I love reading these things on other sites but for some reason I loathed writing my own because I didn’t want to be like everyone else. But, they are fun okay…I will just come out and say it. These probably aren’t even going to be bold because like everyone else reading this post we think every year can be our year to go to the Super Bowl (see you in Tampa Bay btw).
So here are the 5 BOLD (see what I did there) predictions for the Bengals 2020 season:
Prediction #1: The Bengals will finish in the top 8 in run defense. I know that we were terrible last year, it was infuriating actually to watch. This defense is going to be completely different though and it starts with the addition of Reader. It doesn’t stop there because at the second layer running backs are met with an entire different crop of linebackers. Oh but wait, you say that Vonn Bell is a tackling machine…sure that helps too. I picked top 8 because quite frankly top 10 isn’t that bold. I think is obtainable with the complete revamp.
Prediction #2: Joe Burrow will be the offensive rookie of the year. Ok this one is not that bold because I think we all kind of expect this. If Tua ends up starting and having better numbers sure Burrow is at risk but usually wide receivers and running backs don’t get enough snaps to put up the numbers. Vegas sure likes Burrow to be OROTY and the last time I checked he was +160. This is a bold prediction because of injury, the weak offensive line and overall he is playing for a 2-14 team.
Prediction #3: A Bengals wide receiver will be top 3 in touchdowns. I say a wide receiver because I think someone is going to emerge as Burrow’s favorite target in the red zone. This might be Boyd, Green, Tate, Bernard, Mixon, Higgins or Ross. This dude has so many weapons it has to be someone. I think this is going to translate into a greater red zone conversion with Burrow’s accuracy and honing in on someone like Dalton did with Eifert is going to mean a lot of TDs.
Prediction #4: The Bengals will win MNF. Of course this is against the Steelers but who likes the lights more than #9 and especially at home. I don’t think we are going to be in a situation where the game is too big for him. Some would say ego but I say confidence. Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton were really nice guys but they did not drop in swag. Burrow is the Mayor of Swagopolis and when you need to not be overwhelmed that is what it takes; just ask Georgia and Clemson about that.
Prediction #5: AJ Green is not signed to a long-term deal. This one cuts me deep because I truly love Green but if they think they can get serious production out of Higgins in year 2 and Boyd stays at the top of his game then why wouldn’t they want to save $18M/year and spend it to help Burrow in other ways (like the offensive line or creating more turnovers on defense). I can’t picture AJ playing anywhere else, nor do I want to see it but it certainly is a possibility. It will be a business decision if it is made and not a heart decision like sometimes the Bengals do.