You could describe the Bengals’ 2013 season in a variety of ways, but the term that seems the most fitting is “predictable”.
On paper the Bengals might be a Championship caliber team, but the play of Andy Dalton was certain to kick Cincinnati’s Super Bowl hopes to the curb in 2013. Sometimes all it takes is one weak link for a team to unravel and ultimately collapse. For the Bengals to finally reach the promised land – or heck, even win a playoff game for the first time since the early 90’s – heading into the offseason, there has to be plan and it has to be carried out with perfection.
Anything short of an AFC Championship Game appearance will be a failure for the defending AFC North champs.
COACHING MIX-UPS
Marvin Lewis will often be the scapegoat—as many coaches are—but the 2013 collapse wasn’t his fault. Did Lewis throw Dalton’s three interceptions in the playoffs? I didn’t think so.
The 12th-year coach will get a another chance in 2014 to lead a team that has faced many adjustments already, just about two weeks removed from Super Bowl XLVIII.
Offensive Coordinator Jay Gruden and Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer are gone. Paul Guenther and Hue Jackson are in to replace them. Will they help both sides – or either side – of the ball improve?
Jackson’s Background: Redskins RB Coach and OC 2001-2003, Bengals WR Coach 2004-2006, Falcons OC 2007, Ravens QB Coach 2008-2009, Raiders OC and Head Coach 2010-2011, Bengals multiple positions 2012-2013
Guenther’s Background: Bengals LB Coach and more 2005-2013
NOTABLE UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Chris Crocker will be entering his 13th year in 2014. The team will have to make a decision on whether they want to keep the veteran safety as depth or bring in a younger option. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Crocker played 516 plays this season. A guy that plays that much might not seem expendable, but his impact was minimal, as he registered just 37 total tackles, his lowest number since 2008.
Michael Johnson started at defensive end for the Bengals in 2013, but it appears he’ll be wearing a different uniform the next time he hits the field. NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport thinks that Johnson will “definitely hit the open market.”
Linebacker Vincent Rey will be just 27 next season, and the Bengals have to make a wise decision regarding his future. Rey was productive last year, registering 57 total tackles along with four sacks and two interceptions—all in just 348 plays according to PFF.
Anthony Collins, Cincinnati’s starting left tackle in 2013, might not be back next season. Multiple outlets have speculated that the team will let the above-average lineman hit the free agent market. Collins should generate interest from other teams in a league that is desperate for blind-side blockers. The team does have Andrew Whitworth on the roster, who had to move to guard last year after starting LG Clint Boling tore his ACL.
DRAFT NEEDS
Offensive Tackle: We detailed a little bit about the Bengals offensive line and the Collins/Whitworth situation. This is actually a good offensive line that could use just one more big-name guy to continue success into 2014. Somebody like Zack Martin who can play guard or tackle might be a guy the Bengals look at in the first round.
Center: Starter Kyle Cook was rated the Bengals’ worst offensive starter by PFF in 2013. I personally haven’t been able to review his tape from last year, but I’ll trust the good folks at PFF on this one. If Cincinnati is looking for options at the center spot, they’ll have plenty. Some are spotlighted here in our recap of interior line prospects.
Cornerback/Safety: Although they have shown toughness, I can’t say I fully trust the secondary in Cincinnati. The entire group has a tendency of being a bit up-and-down, sometimes giving just a bit too much late in the half. They should add a player in the draft as depth; one could be taken as early as the first round if a player high on their board falls to them.
Outside Linebacker: The front office probably won’t focus on this position too early, but they might grab a mid-round player that can play with speed. Cincinnati will get stronger on defense in 2014, and another player that can play with above-average quickness would help in more ways that one.
Quarterback: This isn’t a matter of if, but when. Andy Dalton will be the starting quarterback next season in all 16 games barring injury, but if he manages to push his record to 0-4 in the playoffs after 2014, it’s time to begin searching for another option—an option that might already be on the roster after the 2014 NFL Draft. After the 4th round, be on the lookout for a pick to keep Dalton on his toes throughout the season.
POTENTIAL FREE AGENT PICKUPS
Joe Hawley and Roberto Garza: The Bengals might bring in a center to add depth. Hawley and Garza, from Atlanta and Chicago respectively, would bring a headline training camp competition to Cincinnati.
James Ihedigbo: After a good season in Baltimore, the Bengals may take a look at the guy that Andy Dalton had trouble with in 2013. Ihedigbo clearly has some good football left in him. He would add depth and compete for a starting job in 2014.
Zach Strief: The Saints might not be able to retain the tackle and the Bengals may be there to scoop him up. Strief is 30 years old, but his size and athleticism have helped him through some injuries. While it would be a risky pick-up, Cincinnati might want to take a look at their options with Strief, who was given a +26.5 rating by PFF in 2013.
