Ex-NFL exec doesn't trust Bengals, projects last-place team as superior AFC contender

Nov 17, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals fans wear Orange bags on their heads in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bengals 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesWho can blame anyone for having doubts about the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals? Their defense has looked atrocious in the preseason, and it looks like Joe Burrow and the offense might have to score 30 a week just to stay competitive.

That was the story last season, when Burrow put up an MVP-caliber year, only to need a five-game winning streak to finish just above .500 at 9-8. It wasn't good enough for the playoffs. If Trey…