2013 Cincinnati Bengals Preview

2013 Cincinnati Bengals

I’m sick of the Bengals. For two years now, we’ve seen a struggling, one-dimensional offense (throw it up to AJ Green), trying to keep up with an aggressive, hard-nosed defense. For two years, we’ve seen the Bengals barely sneak into the playoffs as a wild card. For two years, we’ve had to sit through an atrocity of their opening playoff game because neither they nor Houston could move the ball on each other. No more. I will not pick the Bengals to make the playoffs only for them to make everyone fall asleep. Their division is loaded and I have already confessed my love for the Browns this year. I have also already predicted the Ravens to finish 10-6. As of right now, I do think the AFC North will provide three playoff teams (the division winner plus two wild cards); the question is, will the final team in be the Bengals or Steelers? Hint: not the Bengals, I hope to God. Well, the Football Gods, anyway.

Of course, this could also be the year that Cincinnati actually finds some offense, in which case, watch out, AFC! The Bengals’ defense is already championship caliber with a vicious defensive line headlined by Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, that dude with the crazy hair, and of course, Geno Atkins, the best defensive tackle in the NFL not named JJ Watt. They now will add James Harrison to their already terrifying pass rush. The reason the Bengals have not been able to get over the hump is because of the offense, notably the limitations of Andy Dalton at quarterback. Now, he is still growing, but it is hard to put faith in a quarterback who has no soul (allegedly). The good news for him is, he finally has some competent weapons besides AJ Green. Green, already, is a top four (or better) receiver in the league; the Bengals hope that Mohamed Sanu will turn into a legit number two man, and that Jermaine Gresham will become a top tight end. Cincy also drafted tight end Tyler Eifert and running back Giovani Bernard (who I really like) with their first two selections this past year. With multiple suitable bodies to throw out on the field, Cincinnati has no excuses to not make the playoffs again this year. Except, you know, an injury to AJ Green. Or unless Andy Dalton has Mark Sanchez syndrome and completely sucks ass after two successful years.

Schedule

This schedule is no joke, and the Bengals got no favors; in addition to not having a bye until Week 12, Cincinnati has to play on the road four times in five weeks during a stretch at the end of October. Last year they finished 10-6, but miraculously won seven of their final eight games of the season to get there, with their one loss coming to Dallas by one point. I don’t see them repeating that run; I think they will get swallowed up in the gauntlet of the AFC North, where their rivals will take away Green by any cost and make someone else beat them. Maybe, however, they’ll prove me wrong. Let’s see.

Week 1: L at CHI

Week 2: L vs PIT

Week 3: W vs GB (GB o-line sucks, CIN D-line doesn’t. I’m guaranteeing this one.)

Week 4: L at CLE

Week 5: W vs NE (they will swallow up Brady. gut call.)

Week 6: L at BUF

Week 7: W at DET

Week 8: W vs NYJ
Week 9: W at MIA

Week 10: L at BAL

Week 11: W vs CLE

Week 12: Bye

Week 13: L at SD
Week 14: L vs IND (this one will be decided in the final two minutes)

Week 15: L at PIT

Week 16: W vs MIN

Week 17: W vs BAL

Wow. Even though I wanted to have one team in the AFC North struggle to balance out the records, I still have the Bengals going 8-8. I guess I’m just really high on this division this year. The 2013 Cincinnati Bengals have some promise, and will be a strong contender to make the playoffs again, but hey, someone has to struggle from that division, and I really hope it isn’t the team of my next preview...

Bold Prediction: Giovani Bernard will have 1,300 yards from scrimmage this year but not more than 5 touchdowns.