4 ways that the Bengals won the offseason in 2022

Fixing the biggest weakness in the offseason

It was no secret that the Bengals had to improve their offensive line if they wanted any chance of returning to the Super Bowl again. When the franchise quarterback gets sacked 83 times during a season, you know it is time to make changes as fast as possible.

The Bengals were among the first teams to pull the trigger in free agency by signing right guard Alex Cappa from Tampa Bay only minutes after the legal tampering period started this offseason. Cappa brings experience to the position and an attitude that will be a massive upgrade to a spot where they seem to have had a revolving door.

Free agent Ted Karras from the Patriots was brought into play center and replaced Trey Hopkins, who never was consistent enough to protect Burrow. Not only does Karras has the experience of winning two Super Bowls but he has also played guard and center, giving the Bengals the flexibility to change the line if needed.

Cincinnati immediately reached out when Dallas released their offensive tackle La’el Collins. Wanting to reunite with his old offensive line coach Frank Pollack, Collins decided that Cincinnati was the right fit and signed a three-year deal with the Bengals.

Collins brings nastiness and toughness as well as reliability to the right tackle position. The only concern has been a nagging back soreness, but the coaching staff is keeping a close eye on it.

The only genuine concern is the left guard spot. Unlike last year, Jackson Carman came to camp in shape. For now, Carman is penciled in as the potential starter, but the Bengals took steps in the offseason by drafting Cordell Volson to challenge Carman for the position. If things work out perfectly, they will have a stater and a depth piece as well.

The Bengals indeed moved in the right direction this offseason towards improving the team. We should see the fruits of their labor during the preseason and throughout the regular season.