(Brett Davis/USA Today Sports)
Over the last two seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the biggest surprises in football with back-to-back playoff appearances thanks to a stellar defense and great leadership from quarterback Andy Dalton. With this type of success, the Bengals will have expectations even higher heading into the 2013 season and thanks to their recent success–they’ve earned themselves three prime time games in the national spotlight.
That’s right–Cincinnati will be part of three prime time games next year as the 2013 NFL schedule was officially released on Thursday. Along with a key Monday night matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2, the Bengals will play the Miami Dolphins on Halloween (Thursday) and be in the national spotlight once again for the Steelers in Week 15.
It may seem like a bit much to have both games against the Steelers in the national spotlight, but the Bengals certainly can’t complain about the much deserved recognition.
Cincinnati has been making all of the right moves and it may be early on, but this team seems capable of making a run for the AFC North title next season. As long as Dalton and A.J. Green can continue to be one of the league’s best passing duos in the passing game, the sky will be the limit for this team in 2013.
Hopefully, the Bengals don’t disappoint and live up to the hype–especially since they’ll be in the national spotlight for three games next season since they’re expected to be contenders.
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