visionz813
Starter
1. Andy Dalton's career is somewhere along the lines of Mr. Toads Wild Ride and an inverted roller coaster. When Dalton can find time to throw he can make the requisite plays and lead the Bengals to productive drives and playoff caliber football. However when the pocket isn't as stout he really struggles.
With a ton of key losses to the offensive line via free agency a big key for the Bengals success will be the ability for Dalton to make big throws from the pocket and avoidance of turnovers and injuries.
2. The O-Line has to improve. As noted above the offensive line really needs to come together and fast. After losing talented RG Kevin Zeitler to the rival Cleveland Browns this will be an even scarier proposition. If this unit cannot protect Dalton we may be discussing top ten draft picks in offices around Cincinnati earlier than ever.
3. Rookie Joe Mixon will be THE GUY. Joe Mixon will bring a ton of versatility to the Bengals offense and could likely spell the end for Jeremy Hill in Bengals country. Mixon can bring his receiving talents to the Bengals backfield on any down which likely will help keep Hill sidelined. Perhaps the Bengals will seek to trade Hill for help on the swiss cheese-esque offensive line?
4. John Ross will electrify both the Bengals fan base and the league at large. While the Bengals are pretty deep at receiver there simply is not a dynamic playmaker like John Ross in this group outside of A.J Green. However, look for Ross to be more of a threat in the return game during his rookie campaign while the Bengals work to define his role within the offense.
5. Tyler Eifert is going to make everyone else better. Eiferts athleticism and talent is going to create mismatch nightmares for opposing defenses. This is especially true in the red zone and will help Dalton identify coverages with ease.
6. Expect some creative blitz packages. The Bengals are lacking in consistent edge rushers, but do have one of the leagues best interior pass rushers in Geno Atkins. The Bengals will be forced to utilize the blitz to get pressure up front unless Johnson and Dunlap become more consistent.
7. William Jackson takes over at rich corner. Adam Jones is now 34 and prone to big mistakes. Look for the 2017 campaign to feature a changing of the guard with Jackson becoming the guy and Jones moving to the nickel. No waiting around like they did with Denard and Kirkpatrick.
8. Could Michael Johnson's time with the Bengals be over? Last season MJ was terrible with only 3.5 sacks. Maybe its time to let rookie Carl Lawson take over? Also Chris Smith could earn himself a key role in 2016. At five million a year MJ might be better off riding off into he sunset then looking terrible each week.
9. Could Jeff Driskel make the roster? Driskel returns to the team after spending 2016 as the third string QB. But Driskel could be a diamond in the rough in the future. Rumor also has it that the Bengals front office may try to move A.J McCaron.
10. Does anyone know which way this thing is going? Unless the defense improves and finds ways to stop opposing teams we may be staring at another long season. However, if the defense tightens up and the Bengals can gel as an offense things could be interesting in Bengals country.