With the Bengals beginning OTAs on Monday, June 1, ESPN’s Adam Schefter explained why it could be the start of a big year in Cincinnati.
During ESPN’s “Get Up,” Schefter pointed out that quarterback Joe Burrow’s health is paramount in a pivotal year for the Bengals after missing the postseason in three consecutive seasons. If Burrow can stay on the field, the Bengals have built a better defense to supplement the team’s high-octane offense that far-too-often put up big numbers in shootout losses.
“If Joe Burrow is healthy, they’re probably going to be playing with the lead a lot of the time,” Schefter said. “It takes the pressure off what should be a much-improved defense.”
In his first press conference of the season last month, Burrow said this is the “most talented” roster since he was drafted by the Bengals with the No. 1 pick in 2020.
“We have everything we need in that locker room,” Burrow said. “We just have to go make it happen.”
On top of a healthy Burrow and defensive additions, the Bengals have a favorable schedule on paper.
“Their schedule is about as easy as any schedule in the league. It is set up for the Bengals to have a big year and for them to be a dangerous team,” Schefter said.
According to NFL analyst Warren Sharp, the Bengals have the third-easiest schedule in the NFL. The Bengals will play just four games against three opponents who had winning records last season (Texans, Steelers, Jacksonville). Three of those four games come in a row from Weeks 2-4.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: ESPN’s Adam Schefter: Cincinnati Bengals could be ‘dangerous team’
Reporting by Shelby Dermer, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
