ESPN Be Hatin!

[Daddy-O]

2015 notwithstanding, the Bengals best seasons have come after previous disappointing seasons and little to no media expectation.

I would expect nothing different this time from ESPN. They don't watch as intently as us fans and know every weakness and upgrade to address those weaknesses. Last year was bad but there were games for the taking we should have won: Green Bay, Pitt at home, Houston to name a few. If those game go the other way the conversation is different.

The below to me are wildcards from last year"

- Improved OL play (both at Center and LT, RT still questionable)
- Healthy John Ross (we'll see)
- Improved LB play against the run (picked up solid tackler in Preston Brown)
- Healthy Eifert (I know that's an oxymoron but I'm an optimist)
- Improved safety play
- Mixon no longer a rookie
- AJ Green (yep, down year last year will come back with a vengeance IMO)

and..... most importantly, addition by subtraction:

- New OL coach (this by itself is reason to be optimistic)

Sure there are others but these came to mind quickly. I'm excited for 2018, drinking the Kool-Aid already.