Bengals "unknowns" going into '16.

[*SHRacerX*]

(07-14-2016, 11:51 AM)fredtoast Wrote: These are issues that people can argue one way or another, but the fact is none of us know for sure.

1. Will Ogbuehi be better than Andre Smith?...I feel pretty good about this one.  For a couple of seasons Smith was one of the best right tackles in the league, but his play had declined.

Quote:I think Ced will make us all forget Smith very early on.  He is a much better athlete and I won't be holding my breath that he will have a fat-induced injury (hammy, toe, foot, etc).  I'm really glad he got his feet wet last year and will be full strength this season.  The Bengals showed a lot of faith in him, selecting him as a first rounder while knowing he wouldn't likely contribute much in year 1.  I think he pays huge dividends.  

2.  Was Dalton's '15 season a fluke?...Very few people want to admit it, but NFL history is full of decent QBs who had one great year.  I would not be surprised at all if Dalton's numbers drop, but I still him posting at least a solid mid-90's passer rating if his receivers stay healthy.  And this brings me to...

Quote:Hell, no.  Aside from the one year dip when his OCs changed, Dalton has progressed every year.  He has had the quick release and accuracy, but he know has the experience of knowing where he can fit balls and has greatly improved his decision making year over year.  

3.  Can Eifert stay healthy?...Again, few people want to admit it, but Eifert has missed games every single year he has been in the league, and he is injured again.  They already say he is questionable for opening day, but the question is more about how long it will take him to get back to 100%?   We really need Eifert to be in top form because...

Quote:I think Eifert will be very strong down the stretch and in to the playoffs, which is where they need him.  I hope Kroft can progress as well as Eifert did in what was essentially his second season.  I think his season last year showed what they can expect from him moving forward.  His injury in the pro bowl was a fluke.  

4.  Can we find a legit WR other than Green?...I like LaFell's NFL resume (just one year removed from a 74 catch, 937 yard season), but the fact is we got him for a very cheap price.  For some reason other NFL teams did not see a lot of value in him.  I also like Tyler Boyd, but more often than not second round WRs do NOT have big impacts their rookie season.  We could have 2 very good WRs other than Green or they could both be ineffective this year.

Quote:I'm hoping Lafell can benefit from the single coverage he is likely to see opposite AJ, and I am very excited to see the competition between Boyd, Core, and perhaps Alford.  I really have a good feeling about Core.  I love that big body and toughness.  Both as a blocker and as a WR.  

5.  Can Shawn Williams make up for the loss of Nelson?...Nelson was one of my favorite Bengals.  I hated to see him go.  But every good team reaches the point where they have to start letting some higher paid players leave.  Shawn has shown some flashes, but we don't know if he will be consistent as a starter.  Chinedum Ndukwe and Vincent Rey became good players in the eyes of many fans based on one or two good games.  Lets hope Shawn is not like them.  

Quote:This is probably my biggest concern.  Despite Shawn's progres in his greatest opportunity last year, he still has had difficulty staying healthy.  Nelson had such a knack for diagnosing plays, and making the big INT.  The depth is pretty thin behind Shawn, in terms of players with starting experience at safety.  I love Shaw, but I think he is the new Leon Hall at nickel CB.  I have always liked Shawn's toughness, but he will have to show his ability to diagnose and make the right reads all season for this defense to become a top five unit.  

6.  Can Jeremy Hill return to his rookie form?...I am not going to predict Hill will average over five yards a carry again or have a bunch of 150 yard games, but I think he will be much better than he was in '16 (794 yds, 3.6 avg).

Quote:I think stability on the offensive line, the fact that Gio just got paid, and the way Hill's season ended will propel him to new heights.  I am very excited to see what he does this year.  Although, personally, I would rather see carries spread out and keep  him fresh for the postseason.  He doesn't need to get 1600 yards rushing in the regular season.  I'm sure he would like that, though, heading in to a contract year, but keep him fresh and healthy for a postseason run.  

Overall I think our defense will be just as good as last year.  On offense I think we will run the ball better (Hill plays better and Ogbuehi is upgrade), but I predict a drop in the passing game.  If Eifert stays healthy the play of our #2 WR is not as crucial, but I do not have a ton of confidence in our WR corps or the durability of Eifert.

If the Bengals are able to rush the ball better than last year, the offense should soar.  That was the only thing missing from last year, although Gio played very well.