Cincinnati Bengals
2019 Record: (2-14) 4th
AFC North
2019 Season Recap:
Offense
Points: 17.4 (30th)
Yards: 323.1 (26th)
Pass Yards: 228.2 (19th)
Rush Yards: 94.8 (25th)
Defense
Points: 26.2 (26th)
Yards: 393.7 (29th)
Pass Yards: 244.8 (21st)
Rush Yards: 148.9 (32nd)
When the Bengals chose to move in
another direction from the lengthy tenure of Marvin Lewis, attaching their ship
to the youthful potential offensive genius of Zac Taylor was the result.
Taylor’s pedigree was the outcome of his attachment to Sean McVay, which encouraged
the Bengals to believe they could recreate some of that great fortune witnessed
from the Rams.
Nothing resembling a powerhouse was
witnessed in year one from Taylor and this Cincinnati squad, but a full tear
down had to be expected. As the season wore on, it became clear that the notion
of a full rebuild was on the docket, so Taylor could hand pick players to fit
his needs. With that, the tank was in and securing the first overall pick in
the 2020 draft was the result. Even as many would like to criticize after the
fact, the choice in hiring Taylor was the right move and we’ll still provide
some level of endorsement while waiting to see how he constructs this roster to
suit his abilities.
With that, there were a few positives
late in the season, as it appeared the Bengals found their run game with Joe
Mixon and some level of productivity with Tyler Boyd once again. With injuries
and roster shuffling occurring for most of the year, chalk 2019 up as a pure evaluation
season for the front office and coaching staffs to finally rebuild properly –
at least Bengals fans can hope.
2020 Offseason
WorkBook:
The Offense
It’s abundantly clear, this entire
roster is under review and the quarterback position is where we begin. Having
Andy Dalton as the teams pivot for the past nine years, the only thing we can
promote is some high level of statistical achievement over that time. Dalton
hasn’t been terrible in his career throwing for more than 4000 yards on two
separate occasions, while finding 25-plus touchdowns passes four times, with a
ceiling of 33. Playing with the likes of AJ Green did undoubtedly inflate these
numbers, we still can’t hate on Dalton for what he’s been able to accomplish
thus far. Nevertheless, his time in Cincinnati is likely over, as a mid season
benching did occur in favor of Ryan Finley. Now with that experiment in the
rear-view, all eyes look toward the NFL draft and college star Joe Burrow.
When it comes to the running back
situation on the club, Taylor provided Joe Mixon with a whopping 278 carries
while adding a healthy 45 targets in the pass game to see if he can be the bell
cow back on this offense. While we have also supported Mixon and what he could
bring to the table, under Taylor with a revamped offense, Mixon should rise to
the likes of being elite at this position. Granted, we wouldn’t mind seeing
another runner added to help spell touches to save his health, we have no
qualms of his ability to handle a full three down workload.
Moving along to review the receiving
core, the status of their super star AJ Green is once again in question. Having
lost a full season to injury in 2019, while only playing in nine contests the
season prior – real debate exists to the potential that his body is breaking
down. With Tyler Boyd elevating his play to the next level and still seeing
unrealized consistency from speedster John Ross, seeing more weapons added on
this core is a no brainer.
Moving along to the offensive line and
tight end positions, there is no one who can argue that both positional groups
need major assistance. For our appetite, if Joe Burrow is the first pick in
this year’s draft, solidify the offensive line so he’d stand a fighting chance.
One possible move that would make a great deal of sense, is to sign potential
free agent Charles Clay (if he hits free agency), simply because his supreme
blocking ability would absolutely be a welcomed sight. With Clay and Drew
Sample being added support pieces to a weak offensive line, they could cover up
its shortcomings.
Either way, many changes will be made on
this offense leaving the entire group (with exception of a few) up for
replacement. Let the rebuild begin.
The Defense
Jumping toward the defensive side of
things, much of the same can be said for a unit that ranked as a league bottom
feeder in most categories. Starting with the defensive line, there are still
sound pieces that will make a difference if more support was brought along.
This line isn’t terrible, which employs – Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, Sam
Hubbard and Carl Lawson. Granted, we understand that Atkins and Dunlap have
entered their 30’s, there is plenty left in the tank to make plays. Continuing
to build out the defensive line is something we love in a full team rebuild.
When it comes to this line backing core,
we don’t have as many encouraging things to say as we did for the defensive
front. This is a major weakness on this club as no run or pass support was
provided from the current players on this roster. And while Nick Vigil appears
to have some talent, we can’t promote or endorse it whatsoever. A full
replacement is our recommendation for the club’s line backers.
Heading toward the secondary, seeing a
21st rank doesn’t fully encapsulate the potential from this group.
Having two fabulous safeties in Jesse Bates and Shawn Williams, the building
blocks are already somewhat in place. Upgrading the corners would be a welcomed
sight, as Dre Kirkpatrick appears to be losing a step and starting to be
injured more often. William Jackson also hovers around the decent skill set
level in need of improvement. Either way, with two strong players anchoring
this unit, at least something positive rests here.
Team Free Agents / Team Salary Cap
For a team with so many needs and a
league worst record, the amount of free dollars on the books appears slim.
Currently holding 47.6 million in free cap space things don’t look as
encouraging as one would’ve imagined. However, the Bengals do have several
player contracts that can be removed to generate extra funds, and we truly
believe the purge will be in full effect.
Starting with Andy Dalton and the
likelihood he will be playing elsewhere next season, his 17.7-million-dollar
cap hit will be free without penalty. Dre Kirkpatrick is a player we could see
return, because let’s face it, they still need some talent on the roster – but
cutting him would also save a mammoth 11 million on the books with a mere 2.8 million
headed to dead funds.
Other options to consider in creating
more space also include – Cordy Glenn and William Jackson. While Jackson
probably isn’t going anywhere, his 9.9 million is drastically an overpay, and
would carry no penalty to the cap also. Glenn on the other hand has seen
injuries become a common thread and saving 9.5 million from his salary would be
a welcomed sight. With all these potential moves to help add funds, the Bengals
could be sitting with a handsome 92.9 million in free space to start the
rebuild. Having the first overall pick which could be a long-term answer at the
quarterback position, imagine what 92 million would do to help expedite this
roster retooling.
So even as we discuss how the Bengals
can save money, they do have 19 team free agents to contend with. The topic
which has caused much debate this off-season already – does Cincinnati resign AJ
Green? Going on 32 years old and having dealt with two seasons filled with
injury, this is a difficult choice. With a draft loaded at the position, do
they reinvest in Green or shop for the next generation of talent? At this stage
of his career, his trending market value rests around 9 million per year. We
can’t envision anything more than a two-or three-year deal, so the commitment
wouldn’t be that grand. This is one situation to watch closely.
The NFL Draft
So,
all the excitement is gearing up for the NFL Draft and the team who holds the
top choice is the Cincinnati Bengals. Many believe its already a given that
college star Joe Burrow will be the first player chosen, and why not. Teams
looking to rebuild require that true franchise signal caller to lead the team
for the most important position in the NFL. In our eyes, there is no argument
here – Burrow is the selection 100%.
As
we’ve highlighted all the inadequacy on this roster, the Bengals can literally
choose which direction they plan to move after pick number one. Building out
the offensive line, drafting a wide receiver to replace AJ Green, more
secondary help to start rounding out the defense – it truly is a kid’s
playground. For our preference, if Burrow is the first pick, stay the course
and add to the offense. Offensive line would be our first thought with receiver
a very close second.
The
only exciting thing about your team finishing dead last in the standings, is,
the off-season. This draft will be something special and could promote eventual
winning ways back to the Bengals.
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