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The Cincinnati Bengals Reach The Super Bowl If...

By Josh Kirkendall
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
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?

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