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5 Reasons Why the Cincinnati Bengals Won’t Win Super Bowl XLIX

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5 Reasons Why the Cincinnati Bengals Won’t Win Super Bowl XLIX

Marvin Lewis
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

In the Queen City, the p-word has been a source of deep depression for many a Bengals fan. Cincinnati has not won a playoff game since 1990, and the team has squandered multiple opportunities to reverse that record since that fateful day. As they prepare to once again face off against the baddest members of the AFC in the new year, here are five reasons why the Bengals’ Super Bowl drought will continue.

5. Distinct Lack of Pressure On Defense

Geno Atkins
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

5. Distinct Lack of Pressure On Defense

Geno Atkins
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most fearsome defenses in the conference over the past half-decade has dropped off markedly this season, and it all stems from the lack of pass rush. With Michael Johnson gone, only Carlos Dunlap has picked up the slack along the D-line. The talented Geno Atkins has been far less impactful since signing his big money deal, and the linebacking corps has fluctuated between injury and inconsistency all year.

4. A.J. Green Can’t Stay Healthy

A.J. Green
Rob Lelfhelt-USA TODAY Sports

4. A.J. Green Can’t Stay Healthy

A.J. Green
Rob Lelfhelt-USA TODAY Sports

Green is one of the most threatening receivers in the NFL. That is, of course, when he can stay on the field. His season has been punctuated by a never-ending list of nagging injuries, including a biceps bruise and a concussion, both of which were delivered at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Defenses will have far less to game plan for with Green not at 100 percent, which does the offense no favors against top-tier opponents.

3. Jeremy Hill Will Learn A Tough Lesson

Jeremy Hill
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jeremy Hill Will Learn A Tough Lesson

Jeremy Hill
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The second-round rookie has turned in a fine debut season. By the midway point, he had already claimed the starting job and gave the offense an added dimension it had sorely missed. He managed exactly 100 yards last week in Pittsburgh, but not before the Steelers clamped down on the run after some early busts, making his stat line a little deceiving. With the playoffs around the corner, run defenses will only get stingier.

2. Andy Dalton Will Revert To Playoff Mode

Andy Dalton
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2. Andy Dalton Will Revert To Playoff Mode

Andy Dalton
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

For some quarterbacks, like Joe Flacco and Eli Manning, “playoff mode” has opposing defenses quaking in their cleats. Andy Dalton, meanwhile, has defensive backs lining up around the block to face him in the postseason. Until he proves otherwise, expect the Red Rifle to fire blanks, and the Indy defense – led by shutdown corner Vontae Davis – will have a field day at home.

1. The Bengals Won’t Escape the Wild Card Round

Andy Dalton, James Harrison
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Bengals Won’t Escape the Wild Card Round

Andy Dalton, James Harrison
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a little difficult to win the Super Bowl when you can’t win your first game. It’s almost as hard to picture the Bengals venturing into Lucas Oil Stadium and escaping with a win. Andrew Luck’s deadly group of pass catchers and opportunistic defense should do enough to get him his mandatory first-round victory. As Cincy returns home for another offseason, the front office will have finally reached a crossroads with coach and quarterback.

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