Bengals preview: Big changes on horizon in Cincinnati
Training camps are still in the distance, but USA TODAY Sports is providing five things you need to know about every team in the NFL to catch you up on the offseason. Today, the Cincinnati Bengals ...
1. Marvin Lewis could be in make-or-break year
There is only one coach in the NFL with a longer tenure than Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis, and that is the New England Patriots’ Bill Belichick. For the first time since 2010, Lewis enters a season without a contract in place for the following season, however. Lewis has insisted that not having security past his 15th campaign on the Bengals sideline won’t weigh on him, but after a 6-9-1 season, the expectation is that the club will make the postseason again. By not having a contract, a slow start will intensify questions about Lewis’ future.
2. Green is motivated for a bounce-back season
The six-time Pro Bowl pick was on pace for a career season in 2016 before tearing a hamstring two plays into his 10th game of the year. A.J. Green, 28, refined his offseason workouts to not only return healthy but to ascend to an all-pro level. Green also is taking a more vocal leadership role within the team, along with quarterback Andy Dalton, as the offense has received a youthful infusion of starting receivers and linemen.
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3. Mixon should contribute, but his role is still unclear
The Bengals caught some heat for drafting the Oklahoma star in the second round. Mixon, who had a troubling off-field incident, is one of three second-round picks in the backfield. Giovani Bernard, a 2013 second-round selection who received a $15 million contract extension before last season, is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and should be back after the start of the season. Until then, Mixon will split time with 2014 second-round pick Jeremy Hill. Hill is in a contract year, and the Bengals are counting on him to find his rookie-year form when he rushed for 1,124 yards and 5.1 yards per carry. Assuming all are healthy once Bernard returns and Hill performs, Mixon likely will see limited touches.
4. The offensive line is in transition after some key losses
The Bengals lost three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Andrew Whitworth, 35, and right guard Kevin Zeitler, 27, to free agency, opening up holes on the offensive line. Last year’s starting right tackle, 2015 first-round pick Cedric Ogbuehi, performed poorly in that spot last season and was benched. This season, Ogbuehi could be flipped to the left tackle spot, his natural position. Jake Fisher, a 2015 second-round pick, could be at right tackle. To replace Zeitler, the Bengals brought back Andre Smith to learn a new position at right guard. Starting left guard Clint Boling is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
5. Eifert, Burfict have much to prove
When healthy, Tyler Eifert has proved to be a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end and Vontaze Burfict a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker. Each man has such an honor on his résumé. But Eifert has missed 26 of a potential 48 games over the last three years, and Burfict has missed 17. Each will turn 27 this season and is playing in the final year of his contract. While the Bengals might entertain extension talks in training camp, the two are entering important seasons to prove they can stay healthy and be consistent impact players.
Owczarski also writes for the Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network.
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