The Associated Press
CINCINNATI BENGALS (11-5)
New faces: Rookies RB Jeremy Hill, C Russell Bodine, CB Darqueze Dennard; QB Jason Campbell.
Key losses: DE Michael Johnson, OT Anthony Collins, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden.
Strengths: WR, RB, DL, LB, CB.
Weaknesses: S, OL.
What’s New: Bodine, a fourth-round pick, takes over at center. Hill, taken in second round, will team with Giovani Bernard in backfield, giving Bengals backs who can catch passes. New offensive coordinator Hue Jackson wants to pick up pace. New defensive coordinator Paul Guenther wants to get more pressure on quarterbacks.
Expectations: Bengals have reached playoffs each of last three seasons, a franchise first. Retained core of team and added to it, giving them deepest roster in coach Marvin Lewis’ 12 seasons. They’re favored for another AFC North title, but season will be judged by finally winning in playoffs. They’re 0-3 in last three seasons and haven’t won playoff game since 1990, tied for sixth-longest drought in NFL history.
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