Cincyfan78
Well-Known Member
I think Pitt is the favorite in the AFCN for now, they just have less questions. Even while I'm not sold on their defense (especially the 2ndary), an offense led by Ben, Brown, and eventually Bell will put up points.
I think the Bengals are being under-rated by a lot of people, but that is nothing new. However, they have some legit concerns at WR, especially with Eifert being out a few weeks. Defense is going to be stout again, even missing Burfict for the first 3 weeks, they will be fine. Missed him for 1/2 the year last year, and were 8-0 with a very solid defense without him. Depth at LB is better this year, so I don't see a big drop-off on the defensive side of the ball. All the questions lay on the offensive side. Can Hill regain his rookie form? Can LaFell or Boyd fill in for the #2 WR spot, and can Eifert return soon enough, and effective enough, to help the offense. All of those are going to be directly tied to Dalton's ability to lead the offense short-handed until the health can return, and questions answered.
I think the Bengals are being under-rated by a lot of people, but that is nothing new. However, they have some legit concerns at WR, especially with Eifert being out a few weeks. Defense is going to be stout again, even missing Burfict for the first 3 weeks, they will be fine. Missed him for 1/2 the year last year, and were 8-0 with a very solid defense without him. Depth at LB is better this year, so I don't see a big drop-off on the defensive side of the ball. All the questions lay on the offensive side. Can Hill regain his rookie form? Can LaFell or Boyd fill in for the #2 WR spot, and can Eifert return soon enough, and effective enough, to help the offense. All of those are going to be directly tied to Dalton's ability to lead the offense short-handed until the health can return, and questions answered.