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NFL analyst makes intriguing observation about Cincinnati Bengals in 2024
Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Cincinnati Bengals are a team shrouded in intrigue, with a mix of talent, potential, and uncertainty. After a season cut short due to injury, quarterback Joe Burrow is back and healthy, ready to lead his team to victory.

However, the franchise faces contract negotiations with key players Trey Hendrickson and Tee Higgins, both of whom have requested trades.

Despite these challenges, Fox Sports’ Craig Carton believes the Bengals should not be underestimated in the AFC.

“If Joe Burrow is healthy, I would never count the Cincinnati Bengals out.”

With Burrow at the helm, the team has the potential to dominate. In 2021, he led the Bengals to the Super Bowl, a feat not achieved in over three decades. Across 2021 and 2022, Burrow combined for over 75 total touchdowns and helped the team win 27 games, including playoffs.

Burrow’s talent is undeniable, and with receiver Ja’Marr Chase by his side, the Bengals have a formidable offense. Chase, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, has quickly become one of the best receivers in the league. His chemistry with Burrow is undeniable, and the two have formed a dynamic duo that opposing defenses struggle to contain.

However, for the team to reach its full potential and make another deep playoff run, Burrow must stay healthy. He has yet to play a full season, and his injury history is a concern. The Bengals’ success is closely tied to Burrow’s health, and the team’s fortunes will likely rise and fall with his ability to stay on the field.

In addition to Burrow’s health, the Bengals must address the contract situations of Hendrickson and Higgins. Both players are crucial to the team’s success, with Hendrickson recording nearly 40 sacks in three years and Higgins being one of the best No. 2 receivers in the NFL. Locking them up with new contracts is essential if the Bengals want to win a Super Bowl.

Hendrickson, in particular, has been a game-changer for the Bengals’ defense. His ability to rush the quarterback and stop the run has made him a valuable asset, and his presence on the field is a key factor in the team’s success. Higgins, on the other hand, provides a reliable target for Burrow, and his ability to make big plays has been a key factor in the team’s offensive success.

The Bengals’ contract negotiations with Hendrickson and Higgins are complex, and the team must navigate a delicate balance between paying their players and maintaining a sustainable salary cap. However, if they can find a way to lock up these key players, the Bengals will be well-positioned to make a deep playoff run.

Another factor working in the Bengals’ favor is their division. The AFC North is a competitive division, but the Bengals have a favorable schedule in 2024. They face the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns twice each, and their non-divisional schedule is relatively weak. If they can take care of business in their division and win a few key non-divisional games, the Bengals could find themselves with a high seed in the playoffs.

In conclusion, the Cincinnati Bengals are a team to watch in the AFC. Can they overcome the challenges they are facingand bring a Super Bowl to Cincinnati? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Bengals are a team that should not be underestimated.

The Bengals’ success will also depend on their ability to adapt to new challenges and overcome adversity. Injuries, suspensions, and other setbacks are a natural part of the NFL season, and the team that can best adapt to these challenges will often come out on top. The Bengals have a strong coaching staff and a resilient team culture, which will serve them well in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, the Bengals’ success will come down to their ability to execute on the field. If Burrow can stay healthy, and the team can find a way to lock up Hendrickson and Higgins, the Bengals will be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. They have the talent, the chemistry, and the drive to succeed, and they will be a team to watch in 2024.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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