Bengals' biggest key to success

[-GoBengals-]

http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/8995/bengals-key-success-biggest-andy-dalton?ex_cid=espnapi_public

 

 

 

If the Cincinnati Bengals are going to continue their recent run of success in the next three seasons, they will have to accomplish a number of things. 

It's a monumental task to pick just one. 

 

Dalton

So much of the Bengals' immediate future hinges on what happens at the quarterback position, either later this offseason or during or after this coming regular season. For now, Andy Dalton remains the starting quarterback, even while the team tries to negotiate a contract extension with him and his agent. Little ground has been covered in the talks. It is becoming apparent that the more time passes without a new deal the more Dalton may be content playing out the 2014 season and trying to do enough to earn a second-contract salary that competes with the league's elite passers. 

Let's pretend Dalton is still a Bengal over the next two or three seasons. 

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If he is, the Bengals' biggest key to success will be to keep a bevy of playmakers around him. As we saw countless times last season -- and should see in 2014 -- Dalton's receivers and running backs are good enough to routinely bail the offense out of challenging circumstances. Running back Giovani Bernard will be looking for a new contract after next season and should get it if he continues to showcase the type of agility and speed that made him such a weapon as a rookie in 2013. Having the bigger Jeremy Hill paired with Bernard will help give the offense balance not only in the running game but also in the short passing game. Receivers A.J. Green and Marvin Jones also need to be around to catch passes. Green should still be in a Bengals uniform in two years if not three. 

If Dalton is no longer a Bengal in the next two or three seasons, Cincinnati must continue building a top-10 defense that can play alongside AJ McCarron. The 2014 draft pick is currently the apparent heir at quarterback and would start if Dalton is gone next offseason. Much like the defense helped carry Dalton through his first two years in Cincinnati, the unit would have to do the same for McCarron.

 

[Jason]

If Dalton is not here they will draft a QB early.

[T-Dub]

Is it... Is it Andy Dalton?


Wow I'm fuckin' psychic!

[Inigo Montoya]

I think the biggest key to success for the Bengals next year will be the o-line. Lots of questions heading into the season for the unit, most notably at LG and C. All of the best laid plans that Hue has for Andy and the running game will go up in smoke if the line cannot get it done. It seems like the consensus around here is that they will be fine and I definitely think the talent is there. We just have to hope that Whit's knee holds up, Zeitler bounces back, and that some combination of Pollak/Bodine/Boling/Hawkinson can hold down the two question mark spots.

[Jason]

Yeah, if the line can improve the run blocking without sacrificing too much in the pass blocking the offense could be pretty good.

[scharm]

AFC North hasn't had very many repeat winners.    Baltimore did once and I think Pitt might have once. 

 

For this season Hob nob threw together an article that pulls it together nicely.   Less TOs and Better running especially on First Down.   Hard to argue.

 

The Ultimate question is can the offense match or expand 2013 top 10 numbers while running better but taking less risk to reduce TOs?    

 

Assumption that the consistent top 5 defense remains just that.      Interior O-line going into TC has question marks that could effect other positions if those turn out negative and then that directly effects running better.

 

Andy Dalton and Co. has to match numbers on less attempts (assuming) and avoid the negative plays producing TOs.