ARE QUARTERBACK ANDY DALTON AND THE 2012 CINCINNATI BENGALS THE MOST IMPROVED TEAM IN THE AFC?
Let's evaluate what Coach Marvin Lewis and the Bengals have done in the past few months to bolster their chance of success in the 2012 NFL season.
1.) In the 2012 NFL draft, the Bengals drafted cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (6'3", 192 lbs.---University of Alabama) and guard Kevin Zeitler (6' 4", 315 lbs. ---University of Wisconsin) in the first round.
Both of these players are players who could start in their rookie seasons.
In the second round, the Bengals chose defensive tackle Devon Still (6' 5"--310 lbs.--Penn State University).
In the third round, the Bengals selected receiver Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers) and defensive tackle Brandon Thompson (Clemson University).
In the fourth round, the Bengals drafted tight end Orson Charles (University of Georgia). Many draft analysts had projected Orson Charles as a first rounder, but, due to a DUI arrest, he fell to the fourth round.
Most 2012 NFL draft analysts considered the Cincinnati Bengals 2012 draft the best class in the entire NFL.
2.) The Bengals have quality depth at almost every position except behind QB Andy Dalton. If Dalton goes down, the Bengals would be in trouble in 2012.
The defensive line boasts four quality starters who can be rotated with quality replacements such as Michael Johnson, Jamaal Anderson, Devon Still, Brandon Thompson and Pat Sims.
The woeful cornerback position is now manned by Leon Hall (defensive captain), Dre Kirkpatrick, Jason Allen, Terence Newman, Nate Clemens and Adam Jones, all who combine to vastly improve the cornerback position over last year.
Defense coordinator Mike Zimmer's defense ranked in the top ten in all statistical categories and now returns with one more year of experience.
3.) The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the youngest teams in the NFL but have playoff experience (against the Houston Texans in 2011).
4.) QB Andy Dalton is entering his second season in the NFL (after having no off season in 2011 due to the 2011 NFL lockout). Head coach Marvin Lewis and offensive coordinator Jay Gruden will have an entire off season to work with the "Red Rifle".
Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden will be able to expand his West Coast offense play book in 2012. The West Coast offense, with its emphasis on short and medium range passes is perfect for Dalton who doesn't posses great arm strength.
In the 2011 season the "Red Rifle" threw for 3,398 yards, 20 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and had a passer rating of 80.4. The obvious question is "will the "Red Rifle" have to deal with a 'sophomore slump' in the 2012 NFL season?" Remember, the Bengals play in the rugged AFC North division.
5.) The running back position has been upgraded with the signing of former New England Patriots running back Benjarvus Green-Ellis. Green-Ellis is an excellent pass receiver out of the backfield and has never had a "fumble" problem in his career.
6.) Second year wide receiver A.J. Green caught 65 passes for 1,057 yards in his rookie season, an average of 16 yards per catch. Head coach Lewis and offensive coordinator Gruden will be able to expand their West Coast offense in Dalton and Green's second year in the league and expect both Green and Dalton to make considerable progress in their second year.
7.) No one takes the Bengals seriously. The Bengals are not considered a top tier team in the NFL despite having made the playoffs in two of the last three years. Cincinnati will be able to "sneak up" on a lot of teams.
8. ) Head Coach Marvin Lewis and the Cincinnati Bengals appear to be a team on the rise. They have drafted well and have signed some quality free agents. They need to believe in themselves, play smart and hard, and continue to improve week-in and week-out. Who knows, with a break or two, the Bengals could be challenging for a division crown in 2012.
