The Disrespected Bengals Have Something To Prove Against Baltimore
By Kevin Ross II
Ravens football is back in a major way this year; welcome to the start of the 2014 season. As Baltimore players and coaches find themselves waist-deep in preparation for the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s only fitting that the fans follow suit.
The Bengals feel as if they have the perfect balance of experience and youth needed to win it all this season. The Bengals are coming off of an 11 win season, but they are seldom mentioned as a Super Bowl contender. In fact, they are probably one of the least covered teams in the NFL, and don’t come close to receiving the same national coverage as the Steelers, Ravens or even the Cleveland Manzels. The Bengals have taken notice of their lack of coverage, and feel extremely disrespected.
Cincinnati’s front office attributes the lack of national notoriety to the fact that most still view their franchise as a haven for thugs and misfits. But this notion couldn’t be further from the truth, as the evidence points to the Bengals staying out of the headlines. All the while their counterparts, the Ravens, deal with five players on their roster who were arrested during the offseason and the Steelers try to resolve issues surrounding two running backs who were just cited for marijuana possession only hours before a preseason game.
However, for the Bengals, crime is not a factor and the team can concentrate solely on their opening day opponent as they will bring a very cohesive and deep roster to M&T Bank stadium, built by Duke Tobin, who is the director of player personnel for the Bengals.
Tobin has put together a homegrown roster where all but three (Terence Newman, Wallace Gilberry, Reggie Nelson) of his projected 22 starters for offense/defense were drafted by the Bengals. The Bengals model for success focuses on drafting well, but also rewarding draft picks rather than letting them become free agents. This enables consistency on the roster, but it also provides an incentive for current players as they understand the organization will compensate them accordingly if they perform.
This way of doing business has worked well, as Cincinnati has made the playoffs for three straight years. The Bengals have compiled so much talent that they were able to cut BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who started at running back for them a season ago, and they were also able to part ways with 2012 second round pick Devon Still. While most teams give second round picks every opportunity to get it right, the Bengals have the depth to simply cut their ties and quickly move on.
Baltimore will have their hands full with the Bengals on opening day, as Cincinnati will look to establish AJ Green, who averaged about 18 yards per catch last season against Baltimore, and then unleash Jeremy Hill, who will replace the Law firm as the team’s top ball carrier. Hill is a physical runner who does well in between the tackles, and should be able to handle a heavy workload this season.
“Bigger [sized] backs are accustomed to getting a heavy workload, and that’s something I’ve done in college, in high school, and now I get a chance to showcase my ability in the NFL,” said Hill.
Jeremy Hill should help set the tone for a 2014 season where the disrespected Bengals will play physical, chippy and definitely with something to prove. Baltimore will need to be on top of its game to tame these Bengals come Week 1.
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Kevin Ross is a freelance writer covering all things Washington Redskins. His work can be found on Examiner.com.