What to Expect from the 2021 Bengals: A Realistic Season Preview
The Cincinnati Bengals are poised for improvement in the 2021 NFL season, with realistic expectations centered around three key areas:
Joe Burrow's Development
- Threw for nearly 2,700 yards and 13 touchdowns in just 10 games as a rookie
- Expected to improve deep ball accuracy with addition of Ja'Marr Chase
- Should benefit from improved offensive line protection
- Showed good ball security with only 5 interceptions despite being sacked 32 times
Elite Secondary Potential
- Led by Jessie Bates III, PFF's #1 ranked safety from 2020
- Bates forced 12 incompletions, leading all NFL safeties
- New additions include CB Chidobe Awuzie on 3-year deal
- Veteran corners Trae Waynes and Mike Hilton strengthen unit
- Vonn Bell provides reliable safety presence opposite Bates
Win-Loss Projection
- Realistic improvement from 4-11-1 to 7-8 wins
- Favorable schedule with easiest strength of schedule in AFC North
- Four non-playoff teams in first eight games
- Five home games in final eight-game stretch
- Full season of Burrow plus improved secondary support win projection
- Still building toward playoff contention but clear progress expected
The Bengals appear ready to take a step forward while remaining realistic about their place in a competitive AFC North division.
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