Pro Sports

Bengals address biggest needs, ready to defend AFC title

Posted August 23, 2022 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

Cincinnati Bengals quarteraback Joe Burrow looks to pass during NFL football training camp in Cincinnati, Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) The Associated Press

CINCINNATI BENGALS (13-8, Super Bowl runner-up)

New faces: RT La'el Collins, RG Alex Cappa, C Ted Karras, TE Hayden Hurst, TE Nick Eubanks, S Daxton Hill, CB Cam Taylor-Britt.

Key losses: TE C.J. Uzomah, DT Larry Ogunjobi, OL Riley Reiff, CB Trae Waynes, CB Darius Phillips.

Strengths: With the Bengals signing three new offensive linemen, third-year quarterback Joe Burrow should spend more time upright and be even more successful. He missed the first three weeks of training camp after having an appendectomy on July 26, but is expected to be ready for Cincinnati's opener Sept. 11. Reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd make up one of the best receiver groups in the league. Running back Joe Mixon also will benefit from the improved O-line. Defensive line and linebackers are solid. Kicker Evan McPherson was a fifth-round draft pick last year who became a clutch performer and household name in Cincinnati.

Weaknesses: The Bengals secondary could be inconsistent last season. Safety Jessie Bates III ended a lengthy dispute. Cincinnati has high hopes for their two top draft picks, safety Daxton Hill and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, who is out currently with a core muscle injury.

Camp Development: Fourth-round draft pick Cordell Volson has been impressive. He could win the starting left guard job away from second-year player Jackson Carman. Rookie Hill likely will start until Bates returns.

Fantasy Player To Watch: WR Tee Higgins says he's 100% healthy after having shoulder surgery following the Super Bowl. With defenses keying on Chase, Higgins will again be an important target for Burrow.

FanDuel Says: Win Super Bowl: +2,200. Over/under wins: 9.5.

Expectations: With a healthy Burrow and an overhauled offensive line that could open more lanes for running back Mixon - who has distinguished himself despite being limited by bad blocking in recent years - expectations are off the charts. The secondary is expected to be better with the addition of the two rookies.

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Cincinnati Bengals' Dax Hill makes a catch during the NFL football team's training camp in Cincinnati, Wednesday, July 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) The Associated Press

Cincinnati Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase makes a catch during practice at the NFL football team's training facility in Cincinnati, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) The Associated Press

Cincinnati Bengals place-kicker Evan McPherson celebrates a field goal during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL football preseason game in Cincinnati, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) The Associated Press

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor gestures during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The Associated Press

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