Editor's note: As offseason work across the league comes to an end, the focus is shifting to the steamy summer workouts ahead. The countdown to training camp has begun. To get you fully primed for the preseason and beyond, Sporting News provides in-depth looks at all 32 teams leading into camps. Today: Cincinnati Bengals. Monday: Pittsburgh Steelers.
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals surprised many last season by going 9-7 and reaching the playoffs with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green.
This upcoming season, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green will attempt to avoid having a sophomore slump. (AP Photo)
While many had low expectations for the Bengals last year, they are now looked upon as one of the up and coming teams in the AFC because of Dalton, Green and a defense that has been in the top 10 two of the last three seasons.
In order to continue that development though, they must do something they haven't done in 30 years—make consecutive playoff appearances. With another solid draft and some key additions in free agency, coach Marvin Lewis believes he has the nucleus to contend. The key though is creating one of the more competitive training camps for roster spots in team history.
Said Lewis at the conclusion of the team's minicamp: "We’re a bigger football team. I believe we’re a faster football team. The depth and development of our young guys has been impressive. That’s what will make it a competitive camp. It will make it competitive for the preseason and playing these games. That’s where guys will win or lose jobs, in playing these preseason games. That’s the exciting thing, is when we get out there against the Jets and open things up in the preseason, we’ll have a lot of guys playing for keeps."
What's new: Offense
After having Cedric Benson as the workhorse running back for the better part of four seasons, the running game will be more by committee this season.
Gone is Benson, who was not re-signed, and in is BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who was signed in free agency, and Bernard Scott, who has shown flashes of potential the last three years.
Both backs also have the potential to offer more than Benson because they are more adept at catching the ball out of the backfield, and Green-Ellis' major strength has been in short yardage and red zone.
To supplement the running game, there are two new starters at guard—Travelle Wharton on the left side and first-round pick Kevin Zeitler on the right. Over the past two years the Bengals have ranked in the lower quarter of the league in runs off guard.
What's new: Defense
One reason for the Bengals’ success last season was a defensive line rotation that went eight players deep.
End Jonathan Fanene and tackle Frostee Rucker departed in free agency, but the Bengals added ends Jamaal Anderson and Derrick Harvey in free agency and drafted tackles Devon Still and Brandon Thompson. Anderson is better as a pass rusher, while Harvey is better against the run.
There are also two new position coaches—Mark Carrier in the secondary (replacing Kevin Coyle, who became defensive coordinator in Miami) and Paul Guenther at linebacker (Jeff FitzGerald's contract was not renewed, and he went to Indianapolis).
Former Oakland head coach Hue Jackson also has joined the staff as an assistant secondary/special teams coach. Jackson was the receivers coach in Cincinnati for three seasons.
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