The Cincinnati Bengals have been irrelevant for most of my lifetime, as it’s been 23 seasons since the franchise last won a playoff game — a winless streak that tops every other NFL team.
In recent years, the Bengals have extended coach Marvin Lewis’ contract, added former college stars Andy Dalton, as quarterback, and A.J. Green, as wide receiver, and pieced together one of the most solid defenses in the NFL.
Yes, the changes are monumental and have in fact placed the Bengals in each of the past two postseasons. The one aspect, however, that will elevate Cincinnati to the even greater success, you ask? Rookie running back Giovanni Bernard, who leads all non-quarterback rookies in rushing yards and total touchdowns this season and has led the Bengals to a division-best 2-1 record.
Honestly, his play single handedly powered the Bengals’ offense past a quality Green Bay opponent this past Sunday, as Cincinnati edged out the Packers 34-30.
The North Carolina grad brings a needed spice to a Bengals offense that has been virtually all Green the past two seasons. Bernard’s agility, catching ability and overall fearlessness on the field allows him to make big-time plays for Dalton and company.
Bernard’s continued on-field success is requiring opponents to take more and more notice of the scatback’s every move, which, in effect, will take pressure off Dalton and his connection with the other Cincinnati playmakers.
Granted, it’s still extremely early in Bernard’s professional career, so his Darren Sproles-esque style and size could catch up to him sooner rather than later, but nonetheless, if the Bengals offensive weapon can remain healthy and continue to adjust to the speed of NFL play, Cincinnati can very well open itself to postseason success again at the end of this season and for seasons to come.
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@SKwiatkowski247
