Bengals poised to dominate at this yet again
The Cincinnati Bengals have made the playoffs for the last five seasons. And one reason is because of their dominate offensive line play. Expect nothing less yet again in 2016.
Pro Football Focus just released their top offensive lines headed into this season, and once again the Bengals are near the top of the list. Here is Nathan Jahnke reason the Bengals will have the 4th best line.
The Bengals’ offensive line remains largely unchanged outside of losing Andre Smith. In each of the last nine years, Andrew Whitworth has graded above-average in both run-blocking and pass-blocking. Clint Boling and Kevin Zeitler have been mainstays at guard for Cincinnati, and have also provided consistent production. What holds the Bengals out of the top-three is the play of Russell Bodine, who allowed 30 pressures last season, fifth-most among centers. There will be competition at RT, with either an inexperienced player or Eric Winston likely taking the field come Week 1.
The Bengals have invested heavily in the offensive line over the last five seasons, and it has paid major dividends. Zeitler is one of the most underatted guards in the league, and their first two picks in the 2014 NFL Draft in Jack Matthews and Cedric Ogbuehi should have a bigger role along the line this season.
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The best part? Andrew Whitworth continues to be one of the most solid left tackles in the entire league. And outside of Joe Thomas, he has been the best tackle over the last seven seasons in the NFL.
The Bengals have one of the deepest rosters in the leauge, but their offensive line has been and will continue to be their offensive line headed into this season.
Hopefully that translates to another playoff trip. And just maybe that will finally see a win come playoff time. Something that has not happened since 1989.
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