skyline Posted July 25, 2018 Report Share Posted July 25, 2018 Someone else can start a pessimistic rebuttal thread if you'd like, but it's not welcome here! If, by some miracle, the Bengals have a fantastic season.... I mean, deep playoff/Super Bowl type of season...what is the #1 key to it all? My pick: Joe Mixon - people keep referring to him as the next Le'Veon Bell. And, as much as I dislike anyone wearing yellow and black, adding Bell to this roster would have an undeniable impact. Mixon's first season #s are comparable to Bell's and he has all the tools. Throw in a hopeful upgrade at center, a healthy Jake Fisher, and an upgrade at left tackle? He could have a special year. A 1500 yard, 12 TD kind of year. We've had some good running backs in the intervening years, but who was the last true super-star level RB to wear stripes? Corey Dillon, perhaps? It could be a game changer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
membengal Posted July 26, 2018 Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 The rebuilt offensive line and Frank Pollack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stripes Posted July 26, 2018 Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 If we're talking about a deep playoff run, then I'd say it'd have to be a career year by Andy Dalton above all else. If we're talking about notable improvement, then the offensive line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyline Posted July 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 We know that to have a career year, Andy needs all the help they can give him. A top notch running game (anchored by an improved o-line) seem to be a good start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted July 26, 2018 Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 Frank Pollack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COB Posted July 26, 2018 Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 No doubt, the o-line. With significant improvement there, we could be good again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted July 26, 2018 Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 #2 to Frank Polkack is Terrel Austin The o-line improvement is the #1 key to the season, followed by how the defense functions under the new DC. If the players picks things up quick and actually produce, we could be in for an exciting season. I still think that are a lot of “What ifs” at this point though. I’ll remain positive though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyline Posted July 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 Right on, Army. The biggest thing I want to see from the defense is an increase in turnovers. Which helps...you guessed it. The offense. I was hoping someone would pick John Ross. If he's healthy and productive, that's a first round weapon opposite Green. Also can't hurt Overall, the offense has the potential to explode this season if all the dominos line up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted July 26, 2018 Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 Oh don't get me wrong. I think there are more than a handful of players you could mention, in regards to what their impact could be on the season. Cordy Glenn and Billy Price starting at LT and Center. Tyler Eifert and John Ross being healthy and staying that way. Joe Mixon being the clear #1 RB from day one of camp. Jordan Willis starting opposite Carlos Dunlap from day one of camp. Andrew Billings back to 100% and starting next to Geno. Preston Brown starting MLB. Whoever starts in Burfict's place while in timeout. William Jackson starting at CB without question. Jessie Bates getting snaps at safety. Darius Phillips as the kick returner. That's almost 15 players and I didn't mention Dalton's impact behind a rebuilt o-line either, which is worth mentioning. I don't think anyone would be wrong in focusing more in depth on any of those guys, but this year will really be about the coaching and getting the players ready. Frank Pollack, Teryl Austin, and Bill Lazor are the 3 that get my main focus in regards to seeing what changes to the good moving forward. However, I can also tell you I'm intrigued to see what Alex Van Pelt does with Dalton and what Bob Bicknell does with the WR group. With such turnover at all these coaching positions, I would say players will really have to step it up. Past favorites may find themselves out of favor. When looking at everything I listed above, there is a lot of reason for optimism heading into the season. The questions are, what changes will be made and how long will it take the players to get it all down to be able to execute ?? If the coaches make positive changes and get it all implemented, that will be massive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyline Posted July 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 Agreed. I was quite pleased to lose Geunther. Not that he's a bad coach, but he seemed to be a poor man's version of Zimmer and his defensive approach felt stale. If Marvin has to stay, then I'm at least mildly appeased by two brand new playbooks to shake the team out of its rut. Our personnel is just as good as it was in 2015, but it's changed. My hope is that the coaches approach is finally going to make changes that reflect this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted July 26, 2018 Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 Hell, I forgot about Carl Lawson building on his great rookie season. I also forgot they brought in DT Chris Baker, who both Haslett and Burney coached when Baker was really good in Washington (I think). Nice to find optimism after I almost quit this team when Marvin was brought back. I still am not ok with that decision as a fan, but it is what it is. I just hope it doesn't cost the team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
membengal Posted July 26, 2018 Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 One of the possible outcomes for Carl Lawson is league superstar. He really could be on a Von Miller type level. Not saying he will be, but, it's not out of the question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted July 26, 2018 Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 I agree with Lawson's potential being amazing. I'm just curious how they will utilize him. There was mention of him on the official site and how his dad is a personal trainer, having helped him all off season. Apparently, he's not only more jacked, but focused on his quickness and short bursts of speed. Very optimistic about him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShulaSteakhouse Posted July 26, 2018 Report Share Posted July 26, 2018 I'm optimistic they'll be better than last season (unless Dalton gets hurt and they have to rely on Barkley, then it's top 5 draft pick time). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyline Posted July 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2018 11 hours ago, ArmyBengal said: There was mention of him on the official site and how his dad is a personal trainer, having helped him all off season. You don't say... Let's just hope all the...uh...substances...were legal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COB Posted July 27, 2018 Report Share Posted July 27, 2018 13 hours ago, skyline said: You don't say... Let's just hope all the...uh...substances...were legal. Ha ha. Gained a ton of muscle AND got quicker and faster. Mysterious! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMPHAR Posted July 28, 2018 Report Share Posted July 28, 2018 When Burfict returns the Bengals could have an ALL Pro at each level of defense. Offense has a ton of potential at the skill spots. As many have said O-line coming together and improving is a big key to the season. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COB Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 I assume we all read cincyjungle. Kirkendall just posted a great read on Pollack. It did everything but say Alexander was a softie and coached his guys to be the same. Pollack is coaching them differently and so far, at least according to the players going up against them in practice, it shows. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cincyhokie Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 On 7/27/2018 at 12:41 PM, COB said: Ha ha. Gained a ton of muscle AND got quicker and faster. Mysterious! It's all creatine. Nothing to see here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 1 hour ago, COB said: I assume we all read cincyjungle. Kirkendall just posted a great read on Pollack. It did everything but say Alexander was a softie and coached his guys to be the same. Pollack is coaching them differently and so far, at least according to the players going up against them in practice, it shows. All anyone has to do is read what is being said about the o-line approach and listen to the o-linemen themselves to know Pollack has changed things. Great that we continue to hear it for sure !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 51 minutes ago, cincyhokie said: It's all creatine. Nothing to see here. His dad is a personal trainer and his girlfriend is like some Olympia weightlifter. Has to be all in his diet i'm sure !!! Lol... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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