May 22, 2012; Cincinnati, OH USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks to throw during organized team activities at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-US PRESSWIRE
Pete Prisco last week offered a game of "if", asking what a team has to do to make the playoffs, or the Super Bowl. In Cincinnati's case, Prisco says that the Bengals make the Super Bowl if, "Andy Dalton makes the progress going forward that he showed as a rookie. This is a team loaded with young talent. But Dalton can't have a sophomore slump."
Agreed.
Though this organization has tried to improve their rushing offense with blockers stronger in the run, this offense, like the trend of the NFL today, will rely heavily on their quarterback's arm. After all the team made a stronger effort to surround Dalton with more talent in the passing game than on the ground.
And before anyone makes exception to that, we don't view BenJarvus Green-Ellis as a significant upgrade over Cedric Benson. Is he an upgrade? Are you seriously asking that? But significant? Right now I don't see it. That impression could change quickly though. Who knows in the early months of July.
Now one could argue that it's defense that will ride this team into a Super Bowl berth. Fair enough.
What do you think is the No. 1 reason the Bengals get into the Super Bowl?
Poll
No. 1 reason that the Cincinnati Bengals make the Super Bowl.
Andy Dalton dramatically improves on his rookie success (87 votes)
The rushing offense goes from stale to dominant (103 votes)
Offensive line vastly improves from mediocrity last season (117 votes)
Defense does a Public Enemy and shuts 'em down (137 votes)
It's all of the above, dork. (469 votes)
913 total votes
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