LA Chargers 2020 opponent preview: Cincinnati Bengals
By Jason Reed
Cincinnati Bengals’ key additions and subtractions:
Additions:
The biggest addition is obviously first overall pick Joe Burrow, who had arguably the greatest season in college football history this past year with the LSU Tigers. Burrow shot up the draft ranks and became the clear first overall pick and seems as polished as a prospect as we have seen in quite some time.
Of course, that does not guarantee success and the Chargers at least get the benefit of getting him in his first real NFL game. However, that also means that he could surprise the team as well.
The team made some solid acquisitions outside of their draft selections as well. D.J. Reader is a solid defensive end that is going to slot into the defensive line and stop the run and secondary was bolstered as well with Trae Waynes and Vonn Bell, who are both above-average at their position.
The team also gets A.J. Green back from injury, which could be huge for Burrow. Although we don’t know how good Green will be, having an experience, legitimate number one receiver is massive for the team and for Burrow in particular.
Subtractions:
The Bengals did not have many subtractions this offseason but there was not a lot to subtract from. Andy Dalton is gone, but that is not much of subtraction. Tyler Eifert signed with the Jaguars but he did not have much of a role last season anyway.
RELATED: Grading the LA Chargers’ 2020 linebackers
The team did lose one player to the LA Chargers — linebacker Nick Vigil. Vigil is going to be a solid rotational linebacker for the Bolts after a really solid season with the Bengals last season. However, Vigil still is not this make or break linebacker that is going to shift the tide of either team.