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Bengals, the Revival of Dynasty

Cincinnati Bengals

By Jacob Sorenson

Andy Dalton has received his fair share of criticism over his short tenure in the NFL. The young TCU star struck the NFL with his fire red hair and a highly impressive start as he made the Pro Bowl in his first year in the league. His first year seemed to set a high bar and Cincinnati has advanced to a franchise record 4 playoff appearances in a row. The critical issue behind the 4 playoff appearances in a row, not a single playoff win. The Bengals have scored no more than 13 points in any of their wildcard playoff games against the Texans twice, Chargers, and Colts. The combined 43 points they have scored over a 4 game period is the lowest among all NFL teams in previous four playoff appearances.

                This dismaying statistic has led many to question the growth potential of the Bengals quarterback. Some have even claimed that he has maxed out his potential and it’s time for the Bengals to move on. These 4 year playoff appearances and playoff losses is not room for panic quite yet however. The streaky Bengals are 6-0 this season for the first time since 1988, which happens to be the last time they reached the super bowl. ESPN power rankings currently hold them in fifth place behind only the Patriots, Packers, Broncos, and Cardinals.

                Deemed to have the league’s toughest schedule the Bengals still have much to prove. Based on percentages this very well could be the best year for Cincinnati. On par for a 14 win season those two losses would pit them at number one in the division and grant them the long elusive first round bye to the divisional playoffs. Even if the Bengals merely match the team best 12-4 record set during both of their super bowl seasons, this Bengals team would still go down in Ohio sports lore forever, but where does all of this recent success come from?

Andy Dalton

                Dalton in this his fifth season in the NFL has seemed to find a rhythm which has not been seen from him before. His league topping 14 touchdowns and 2 interceptions more than double offensive production from last season. His efficiency ratings lead the NFL with a personal best 84.2 QBR or Quarterback Rating. For the first time in his career his name is being mentioned among top league quarterbacks including Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers as possible MVP candidates.

                All of the credit for the Bengals success cannot be attributed to only Andy Dalton However. While they are very grateful to have consistent offensive production for the first time in who knows how long, the Bengals defense has come up big with late game stops including that against the Seahawks which led to the overtime win. Also key set pieces in the offensive lineup have allowed Dalton to settle in the pocket, while not forgetting his ability to be the mobile threat he has always been. Tight End Tyler Eifert, and running back Giovani Bernard have opened up the offense so well that the balance is almost unpredictable. Bernard who took over for an injured Jeremy Hill at the beginning of the year has continued to receive the ball even with Hill back in the starting lineup. Besides the running game, with a talented mix like Marvin Jones, A.J. Green, and Mohamed Sanu, Dalton is not lacking offensive targets.


                These Bengals are for real folks. Not only do their statistics show it, but a seemingly united locker room demonstrates it all the more. Watch them on Sunday and you will notice, it cant be overlooked. This cohesive Cincinnati team has a lot to look forward to, and if this success continues, their first playoff win in over two decades and a super bowl may be in the wings. For now let’s just enjoy their success one game at a time and keep cheering Dalton for MVP, while not forgetting who really got him there.

Andy Dalton outruns Steelers defender

Post Addendum: The bengals are now 7-0 for the first time in team history after capping their 16-10 come from behind win against the Steelers on Sunday. Andy Dalton overcame 2 interceptions passing for 231 yards and a touchdown. The bengals defense however seemed to be the biggest game changer as they forced 3 interceptions and held the Steelers to 356 yards of total offense. The steelers uniforms may as well be the ugliest uniforms of the year, but I am certain that had nothing to do with the loss.

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