Media got burnt hyping the Bengals pre-2024 and them not making the playoffs. Bengals aren't going to get objective "hot takes".
The reality is this team was hyped as good going into 2024. Lost 4 games by 1 score or less (?) to teams that were in the division round/Conference, or Superbowl. Then finished 5-0.
I like what I've read about the draft class. I didn't grade it high because its not what I wanted to see pre-draft. I think Golden is going to improve the defense and think the Bengals are sitting on one of the best rosters in the league.
Meanwhile in Rapien World they've wanted to add 5-7 new starters from Free Agency to be happy. There's a lot of clown media that would be clapping like sheep IF they took the coveted "guard" round 1. Same people that threw out As when Billy Price was taken with Lamar Jackson was on the board and all they had was Andy.
Nobody knows but anytime the Bengals get praise, don't meet those expectations people aren't going to rush out on a limb following that to praise them. They'll go with the crowd for the most part.