Week 15: @Cincinnati Bengals(14)
After five consecutive nine-plus win campaigns between 2011-2015, the Bengals have tapered off considerably, finishing 6-9-1 in 2016, and 7-9 last season.
Dawg Pound Daily
This is a team that’s struggling and scuffling, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
They added some good pieces this offseason, bringing in tackleCordy Glennand adding centerBilly Pricein the Draft, to help shore up a line that’s been abysmal the last couple of seasons, which should help. Better protection for quarterbackAndy Daltonis key.
But, the team lacks offensive playmakers. WithA.J. Green, really, the only go-to option in the passing game aside from tight endTyler Eifert– who has a lengthy injury history – Cincinnati’s passing attack may not be exceptionally strong this year.
Their running game featuresJoe MixonandGiovani Bernard, which may be the strength of this offense. But, without a strong passing component, this team will struggle to move the ball and score points.
Defensively speaking, you can pencil inCarlos DunlapandGeno Atkinsto wreak havoc as they usually do.Preston Brownwas a solid add to the linebackers group, but the secondary is largely nondescript and untested. Which could make for a long season for this Bengals squad.
Week 3: @Miami Dolphins(13)
Despite losingJarvis Landry, the Dolphins still have a couple of playmakers inKenny Stills,DeVante Parker, and Patriots castoffDanny Amendola. While maybe not the marquee trio in the league, they have the potential to be solid.
They also have a fairly decent quarterback inRyan Tannehill– so long as he can stay healthy.
To help shoulder some of the load and take some pressure off Tannehill, the Dolphins tried to beef up their line by addingDaniel Kilgore, and longtime PackerJosh Sitton, who also played the last two seasons in Chicago.
It’s not clear yet, if the new additions will solidify the line enough to keep Tannehill upright and healthy.
Defensively, they’ll be gettingRaekwon McMillanback, after losing him his entire rookie season to injury.
He’ll join a defense that features newcomersRobert Quinn, andAkeem Spence, in trying to ignite a defense that so far, through this preseason, has struggled without huge presenceNdamukong Suhin the middle of the line.
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