How did the Bengals turn it around?

[Smelly McUgly]

I don't think they can make it to the SB, but they are an improved team.

The AFC is so underwhelming, though. They will match up well with the Pats and Broncos, and I think they can beat the Texans this year if they meet again in the playoffs.

 

[Sarlacc83]

They do this every couple of years, don't they? Somehow they manage to create the perfect storm out of spare parts before disappointing again for the next few years.

It might also have something to do with a number of high draft picks and blind luck. If Brown just picks 'consensus' picks all the time, he's bound to find a few bones in all the dirt. And Marvin Lewis isn't a terrible coach, even if he is hampered and hamstrung. But like a woman in a bad relationship, he goes through life with a blank stare and hopes everything gets better. That must rub off on the players.

 

[Scottemojo]

They do this every couple of years, don't they? Somehow they manage to create the perfect storm out of spare parts before disappointing again for the next few years.

It might also have something to do with a number of high draft picks and blind luck. If Brown just picks 'consensus' picks all the time, he's bound to find a few bones in all the dirt. And Marvin Lewis isn't a terrible coach, even if he is hampered and hamstrung. But like a woman in a bad relationship, he goes through life with a blank stare and hopes everything gets better. That must rub off on the players.

And you just summed up the feeling I can't shake.

 

[kearly]

There is definitely at least a little luck. Vontaze Burfict was Aaron Curry with a glacial forty time and with even less ability to stay in control. And they made him into a productive player somehow.

I think the answer is pretty simple- there has to have been some kind of change in the scouting department. Every year since 2009, the Bengals have been year in year out among the best drafting teams in the NFL. I'll admit some bias, since they draft more players I like than just about anyone else, but I think the results are really starting to show.

I don't know if Bernard fits a physical team like Cincy, but he's a good RB who can slip through small spots and rack up big plays. Last year they had a dead average running game with a below average starting RB. I like Bernard, but that said, if the Seahawks end up dangling Marshawn Lynch in trade talks next offseason, I'm guessing the Bengals would among those in on the discussions.

While I think Dalton's absolute maximum upside is a less clutch, less composed Troy Aikman, that might be enough if they can get a real running game going. Cincy's defense finished #3 in weighted DVOA. A good running game will take them places. Tyler Eifert is going to be a very good weapon on 3rd down / redzone situations, too. He might be the best jump ball target I've ever scouted.

 

[volsunghawk]

I don't think they can make it to the SB, but they are an improved team.

The AFC is so underwhelming, though. They will match up well with the Pats and Broncos, and I think they can beat the Texans this year if they meet again in the playoffs.

Eh, I disagree. I don't see them beating any of those three teams.

They play good D, but the really good offenses will still be able to give them fits.

And on offense, Green's really the only weapon they have. Their run game is middling at best, and that'll kill the in the postseason. You can have a meh run offense, but only if you've got a top-of-the-line passing game, and the Bengals don't have that (and won't ever have that with Dalton, imo).

 

[Smelly McUgly]

Burfict was a better pass-rusher than Curry ever was, I think. Worlds and worlds better.

But yeah, they are both head-cases.

 

[kearly]

Sadly you are right about the pass rusher part, even though Curry was a missile and Burfict had the speed of a defensive lineman. That's why I was so against Aaron Curry before that draft, he had like 4 sacks in 4 college seasons combined, and when you put on the tape, he showed no pass rush talent at all. He had size and speed and played hard. That was it.