The Cincinnati Bengals have been outscored 61-10 in their 2011 preseason schedule with the latest coming at the hands of the New York Jets in a 27-7 loss. The easy analysis is that the Bengals just aren't very good so their struggles are no surprise.
Bengals Vs. Jets: Andy Dalton’s Struggles Were Expected
However, we need to recognize what this Bengals team is -- very young at a couple of key positions. SB Nation’s Cincy Jungle writes to the fan base that, ‘We expected this’.
A rookie quarterback is taking over as the team's starting quarterback for a suddenly retiring Carson Palmer. A rookie wide receiver is taking over for a traded Chad Ochocinco. Jay Gruden, who is himself a rookie offensive coordinator, is taking over for the fired Bob Bratkowski. A fourth-year receiver with only 21 career receptions under his belt, is starting opposite of the rookie starting wide receiver.
So while it’s easy to say ‘Same old Bengals’ you have to look at this team a little closer and know that the team and many of their fans understood that this year would include some growing pains, especially on offense.
It’ll be a tough year for the Bengals and the fans at Cincy Jungle. They knew that...but it doesn’t make things any easier.
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