Bengals Bytes (5/15): Breaking out

Cornerback trade a possibility for the Arizona Cardinals

If the Cardinals decide they’d like to once again trade for a cornerback, the Cincinnati Bengals are a club they should be calling. Cincy’s locker room is loaded with good corners. Perhaps Keim could pry one away from them with the right offer.

Who Dey notes: Bengals' Lewis on Adam Jones, breakout players

Yes, the subject is getting old. But, to the dismay of Bengals fan, it just won’t go away. Adam Jones has been in the news recently for the same incident. When his Rolls-Royce was involved in an accident, Jones was seen in an Instagram post using profanity to describe what happened. Later, the young man that drove the other vehicle decided he wouldn’t accept Jones’ apology for his actions. Enough is enough. By this time, fans realize that the Bengals’ cornerback has a volatile temper. Time to let the natural flow of things take its course.

3 Bengals Primed To Breakout In 2017

Last season might have been the beginning of a very lean period for the Cincinnati Bengals. After winning 10 or more games in each of their previous four seasons and reaching the playoffs in each of their previous five, the Bengals went 6-9-1 in 2016, and more of the same may be ahead in 2017. A suddenly decaying offense is the reason. A unit that ranked 24th in scoring and allowed 41 sacks (tied for seventh-most in the league) last year lost its best pass protector, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, and its best run blocker, right guard Kevin Zeitler, to free agency. There’s little to suggest their projected replacements will make the unit better.

Bengals should be set to rebound, compete in 2017

We’ve heard the rhetoric before. The same old ghost stories about getting things right and making a serious run for the playoffs and the Super Bowl. But, this looks like the year that may be a turning point for the franchise. The Bengals have added speed and excitement to the roster. For the most part, the youngsters look like impact players that can step in and make a difference. Things should improve and the Bengals could make a statement in 2017.

Bengals have to turn draft into winning product

The Bengals were able to make a few splashes in the draft. But, it’s time to get down to business. As the various camps roll around, predictions are being made about who will be starting and who could possibly be the rookie of the year. That’s all fine and dandy. But the hard truth is still looking fans and Bengals brass in the face. This team has to be molded into a winner. Marvin Lewis and Co. have until September 10 to make believers out the masses.

AFC North Bytes

Looking at eight returning Ravens who will factor into position battles

Still in the midst of their offseason workout program, the Ravens will transfer into the organized team activities phase May 23. That’s when players will spend more time on the field. That’s also when it becomes a little clearer where certain players stand in the preliminary depth chart heading into training camp.

Cleveland Browns could start Myles Garrett, two other top picks

With free agency and the draft in the rear-view mirror, and organized team activities and minicamps in full swing, here’s a starting lineup projection for the Cleveland Browns

Blount hopes to make a name for himself with Steelers

For many of the young players attending the Steelers’ rookie mini-camp this weekend, the task at hand has been keeping up with the other players at their respective positions on the football field. It can be overwhelming, especially for some of the players from smaller schools, who might not necessarily know a lot about what it takes to make it in the NFL. Taylorstown native Akil Blount has a lot of things working in his favor as he attempts to make the Steelers’ roster after signing in mid-February.

Random Bytes

Buffalo Bills begin again to end NFL playoff drought

Buffalo hasn’t fielded a playoff team in 17 years, and its new braintrust has a plan to get back. Here’s how a book played a role in recruiting the new regime. Plus the perfect fit for Kaepernick, Blandino Pt. 2 and more

Bills to name Joe Schoen assistant G.M.

The Bills recently hired a General Manager. They’re now hiring an assistant G.M. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Dolphins director of player personnel Joe Schoen will become the No. 2 to Brandon Beane in Buffalo.

Beth Mowins, Rex Ryan to call Week 1 Monday Night game on ESPN

ESPN is set to assign play-by-play broadcaster Beth Mowins and the newly hired Rex Ryan to call the late game of its Monday Night Football doubleheader in Week One. The pairing hasn’t been officially announced, but Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated reports that that’s ESPN’s plan. Mowins and Ryan have worked together once before, calling Florida State’s spring game.

Titans working on ways to get Marcus Mariota work in OTAs

The Titans aren’t in any rush to bump quarterback Marcus Mariota up to full participation after last year’s fractured fibula, but they don’t want to let the entire offseason go by without him getting some work with the team’s new receivers.