10 Reasons Why Cincinnati Bengals Fans Should Be Excited For 2015 NFL Season

10 Reasons Why Cincinnati Bengals Fans Should Be Excited For 2015 NFL Season

By Chad Troyan

July 1, 2015

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10 Reasons Why Bengals Fans Should Be Excited For 2015 NFL Season

Marvin Lewis Bengals — The Cincinnati Bengals finished last season on a down note as they once again were ousted in the first round of the playoffs. As training camp gets underway, the Bengals have plenty of reasons to be excited for 2015.

The Cincinnati Bengals finished last season on a down note as they once again were ousted in the first round of the playoffs. As training camp gets underway, the Bengals have plenty of reasons to be excited for 2015.

10. Implementation of Fullback

Could Wilder Jr. be Bengals next fullback?

10. Implementation of Fullback

Could Wilder Jr. be Bengals next fullback — Hue Jackson has hinted at bringing a fullback into the mix, something that the Bengals have strayed away from over the past couple seasons. Jackson requested running back James Wilder Jr. to gain some weight over the offseason, and his weight goal entering training camp is 240 pounds. Bringing a fullback into the mix will drastically help their short-yardage game, especially on the goal line.

Hue Jackson has hinted at bringing a fullback into the mix, something that the Bengals have strayed away from over the past couple seasons. Jackson requested running back James Wilder Jr. to gain some weight over the offseason, and his weight goal entering training camp is 240 pounds. Bringing a fullback into the mix will drastically help their short-yardage game, especially on the goal line.

9. Tyler Eifert Returns

Eifert ready for season after injuries

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9. Tyler Eifert Returns

Eifert ready for season after injuries — Among the various injuries suffered by the Bengals last season was tight end Tyler Eifert. Cincinnati missed his presence and look forward to having his pass-catching abilities back for their tight end corps. The Bengals hope he can stay healthy, and if he can they will get a threat for the middle of the field and short yardage.

Among the various injuries suffered by the Bengals last season was tight end Tyler Eifert. Cincinnati missed his presence and look forward to having his pass-catching abilities back for their tight end corps. The Bengals hope he can stay healthy, and if he can they will get a threat for the middle of the field and short yardage.

8. Return of Smash-and-Dash

Jeremy Hill

8. Return of Smash-and-Dash

Jeremy Hill — Rookie Jeremy Hill took over the starting running back job after Giovani Bernard injured his hip. Eventually, the two formed a duo reminiscent of the Tennessee Titians’ smash-and-dash running back duo of LenDale White and Chris Johnson. The Bengals will enter the season with their own version of a dangerous duo in the backfield.

Rookie Jeremy Hill took over the starting running back job after Giovani Bernard injured his hip. Eventually, the two formed a duo reminiscent of the Tennessee Titians’ smash-and-dash running back duo of LenDale White and Chris Johnson. The Bengals will enter the season with their own version of a dangerous duo in the backfield.

7. Bigger Role For Rex Burkhead

Burkhead could be Bengals version of Darren Sproles

7. Bigger Role For Rex Burkhead

Burkhead could be Bengals version of Darren Sproles — Hue Jackson has voiced his desire to work Burkhead into the offense more, possibly as a slot receiver at times. If given more playing time, Burkhead could provide the Bengals with a versatile player who can be a threat in both the passing and running games. His versatility will make him a productive reserve.

Hue Jackson has voiced his desire to work Burkhead into the offense more, possibly as a slot receiver at times. If given more playing time, Burkhead could provide the Bengals with a versatile player who can be a threat in both the passing and running games. His versatility will make him a productive reserve.

6. Mario Alford Taking Over As Kick Returner

Mario Alford West Virginia

6. Mario Alford Taking Over As Kick Returner

Mario Alford West Virginia — Bengals selected Mario Alford from West Virginia University in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Alford poses as a big threat to Brandon Tate for the starting kick returner. If Alford wins that job, the Bengals could be a bigger threat in return game.

Bengals selected Mario Alford from West Virginia University in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Alford poses as a big threat to Brandon Tate for the starting kick returner. If Alford wins that job, the Bengals could be a bigger threat in return game.

5. Return of Marvin Jones

Marvin Jones Bengals

5. Return of Marvin Jones

Marvin Jones Bengals — The Bengals’ Marvin Jones returns from an ankle injury that caused him to miss the entire 2014 season. The return of Jones will give Andy Dalton another threat downfield. Jones caught 10 touchdowns in 2013, proving he can be just as big of a threat as A.J. Green.

The Bengals’ Marvin Jones returns from an ankle injury that caused him to miss the entire 2014 season. The return of Jones will give Andy Dalton another threat downfield. Jones caught 10 touchdowns in 2013, proving he can be just as big of a threat as A.J. Green.

4. Motivated Hue Jackson

Hue Jackson

4. Motivated Hue Jackson

Hue Jackson — Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has been quoted as saying he’s “tired of being the brunt of jokes.” Since the offense has received the majority of the blame for playoff woes, Jackson is motivated to have his offense firing on all cylinders. This Bengals offense has received comparisons to the 2005 version, and if that is the case then the league better be ready.

Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has been quoted as saying he’s “tired of being the brunt of jokes.” Since the offense has received the majority of the blame for playoff woes, Jackson is motivated to have his offense firing on all cylinders. This Bengals offense has received comparisons to the 2005 version, and if that is the case then the league better be ready.

3. Michael Johnson Returns

Michael Johnson Bengals

3. Michael Johnson Returns

Michael Johnson Bengals — After a one year hiatus from the Bengals, Johnson returns to team he spent his entire career with. The Bengals will gain a player who is familiar with the system and as a result will not only can come in and play, but be effective as well. Quarterbacks are being warned to be prepared for constant pressure from an upgraded defensive line.

After a one year hiatus from the Bengals, Johnson returns to team he spent his entire career with. The Bengals will gain a player who is familiar with the system and as a result will not only can come in and play, but be effective as well. Quarterbacks are being warned to be prepared for constant pressure from an upgraded defensive line.

2. Geno Atkins' Return To Pro Bowl Form

Geno Atkins

2. Geno Atkins' Return To Pro Bowl Form

Geno Atkins — Atkins has received positive reviews so far this offseason. He returned from an ACL injury last year but looked like a shell of his dominant 2012 form where he accumulated 12.5 sacks in 16 games. If Atkins can return to Pro Bowl form, then along with the return of Michael Johnson, the Bengals could have a top 10 rushing defense once again.

Atkins has received positive reviews so far this offseason. He returned from an ACL injury last year but looked like a shell of his dominant 2012 form where he accumulated 12.5 sacks in 16 games. If Atkins can return to Pro Bowl form, then along with the return of Michael Johnson, the Bengals could have a top 10 rushing defense once again.

1. Dalton Has A Backup Who Pushes Him

Andy Dalton Bengals

1. Dalton Has A Backup Who Pushes Him

Andy Dalton Bengals — Andy Dalton has been an okay quarterback so far. He racks up regular season wins, but has struggled to find success in the postseason. While his poor decision making is partly to blame for his mediocrity, the Bengals have never had a backup to pose a threat to him. With A.J. McCarron impressing coaches, he puts pressure on Dalton. McCarron as the backup will push Dalton to improve his game.

Andy Dalton has been an okay quarterback so far. He racks up regular season wins, but has struggled to find success in the postseason. While his poor decision making is partly to blame for his mediocrity, the Bengals have never had a backup to pose a threat to him. With A.J. McCarron impressing coaches, he puts pressure on Dalton. McCarron as the backup will push Dalton to improve his game.

Chad Troyan is a baseball and football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChadTroyan15, “Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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