NFL Training Camps are under way. Offseason has flown by and it’s almost that time to spend Sunday’s not leaving your couch. Let’s take a look at the Bengals and see what they need to do in the 2013 season to become an elite team.
Quick 2012 Review
The Bengals were challenged last season, and the team they were forced to beat in a tiebreaker for the AFC North division title was none other than the Super Bowl Champs, the Baltimore Ravens. They obviously lost the tiebreaker, but did manage to make the playoffs with a Wild Card spot, and finished as the sixth seed in the playoffs, but lost to the Houston Texans for the second season in a row. They concluded the season with a 10-6 record.
Quarterback Andy Dalton had an impressive season last year for his sophomore time in the NFL. The 25 year-old tallied 3,789 yards, with 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, and like mentioned earlier, led his team to the playoffs. He did have the highest number in coverage sacks with 17 last season, and the Bengals line played a huge roll allowing 46 sacks, however Dalton has natural ability to hold on to the ball, which played a huge role last season.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis was a go-to guy for Dalton last season. The running back had a total of 1,198 yards and six touchdowns. In Week 17 Green-Ellis had a hamstring issue, that he has since recovered from. Bernard Scott was a promising running back, but suffered an ACL tear last fall. He remains on active/PUP.
Wide receiver A.J. Green racked up 1,388 yards, with 11 touchdowns, and was a fantasy favorite last year. He played a huge role in helping the Bengals get to the playoffs.
Schedule Analysis
Cincinnati’s schedule is not an easy one. They face Green Bay and New England who not only have a strong offense on both teams, but Green Bay alone has a team full of guys with great hair. They face the defending Super Bowl Champions Baltimore Ravens in weeks 10 and 17, and even though they may have a shortage of familiar faces, will still be a team that will challenge the Bengals on both sides of the ball. They also face the Minnesota Vikings in which Adrian Peterson is on his way to beat Emmitt Smith’s NFL career rushing record. This will be another test. The Bengals will have a tough schedule to face in 2013.
Offensive Outlook
Andy Dalton has been working on accelerating his drops back in the pocket as well as his ability to throw the deep ball during his time in training camp, he was also consistent last season for fantasy owners. This is crucial for this season. He needs to throw the ball to Green who is consistent in the back field and the 25 year-old will make a big impact in the 2013 season.
Brandon Tate and Marvin Jones should touch the pig skin a few times, but expect most of the perforance out of Green. Him and Dalton have great chemistry. Green-Ellis and tight end Jermaine Gresham need to make some pretty phenomenal plays if they’re anticipating wins. Gresham went for 737 yards, and five touchdowns last year. Expect those numbers to be similar this season.
Fantasy owners don’t be too quick to snag Green-Ellis this season, he may have had some great fantasy years under his belt, but this unfortunately is not his season fantasy wise. However, don’t be too ashamed if you grab Gresham, he could do some solid things for your team.
Defensive Outlook
Two Words. Geno Atkins. The defensive tackle had 12.5 sacks last season (at least a half-sack per game), and any quarterback against him should be intimidated. He’s entering his fourth season, and it not one to be messed with. The former Georgia Bulldog will be absolutely electrifying this season, and without a doubt get a third Pro-Bowl appearance. His numbers will not only increase, but having him on defense will be huge this season in the AFC North where he faces Pittsburgh and Baltimore, which are known to have powerful defenses. Having Wallace Gilberry and Michael Johnson on your side will be nothing short of helpful on this side of the ball. Don’t expect this team to take the title, but every team that faces them should be prepared.
Bengals face tough competition this season, I predict them finishing 3rd behind the Steelers and the Ravens. Their defense however, could take them to the playoffs. If Andre Smith gets into shape, and Dalton has a good season, this team can do great things. Do not expect them to have any new bling on their ring fingers in 2013.