3 Things We Learned About The Cincinnati Bengals This Offseason

The 2015 NFL season is just weeks away, and there’s plenty of intrigue to spare surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals as the days tick down. Here are three things we learned about them this offseason:

1) Focus on protecting Andy Dalton

Drafting Texas A&M standout Cedric Ogbuehi at #21 and potential draft steal Jake Fisher in the second gives Cincinnati flexibility at both the right and left tackle spots. That’s key with both Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith heading into contract years. Regardless, this is a young, talented unit who are poised to give Andy Dalton plenty of time in both the pocket and on the roll out. Time equals points and points usually equal wins, meaning that Dalton will have no excuses when it comes to leading this offense (and this franchise) to the next step on its championship quest.

2) Bengals betting on healthy defense

Cincy’s defense suffered through a host of key injuries in 2014, and with the lack of a dominant/consistent pass-rushing threat, the Bengals slipped into the bottom half of the league in total defense. Now, with health on their side and a returning Michael Johnson ready to flatten every quarterback he comes across, this defense seems poised to return to the top ten in all defensive metrics come 2015. After making the playoffs regardless of defensive struggles in 2014, a healthy, swarming D-unit could be just the ticket to push the Bengals over the top in a wide-open AFC.

3) Offense to rely on the running game

There isn't a more talented backfield in the NFL than Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard. Both players have fantasy breakout material written all over them, and this is the year to draft both of them. A solidified offensive line isn't only going to benefit Andy Dalton. It's going to give these two plenty of holes to work with en route to gashing AFC North defenses all season long.

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