterans just enough reps to evaluate the talented yet not overdue at risk of the players. Using the same philosophies as last season of using technology to indicate when guys are fatigued or just giving days off at practice goes a long way in keeping players fresh and healthy.

I see Coach Taylor using his knowledge and experience from last season to keep his players fresh on Sundays. If the stripes can maintain their health, then there is a great chance you will be hearing about them in the postseason and a chance to pick up where they left off a year ago.