Cincinnati Bengals Preview 2021

NFLNFL Preview 2021AFC Preview 2021AFC North Preview 2021AFCAFC NorthCincinnati Bengals

Sep 4

Our Cincinnati Bengals preview 2021 finds that for the most part this team possesses a good offense, which is capable of putting points on the scoreboard. However, the Cincinnati defense is lacking in just about every area. Consequently, they’ll have a tough time keeping the team in the game. Last season, the Bengals finished last in the AFC North with a 4-11-1 record. From 2009-20015, this team made the playoffs as a wildcard six-of-seven seasons. Unfortunately, they never got past the initial round. Since 2016, the Bengals have not had a winning season, going 25-53-2.

Bengals Offense

The hands down Heisman Trophy winner for 2019, Joe Burrow, was snagged by the Bengals as the number one draft pick of 2020. Prior to sustaining an ACL injury in his first NFL season, Burrow performed well, tossing for 2,688 yards, and hitting for 13 scores while putting up five picks. Burrow is healthy and should put up even better numbers this season. However, his offensive line is a huge concern. Last season, they allowed 48 sacks (T-27th). This group is a weak link.

The receiving unit includes wideouts Tyler Boyd (79 REC, 841 YDs, 10.7 AVG, 4 TDs) and Tee Higgins (67 REC, 908 YDs, 13.6 AVG, 6 TDs). They are a formidable duo. Top running back Joe Mixon (119 ATT, 428 YDs, 3.6 AVG, 3 TDs) saw his 2020 season cut short after six games due to a nagging foot injury. Notably, he’s a solid rusher who has proven to be a 1,000-plus yard rusher.

Cincinnati Bengals Preview – Defense

Cincinnati’s 17 sacks ranked last in the NFL while their 11 interceptions tied for 18th. Our Cincinnati Bengals preview 2021 observes that while scoring 19.4 PPG (29th), the defense allowed 26.5 PPG (22nd). Improvements have been made upfront, as Trey Hendrickson (13.5 SCKs) comes to the Bengals from the Saints. Plus, run stopper D.J. Reader, who was lost for two-thirds of last season, returns to play nose tackle. If tackle Larry Ogunjobi can reclaim his mojo from two years ago, this will be a stout line. Last season, the linebackers gave up a lot of yards. There’s been little done to improve this unit. It’s hoped that Logan Wilson, Akeem Davis-Gaither, and Germaine Pratt, all young defenders, will show improvement. Safeties Jesse Bates III (3 INTs) and Von Bell are a solid duo, but the corners are a concern.

Cincinnati Bengals Special Teams

This Bengals’ special team units are some of the best in the NFL. Punter Kevin Huber and long snapper Clark Harris, both solid performers, return. In 12 seasons, all with Cincinnati, Huber has averaged 45.3 gross yards and 41.8 net yards per punt. Rookie Evan McPherson, a fifth-round draft pick from Florida, has all the markings of a professional placekicker. Darius Phillips handles punt and kick returns.