Bengals WR A.J. Green may be poised for his best season yet

Since coming to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011, A.J. Green has been a major reason as to why the team made five straight playoff brackets. He’s had six 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his seven years, and has been a Pro Bowl nominee every year in the league.

He is constantly at the top of receiving statistics and is definitely one of the league’s best. Green recently stated that he’s eyeing the Hall of Fame as his next achievement.

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 210

College: Georgia

Hometown: Summerville, South Carolina

Years of experience: Eight seasons

Cap status:

Green is in the middle of a four-year, $60 million deal. The deal is set to expire after the 2019 season, and he has a 2018 cap hit of $13.75 million.

There have been rumors that the Bengals are wanting to give Green another extension to remain in Cincinnati, but there hasn’t been much movement on that front. It has seemingly been put on the back-burner with mega-deals given to Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins this summer.

Background:

To set the scene, the Bengals were in a major state of upheaval back in 2011. They were just coming off of a deplorable four-win season and their franchise quarterback, Carson Palmer, gave management a trade-me-or-I-quit ultimatum.

Cincinnati held the No. 4 overall pick and used it on Green, who has been worth every penny since his arrival. Ironically, the Bengals used their second round pick on quarterback Andy Dalton and they have become one of the league’s most prolific passing duos.

He’s been a pillar of consistency, averaging 1,173 yards and over eight touchdowns per season. And, as if that isn’t enough, Green is poised to become the team’s all-time leader in almost every major statistical category.

Here’s a look at his stats and where his ranks in Bengals franchise history:

Receptions: 8,213; second in franchise history

Receiving yards: 556; second in franchise history

Touchdowns: 57; third in franchise history

Reception yards per game: 80.5; first in franchise history

Pro Bowls: 7; second in franchise history

2018 outlook:

Green seems to be on more of a mission this year than in years past. That’s not to say that he hasn’t been previously focused, but the frustrating year that was 2017 seemed to get to him.

Whether it was evident in his exploding on Jalen Ramsey, or the fourth-lowest receiving numbers in his career, Green wants to have a gigantic season. And, even though the cupboard is stocked with weapons on offense to potentially take some stats away from him, he’s still the No. 1 option in the passing attack.

If the Bengals are going to have a rebound season in 2018, the great all-around game Green presents as a receiver will need to be on the forefront of the offense. Given the fact that he has been targeted at an average of 136 times per season, we think he’ll put up the numbers we’re accustomed to—and then some.

With the way this offense is construed to take attention away from Green, don’t be surprised if 2018 turns out to be his best season as pro.