Projected Vibe in the City & Nationally after Week 5 going into the Bye

[BenZoo2]

there are a couple narratives I could see. This is the one I want to see. The bengals, riding a couple of hard fought defensive battles, suffered a setback in week in 3. The offense looked lackluster in weeks one and two, doing just enoughto win. But there flashes of what was coming. John Ross came as advertised. His field stretching capabilities were on display and the effect he has on opposing defenses was seen early on.

Week 3 brought a date with Aaron Rodgers and the bengals would ultimately lose in an offensive slugfest. In what was an entertaining game to watch, Rodgers led the pack on a game ending touchdown drive and the bengals and no time to amount a comeback. A good game on both sides and the bengals appear to be putting a disastrous '15 behind them. Weeks 4 and 5 brought the bengals seemingly easy wins heading into bye. Ross' presence on the field has opened up running lanes for Jeremy hill and explosive rookie rb joe Mixon, who is beginning to see an increased role and showing why many thought he may have been the best rookie rb in last years draft. The much maligned offensive line has been a pleasant surprise as the young tackles have settled in to their new roles and Andre smith seems reborn with his transition to guard. The bengals next game is with the hatred diving rival steelers in Pittsburgh with the winner taking early control of the afc north.

Heres what the flip side could look like. After allowing veteran lineman whit worth and Zeitler to leave last here via free agency, the bengals o line continues to struggle. Despite reports of extensive offseason work, ogbuehi contines to get pushed around. Dalton is on pace to get sacked even more than last year. Jeremy hill continues to see little to no running room as opposing defenses dare the bengals to pass. The defense continues to keep the bengals in games but it's fair to wonder how long they can keep this up.