Why do you feel optimistic about this Bengals team relative to prior years?

[BengalChris]

(05-21-2015, 01:17 AM)CornerBlitz Wrote: I just don't see why people think this is the year that the Bengals breakthrough in the playoffs. They are for all intents and purposes the same team as the last few years.  I have little doubt that they will be a solid team in the regular season but in my eyes there is nothing for me to point to and use as a crux to argue that this team will be better.

It is frustrating as a fan to see this lackadaisical approach from the front office in regards to making changes.  What could one possibly point to and say, "Hey, that is the reason why the Bengals will win in the playoffs this season?" I just don't see it. You could make the case that this team has more question marks considering the play of Dalton last season and the inconsistencies on the defensive end.  

This isn't homer vs hater. Look at the roster and coaching staff; you will be lead to the same conclusions if you are objective.

What I feel optimistic about:
1. LB depth has improved.
2. Return of MJ and the DL seems healthier and more capable. Although I would have loved it if they drafted Malcom Brown.
3. Jeremy Hill will be the starter from beginning over Bernard. That should give us 50+ more yards on the ground early on.
4. The secondary should be really nice.

What discourages me:
1. No reason to feel confident that Dalton will actually improve. He didn't improve last year (his 4th year). What makes a 5th year any better? :/ He seems quite capable of having really bad games, witness Cleveland on Thursday night and both Indy games.
2. The schedule is certainly tougher this year and the team has never won in Oakland and has a only 3 wins against the 49ers ever. Not to mention that we are going to Denver and have to play San Diego, Seattle, Arizona and Saint Louis.
3. Same owner.