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Cincinnati Bengals 2015 Training Camp Profile: RB Giovani Bernard

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Giovani Bernard Cincinnati Bengals

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past couple of season the Cincinnati Bengals have assembled what could potentially be one of the most dynamic backfields in 2015. The Bengals will be led by second-year running back Jeremy Hill who led all rookie running backs in rushing yards a year ago. Complementary to Hill is Giovani Bernard who proved to be most effective when utilized as supporting-cast member to Hill in the second half of the 2014 season.

Bernard started out as the Bengals’ early-season feature back in 2014, but after suffering injuries to his hip and clavicle in Week 9, that cleared the way for Hill to be the starter. Bernard has become the most versatile weapon in the Bengals’ offense as a runner with receiving abilities.

The Bengals have also put together a solid offensive line for Bernard to work behind. The third-year running back rushed for a career-high 137 yards against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 12, which included an 89-yard touchdown run. The run stands as the second-longest rush in Bengals history. Bernard contributed 1,029 yards from scrimmage in 2014 and finished fourth on the team with 43 receptions.

Bernard will be the x factor for the Bengals’ offense in the upcoming season. In his two years with the team, Bernard has had 338 rush attempts for 1,375 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also recorded 99 receptions for 863 yards and five touchdowns as a passing threat out of the backfield.

Bernard has proved to be a consistent playmaker for the Bengals. Although he has had a quiet offseason and OTAs this year, Bernard will likely put up the similar numbers he has had in each of his first two seasons in 2015.

In 2015, Bernard is expected to be the Bengals’ passing-down back, due to his multi-dimensional capabilities. One thing that will make Bernard such a threat to defenses is the players he has around him. The Bengals have a stacked receiving corp led by A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu as well as Tyler Eifert at tight end.

If the Bengals utilize Bernard in a two-back set with Hill, it will make it difficult for defenses to account for the explosive running back. The Bengals have all of the offensive components necessary to make another playoff run this season, and Bernard will play an essential part.

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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