Worst to First???

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-20-2020, 12:30 PM)Sled21 Wrote: Last year we had the worst defense in football. With the moves we know they have already made, could this be one of, if not THE best defense this year? DJ Reader, Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap and Sam Hubbard has to be one of the scariest Defensive lines in the league. And  withe Zimmer's Corners we have improved the defensive backfield, which 2 years ago was rated 6th or 7th in the league? We know Pratt was coming into his own towards the end of last season and figuring it out. If they can grab a decent linebacker or two to cover the middle of the field, I don't know why this couldn't be the best unit in the league this coming season.

Now, add in an offensive line that we already know is being improved by  the addition of Williams and the big Samoan, and a once in a decade QB being drafted in (and hopefully a Dalton for Thuney trade)..... I just can't help but feel it is finally the Bengals' time once again. IF we can just keep the injury bug away.

Sorry, but not even close...I would be thrilled if they were mid-pack.  Opposing teams only need ONE weakness, a glaring hole, to exploit.  That hole is still possibly Dre K, and if not him, Shawn Williams is still starting, and if not him, our LB corps (although improving) are one injury away from rolling out Hardy Nickerson, Jr (or turd equivalent).  They need significant upgrades on the LB starters, depth, SS starter, depth, and CB starter.  They have done pretty well on CB depth.  

I am not trying to poo-poo what they have done this year....I am thrilled, but the fools gold of improvement we saw at the end of last season is from playing pathetic offenses.  They need to keep going.  Need to crush the draft with at least two solid LBs and a ball-hawking safety.  

They could still sign Clowney (I know, I know....) with the money saved from cutting Dre and releasing/trading Dalton.