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NFL • 10 months ago

5 Biggest Red Flags Heading Into Cincinnati Bengals’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

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Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5 Biggest Red Flags Heading Into Cincinnati Bengals’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

A.J. Green — All 32 teams in the NFL have already completed OTAs as they prepare for training camp. Each team has its own areas of improvement to focus on and specific red flags to be aware of. In 2014, the Cincinnati Bengals fell half a game short of claiming their second consecutive AFC North title with a 10-5-1 overall record. Here are the biggest red flags for the Bengals heading into training camp.

All 32 teams in the NFL have already completed OTAs as they prepare for training camp. Each team has its own areas of improvement to focus on and specific red flags to be aware of. In 2014, the Cincinnati Bengals fell half a game short of claiming their second consecutive AFC North title with a 10-5-1 overall record. Here are the biggest red flags for the Bengals heading into training camp.

5. Production From Tight Ends

5. Production From Tight Ends

The Bengals have let longtime tight end Jermaine Gresham enter free agency as the team is prepared to move on at the position. Tyler Eifert is entering his third year with the Bengals, but he's hardly had the playing time to prove his potential as he has faced season-ending injuries each of the last two seasons. The Bengals spent two of their picks on tight ends in this year’s draft. Dalton will have to make do with what he has at the position.

4. The Right Tackle Position

4. The Right Tackle Position

In 2014, the Bengals' offensive line allowed 21 sacks. Right tackle Andre Smith’s season was cut short a year ago when he missed the final five games after a torn triceps injury. The Bengals added two offensive tackles in this year’s draft, and second-round pick Jake Fisher may have to step in if Smith is not ready to go by training camp. If the Bengals hope to keep Dalton protected in 2015 they will have to address the right tackle position.

3. Defensive Line Productivity

3. Defensive Line Productivity

The Bengals’ defense fell to 30th in the NFL, only totaling 23 sacks a year ago. The team has parted ways with right end Robert Geathers, but they also made moves in the offseason to add depth to the defensive front. Former right end Michael Johnson and tackle Pat Sims have rejoined the Bengals in attempt to revamp the team's pass rush. The Bengals will try an eight-man rotation up front to address the lack of productivity on the defensive line.

2. Vontaze Burfict’s Health

2. Vontaze Burfict’s Health

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict still has a long ways to go in his rehab after suffering an ACL tear a year ago. Burfict, who led the NFL in tackles in 2013, had a microfracture knee surgery in January and is a long-shot to be completely healthy come Week 1. The worst-case scenario for Burfict is that he will be on the reserve/PUP list to start the season. The biggest concern for the Bengals is the health of Burfict going into the 2015 season.

1. A.J. Green’s Contract Situation

1. A.J. Green’s Contract Situation

The four-time Pro Bowl receiver is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2015. If Green isn’t given a new deal by the end of the 2015 season he will be a candidate for the franchise tag next offseason. Green has been focused on playing football and letting his productivity speak for an impending contract extension. It would be wise of the Bengals to lock up one of the NFL’s most prolific quarterback-receiver duos sooner than later.

Dan Miller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RealDANimal45, or add him to your network on Google

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