The 2015 NFL season is just weeks away, and there’s plenty of intrigue to spare surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals as the days tick down. Here are three things we've learned so far through training camp:
Focus on protecting Andy Dalton
Drafting Texas A&M standout Cedric Ogbuehi at #21 and potential draft steal Jake Fisher in the second gives Cincinnati flexibility at both the right and left tackle spots. That’s key with both Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith heading into contract years. Regardless, this is a young, talented unit who are poised to give Andy Dalton plenty of time in both the pocket and on the roll out. Time equals points and points usually equal wins, meaning that Dalton will have no excuses when it comes to leading this offense (and this franchise) to the next step on its championship quest.
Young corners look ready
The Bengals have been counting on Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard to step up and help veterans Leon Hall and Adam Jones, and it appears that they're ready to start carrying a heavy load.
Via ESPN's Coley Harvey:
"Dre Kirkpatrick has had a really good day. Just broke up a goal-line pass to Denarius Moore. Kirkpatrick made a great break on ball. Darqueze is competing for a starting job so when he gets his opportunities and his reps in there he's trying to get the most of his opportunities, just like the rest of these guys are."
Offense to rely more on the running game
There isn't a more talented backfield in the NFL than Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard. Both players have fantasy breakout material written all over them, and this is the year to draft both of them. A solidified offensive line isn't only going to benefit Andy Dalton. It's going to give these two plenty of holes to work with en route to gashing AFC North defenses all season long.
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