Realistic expectations for 2017

[Whatever]

(06-06-2017, 10:48 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: For those who say we have seen this before (hype in off season after the draft), I agree, but disagree too. The Bengals have never drafted this much speed in 1 draft. I am curious to see how the speed added to the power this team already had will play out. It is more than Ross and both Willis and Lawson and Mixon have great speed.
The OL is a huge question mark as is the kicking game as we may be playing a rookie kicker. But, I think Mixon could be the X factor to go along with Jackson, Billings and a host of rookies and 2nd year guys. But it may be the the 3rd year guys at OT that decide our fate in 2017.

I am optimistic and predict 10-6. Burfict and Green play at least 15 games each leading us to a great year.

I think the question marks on the OL are a little overdramatized when compared to the overall strength of the roster.  Yes, we got worse on the OL on paper, but we got better at RB, WR, DL, LB, CB, and K on paper.  

Last year, we had several key injuries, a horrible K, and lost several close games.  This year, we have an easier schedule and effectively 4-6 1st round caliber talents added to the roster(WJ3, Billings, Ross, Mixon, arguably Willis, arguably Lawson).  That's a lot of high end talent thrown in the mix.