Linebacker Should Be Cincinnati Bengals’ No. 1 Offseason Priority
By Julie Swartz
@julieswartz86
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The Cincinnati Bengals had another respectable season in 2014, ending with a 10-5-1 record and entering the postseason for the fourth straight year. Unfortunately, they were also unable to win their first game in the playoffs for the fourth straight year. This offseason will be critical for the Bengals as they try, yet again, to overcome that playoff hurdle; for that to happen, they will need to focus first and foremost on solidifying their linebacking core.
Entering the 2014 season, the Bengals looked solid at the linebacker position, led by Rey Maualuga and 2013 Pro bowler, Vontaze Burfict. Unfortunately, due to injuries and inconsistent play, the Bengals’ linebackers struggled in 2014. Burfict was sidelined with a knee injury for most of the year, while Vincent Rey and Emmanuel Lamur took a step back in defensive production.
As they approach the 2015 off season, both Maualuga and Lamur are facing free agency and may not be returning to Cincinnati. On top of that, Burfict has just undergone microfracture knee surgery, which is one of the most difficult procedures for NFL players to come back from. While his doctor predicted he will be back at full speed by training camp, there is no guarantee.
This means the Bengals will need to take a long, hard look at potential linebackers during free agency and the NFL Draft. They will need to ensure that these critical holes are filled by the start of the season, or this defense could struggle big-time in 2015.
Some free agent linebackers to take note of are Brandon Spikes from the Buffalo Bills and David Harris from the New York Jets. Both have been consistent performers at the position and would be solid additions in Cincinnati. Another interesting prospect would be Rolando McClain, who had a miraculous comeback year for the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 after temporarily retiring due to character issues.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Bengals’ first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft is a linebacker if the right guy falls into their lap.
The linebacker position will be the most critical component for the Bengals to address this off season. If they don’t become aggressive in free agency and get someone to help lead this defense to another successful season, the Bengals could take a huge step back in 2015.
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