Bengals Bytes (7/1): Jealousy

Here are the longest Super Bowl droughts that could be coming to an end in 2017

There are 12 NFL teams that currently have a Super Bowl drought of more than 20 seasons. The Bengals would probably be ranked higher on this list if they had an offensive line that could protect Andy Dalton. After watching Dalton get beat up to the tune of 41 sacks in 2016, the Bengals responded by letting their two best offensive lineman walk in free agency.

Green's big push
In the 365-day-slicked-up-packaged NFL of the 21st century, even the mundane six weeks between spring ball and training camp have become Dancing With The Stars. Terrelle Pryor, who plays for Washington, is training with Steelers Pro Bowler Antonio Brown. Old friend Marvin Jones, now in Detroit, is working out with Randy Moss, a lock for the next Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

Will Cincinnati Bengals' defense or offense set the tone?
Much has been said about the Bengals horrendous offensive showing last year. The biggest disappointment came from the O-line and the lack of protection for Andy Dalton. While fans were busy scouring the draft boards for a worthy set of bodies to replace Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler, the Cincinnati brain trust was busy getting the overall structure ready for 2017.

Bengals 50: Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and what could have been for Bengals in the '80s
There are few shadows that loom as large as Joe Montana’s in the National Football League. It choked Steve Young for years. It hovers over Tom Brady like a specter to this day. It looms over any quarterback that has taken a snap since Montana retired after the 1994 season. And it has never vacated the southeastern banks of the Ohio River.

The Missing Link: Cincinnati Bengals need a Ring of Honor
The Cincinnati Bengals have had so many great players over the course of the franchise’s first 50 years in the NFL. Anthony Munoz, Ken Anderson, Corey Dillon, Chad Johnson, are just a few that come to immediate memory. But, these players still haven’t been paid their due when it comes to being honored by the team they poured their blood, sweat and tears out for.

AFC North Bytes

Ravens TE Darren Waller Suspended at Least 1 Year for Substance Abuse Violation
Baltimore Ravens tight end Darren Waller has been suspended by the NFL for another violation of the league's substance abuse policy. The Ravens announced Waller's suspension will last for at least one year because this is his second violation in the span of two years. The 24-year-old missed the first four games of last season for his first violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Browns OT Joe Thomas takes joy in the simple things in life
When you play in the NFL, the weekly grind and physical toll can be enough to push any man to the edge. From two-a-days under the blazing summer sun in training camp to battling on the field in blizzard like conditions, the NFL is no place for the weak.

2017 Offseason Questions: Will Artie Burns' Arrest Matter In The Long Run?
When all is said and done, will Artie Burns’ arrest matter at all? You had no doubt read by now that Steelers second-year starting cornerback Artie Burns was arrested late Thursday in Florida after being pulled over due to having an expired tag on his vehicle. It was found that Burns’ license was suspended and had upwards of $1000 in unpaid tickets.

Random Bytes

Former Packers tight end Mitchell Henry passes away at age 24
Former Green Bay Packers tight end Mitchell Henry has passed away following a battle with leukemia per a statement from his mother released through their church. He was 24 years old.

NBA free agency: Why NFL deals and trades are so different
We’re approaching that time of year when NFL players and agents need to avert their eyes. During the first two weeks of July, NBA free agents will sign deals that will remind us once again that when it comes to contract security and allocation of risk between the team and player, NFL players are sitting at the children’s table. Indeed, even before free agency the NBA market was full of contract activity. The business of the NBA is much more prolific, and thereby more player-friendly, than the business of the NFL.

NFL to Push China Game Plans Back to 2019
The NFL announced Thursday that it has postponed its plans for a game in China during the 2018 season until 2019. According to Daniel Kaplan of Sports Business Daily, NFL executive vice-president for international explained the reasoning behind the decision to push the game back to a season that will be the league's 100th in existence: "It may make better sense to look at that game as an opportunity to celebrate our 100 years, in the event we can pull it off and as a way to look forward to the future."

Dorial Green-Beckham Waived by Eagles After 1 Season
The Philadelphia Eagles announced Friday they have waived wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham after one season with the team. In his lone campaign as an Eagle, Green-Beckham registered 36 receptions for 392 yards and two touchdowns. The Tennessee Titans selected Green-Beckham in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft, and he made 32 catches for 549 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie.