The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2020 season started with promise, as first-overall pick Joe Burrow proved to be a capable leader. But the rookie quarterback had a knee injury that will keep him out for the second half of the season, and it is uncertain if he will return in time for the beginning of the 2021 season.
The Bengals don’t have a line to win Super Bowl LV, with the team having a 2-10-1 record. The Bengals aren’t worthy of your Super Bowl bets anytime soon, as the Bengals will need to make wholesale changes if they want their franchise quarterback to lead them to their first playoff victory since 1991.
How the Leader Performed
Joe Burrow played in only ten games before he was injured, but he quickly showed that he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Burrow shows strong leadership skills on the field, and he is extremely resilient when it comes to the obstacles he faces. He also has support from many talented wide receivers like Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins.
Burrow averaged about 280 passing yards per game. But the offensive line failed Burrow throughout the season, as he was sacked 32 times. The offensive line’s failures also led to Burrow’s injury.
Up next: Monday Night Football in The Jungle 🔜 pic.twitter.com/k7BEDexPWA
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 15, 2020
Fixing the Line
The Bengals must fix their offensive line if they’re going to compete and be worthy of Super Bowl bets someday. In addition to protecting Burrow, they must also provide protection to running back Joe Mixon, who missed most of the season with a foot injury.
It is very likely the Bengals will draft Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell in April. Sewell is the top offensive lineup prospect in the college ranks. But the team will need to replace almost all of their offensive line, including former top-ten pick Jonah Williams.
A Slippery Defense
The Bengal defense has substantial concerns, as they allow their opponents to complete nearly half their third downs. The Bengals give up about 26 points per game, about a touchdown more than what the Bengals score each game. Safety Jessie Bates is a bright spot on the defense, as he is a strong leader in the secondary. Young linebacker Germaine Pratt could also make an impact in the future.
Who Will Coach the Team?
One question surrounding the Bengals entails whether Zac Taylor will continue to coach the team in 2021. Taylor is in his second year with the Bengals, but he has only four wins to show for his work. He has only one win against a team with a winning record, and he hasn’t won a road game.
The Bengals could consider going after a new coach that can lead Burrow and the rest of the roster to success. The team might try to go after Kansas City coordinator and former Bengals running back Eric Bienemy, or even University of Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell.
Are the Bengals Worthy of a Bet Sometime Soon?
The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Joe Burrow. But until the Bengals can fix much of the team’s roster and its coaching situation, it would be impractical to consider them for your Super Bowl bets. But team management could start to realize they have something special on their roster and that they don’t want to waste what they have.
*Odds correct at time of writing.
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Image by: Alexander Jonesi
