7 AFC Teams versus 6 for Playoffs

[*SHRacerX*]

(05-18-2020, 05:30 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I know we won 2 games in 2019. I also know we lost 2 starting OT's in Glenn and Williams, our all pro WR for the year and a host of injuries in 2019.

In my opinion, we have had the best off season we have had maybe ever. Our FA was aggressive. We had the top pick and top pick every round and on paper looks like we had a very good draft. Injured Green and Williams will be back.

I think we have a shot at the playoffs especially since likely 9-7 team gets in since they added a spot and maybe 8-8 team.

Am I crazy to think it is possible to go from 2 win team to playoffs in one year?

Many think 3 teams are coming from the AFCN, I think we may surprise the media and some of our own fans.

People that have watched this team underachieve for four straight years have built up some serious skepticism to the home team.  They earned it.  However, I look at last year's team and I think:  "How did they ever win two"? 


It was the perfect storm personnel-wise with injuries to key players, schemes were failing to match up with the personnel, and we had a rookie coach.  

What I did see down the stretch was a team that improved significantly in their blocking, the defense improved, and the team never stopped playing hard.

Heading in to this year, they hand the reigns to Joe Burrow.  He is the first truly mobile QB the Bengals have had since Jeff Blake.  (Akili Smith doesn't count...).   He has excellent vision and he isn't afraid to tell the coaching staff what he likes and how he is most adept.  He is coming off the most impressive season in NCAA football history, and he did it in the SEC and in the playoffs against Oklahoma and Clemson.  Destroyed them. 

The personnel, assuming they are healthy, is significantly better and deeper than a year ago, thanks to both an outstanding FA period and what looks to be a solid draft.  

The Bengals have the same record as anyone else right now, and their leader will not lack for confidence.  If the young talent on the defense gels quickly this team could be scary.  I think they make the playoffs if Ross and Green are healthy all year.  If they have a good defense to go with it....well, anything can happen.