Forecasting 2020

[*SHRacerX*]

(05-05-2020, 03:18 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: I've posted this before, but only 5 of the 31 teams that have gone 2-14 - before the Bengals last season - had a winning season the next year. Only 3 made the playoffs and none won a playoff game. It would be awesome if the Bengals could have a winning record and at least be in playoff contention, but history says that's gonna be difficult. Not impossible, but still a challenge. 

When you look at the last time time the Bengals were 2-14, they also had a pretty damn good off-season (probably the best until this one) and they went 8-8. To me, that would seem to be a fair marker to judge where this team is. If they're around that, and look like they're making substantial progress, I would be satisfied...just like I was with Marvin's crew in 2003.

I'm optimistic, but trying to stay somewhat realistic too. You bring up some good points brother, and if things play out right, this season (assuming there is one) could get real interesting, really quickly. I do think there will be some growing pains though, with all the new faces, the young LBers, figuring out the o-line, fitting the system to Burrow's talents, etc. I could see them getting better and better as the season goes on. Should be incredibly fun to watch play out.

Excellent points, all.  I think the best thing aside from the talent the Bengals acquired in both the draft and FA is the KIND of players they acquired:  Winners.  Leaders.  Team Captains.  This can't be understated that almost every FA was coming from a playoff team and almost all of the draft picks were team captains.  Some skeptics (you know who you are) will say that this won't change a thing if you can't play football, and I understand that point, but I really, really like the idea of bringing in guys that have that in their DNA.  

Burrow, perhaps being the most successful overall of all of the players brought in, will be leading this culture.