What an offseason. Cincinnati Bengals fans wanted faster, more athletic players as well an upgrade at defensive end on the roster. And, all all of those things were seemingly achieved. Now, we’ll need to wait for regular season action to see just how fast, athletic and improved the roster is, but hopes are high in the Queen City.
In part one of our annual season preview, Dadio, Dr. Hodgie, John Sheeran and Jordan Harris discuss which new additions will have the biggest impact. You can watch the video below:
Offense:
Rookie wide receiver John Ross gave us a glimpse of his burst on a phenomenal 25 yard run against the Indianapolis Colts. But we'll have to wait to see more out of him after he heals up from a sprained knee. It's rookie running back Joe Mixon who has the biggest chance of making an impact early. He ran hard and smart in the preseason, and, as Jordan pointed out in the video, his preseason fumble shouldn't be something that hurts his chances of (eventually) becoming the starting running back in Cincinnati.
Defense:
John is not sold on rookie defensive end Jordan Willis having an immediate impact. Sure, he dominated against backups in the preseason, but he will need to develop an array of pass rushing moves before he can play at a high level against starters. One new member of the Bengals’ defense who does have an array of pass rush moves is defensive end Chris Smith, who the Bengals acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason in exchange for a seventh round pick. Meanwhile, rookie Carl Lawson may play more at linebacker than defensive end, but he should be dominant as a situational pass rusher regardless. His ability to blow by Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams in the Bengals' preseason match against the Washington Redskins was a sign that he's ready to contribute right away.
Poll
Which new addition to the Bengals’ roster will have the biggest impact in 2017?
This poll is closed
-
54%
Joe Mixon
(292 votes) -
2%
John Ross
(14 votes) -
9%
Jordan Willis
(51 votes) -
16%
Chris Smith
(87 votes) -
10%
Carl Lawson
(55 votes) -
2%
Jordan Evans
(11 votes) -
4%
Kevin Minter
(22 votes) -
0%
Other (share in comments)
(1 vote)