02-09-2016, 07:54 PM
As usual no respect..also picked not to repeat..Redskins, Chiefs, and Texans
USAToday-FTW
By: Steven Ruiz | February 9, 2016 1:12 pm
The Bengals making an appearance on this list says more about the division they play in than it does about the team itself. The Steelers should be a lot healthier in 2016 after losing Ben Roethlisberger and Le’Veon Bell for significant periods of time during the 2015 regular season. The Ravens will not stay down for long, and were probably the unluckiest team in the NFL when it comes to injuries. The AFC North is a battle every year, so Cincinnati dropping from first to third would not be much of a shock.
It’s not just their divisional opponents the Bengals have to worry about either. Six impactful starters are headed for free agency this offseason, as well as two key reserves. Cincinnati has about $36 million in cap room for the upcoming offseason, according to Spotrac’s projections, but most of that will go to trying to keep this team together. It’s unlikely the Bengals will be able to re-sign all of those expired contracts and there certainly won’t be enough money left over to adequately replace the players they lost.
The coaching staff has already taken a huge hit with the departure of offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, one of the best play-callers in the league. Jackson’s offense, and Andy Dalton’s familiarity with it, was a big reason for the quarterback’s breakout season. The playbook may not change much with quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese getting the promotion, but there will surely be growing pains as Dalton adjusts to a new voice in his helmet.
USAToday-FTW
By: Steven Ruiz | February 9, 2016 1:12 pm
The Bengals making an appearance on this list says more about the division they play in than it does about the team itself. The Steelers should be a lot healthier in 2016 after losing Ben Roethlisberger and Le’Veon Bell for significant periods of time during the 2015 regular season. The Ravens will not stay down for long, and were probably the unluckiest team in the NFL when it comes to injuries. The AFC North is a battle every year, so Cincinnati dropping from first to third would not be much of a shock.
It’s not just their divisional opponents the Bengals have to worry about either. Six impactful starters are headed for free agency this offseason, as well as two key reserves. Cincinnati has about $36 million in cap room for the upcoming offseason, according to Spotrac’s projections, but most of that will go to trying to keep this team together. It’s unlikely the Bengals will be able to re-sign all of those expired contracts and there certainly won’t be enough money left over to adequately replace the players they lost.
The coaching staff has already taken a huge hit with the departure of offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, one of the best play-callers in the league. Jackson’s offense, and Andy Dalton’s familiarity with it, was a big reason for the quarterback’s breakout season. The playbook may not change much with quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese getting the promotion, but there will surely be growing pains as Dalton adjusts to a new voice in his helmet.
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