AFC North Preview Part III: The Cincinnati Bengals.

The Cincinnati Bengals had an outstanding 2011 season, and hope to have a great 2012, but it may be tough to repeat their success from last year. The Bengals cashed in on their magical draft bringing together a great battery in A.J. Green and Andy Dalton. They took the league by storm and opened a lot of eyes. Their defense also performed better than expected finishing in the top 10 in the NFL and all signs point to this team only getting better.

The real surprise during free agency for the Bengals was that they did not pursue the resigning of running back Cedric Benson. Benson has been a force for the Bengals cracking over 1,000 yards rushing and averaging at least six touchdowns over the past three seasons. But his age (29) apparently made the Bengals brass question whether he could continue with the same level of production. Instead the Bengals signed former Patriots running back and free agent BenJarvis Green-Ellis. Green-Ellis has spent his career in a pass heavy Patriots offense and has only one 1,000 yard rushing season. The real question will be can he carry the load for the Bengals like Benson did in a more “balanced” offensive scheme.

The Bengals spent their draft primarily in two key areas. The first being the offensive line with picks such as the best offensive guard in the draft in Kevin Zeitler (Wisconsin 27th overall). Improving the offensive line performance was a key target for the franchise and it appears they have done just that.

The second area that the Bengals focused on was their defense. Their top draft selection was Dre Kirkpatrick (17th overall from Alabama) who has the skills to be a premier corner in this league. Kirkpatrick filled a need for the Bengals as their secondary suffered a lot of injuries last season and was a weak part of an otherwise stellar defense. The only real question involving Kirkpatrick is his character. He has had a “spotty” past but the Bengals are known for taking chances on players like him.

However the biggest question for the Bengals (other than the running game) will be Dalton, and Green and can they build on their success of last year? The biggest pit-fall for a QB/WR combo in this league is the “sophomore slump”. At times some 2nd year players have a harder time after the league has adjusted. Now that opposing defenses have a full scouting book on them, it will be much more difficult to repeat what they did last year. Dalton will need to rely more on some of his other targets such as Jordan Shipley and Brandon Tate. If Dalton and Green can avoid 2nd year set-backs, this can be an explosive offense that can score in a hurry.

But in my opinion Cincinnati will have a down year. Their schedule is much more difficult than last years and defenses will key on Green early and often. I feel that the Bengals will go either 9-7 or 8-8 this season going .500 in the division at best. Almost every game they won within the AFC North last season was close and could have gone either way. I feel the 2012 season will be a season of growing pains for this team. But do not count them out entirely, this is a team on the rise and will be a dominate force in years to come.

What do you Think?

Michael W. Youngman--Lead Analyst AFC North
Michael is the Lead Analyst for the AFC North Report and the Cleveland Browns Report. He has written many articles that have been featured by playerpress.com, cantonrep.com, FoxSports.com, and of course this site. Michael has also written a book titled “The Dayton Project” published in 2008 by PublishAmerica. He makes his home in the Hall of Fame City of Canton Ohio with his wife Lisa and his two children Joseph and Jennifer. To learn more, visit his Website