NFL Cincinnati Bengals

5 Things the Cincinnati Bengals Must Improve Over the Offseason

5 Things the Cincinnati Bengals Must Improve Over the Offseason

Cincinnati Bengals
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

While the Bengals' offensive consistency was lacking a bit this year, they have their franchise QB in Andy Dalton and the talent around him to be confident going forward. It's mostly the defense the Bengals will have to focus on improving in the offseason, in addition to some other adjustments based via free agency. Here are the five things they need to focus the most on.

5. Linebacker Position

Cincinnati Bengals Linebackers
Getty Images

5. Linebacker Position

Cincinnati Bengals linebackers
Getty Images

With Rey Maualuga entering free agency this year, the Bengals will need to account for the fact that he may not return to the team. Pro Bowl linebacker Vontaze Burfict will be getting surgery in the offseason to further repair his knee. While he should be back by next season, this is a position the Bengals will need to address.

4. Kicking Game

Cincinnati Bengals
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

4. Kicking Game

Cincinnati Bengals
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

While Mike Nugent made a franchise-long 57-yard field goal in the Wild Card game, he was not as efficient in the regular season. He went 0-for-3 in field goal attempts over 50 yards and missed two kicks between 30 and 39 yards. Nugent will be a free agent this year, and I think the Bengals may be looking for a new kicker.

3. Tight End

Tyler Eifert Cincinnati Bengals
Getty Images

3. Tight End

Tyler Eifert Cincinnati Bengals
Getty Images

The Bengals suffered a major loss when Tyler Eifert's season was ended with an elbow injury. Prior to this injury, Eifert was becoming a very reliable go-to target for Andy Dalton. With Jermaine Gresham entering free agency and Eifert coming back from this injury, they will need to address the tight end position in the offseason.

2. Pass Rush

Cincinnati Bengals Pass rush
Getty Images

2. Pass Rush

Cincinnati Bengals Pass rush
Getty Images

The Bengals had a league-low 20 sacks this season. In fact, J.J. Watt had more sacks individually than the Bengals did as a team. Creating a pass rush is vital in a game. I believe Cincinnati could benefit from picking up a strong pass-rushing defensive end during the offseason.

1. Coaching

Marvin Lewis Cincinnati Bengals
Getty Images

1. Coaching

Marvin Lewis Cincinnati Bengals
Getty Images

I personally love head coach Marvin Lewis. While I believe in his coaching strategy, there is something that's not clicking with this team and their ability to go deeper into the playoffs. They are too talented of a team to continue losing early in the postseason. Maybe it's finally time the Bengals go in a different direction.

Share Tweet