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Cincinnati Bengals on “Hard Knocks”: Which plot is the most intriguing?.

It’s official: “Hard Knocks” will highlight the Cincinnati Bengals this season. Yes, Cincinnati was already a part of the critically praised HBO/NFL Films film in 2018, but since then, the team’s roster has undergone significant change, and it currently features an alluring core of young players who can make a big difference on both sides of the ball.

Which Bengals player or plot line most interests you in terms of prospective “Hard Knocks” coverage?

Without a doubt, the Cincinnati Bengals’ “Hard Knocks” most compelling plot revolves on quarterback Andy Dalton’s  progress. The Bengals have advanced to the playoffs twice under the leadership of the third-year player, but it is unclear if he has the skills necessary to elevate the team to the status of a real title contender. Throughout the regular season, he has been an excellent game manager, but in the postseason, he hasn’t proven that he can lead the squad. Although achieving success in the regular season is undoubtedly important for creating a strong resume, he still needs to show the football community that he is capable of performing well under duress.

Vontaze Burfict, a linebacker in his second year, has me curious about his development. Despite having a dismal senior year in college and the odds stacked against him, he performed admirably as an undrafted rookie, recording 127 total tackles. Will his success blunt his sharp edge? Is his appetite greater? After a successful season, guys who feel like they’ve made it often get addicted to “The Life” and feel like they have something to prove. I’m interested in seeing how Burfict handles the spotlight and how defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and head coach Marvin Lewis deal with him.

I’m most excited about Mike Zimmer, the defensive coordinator. He should be an NFL head coach since he is a fantastic assistant coach. This Cincy defense has reached new heights thanks to him. This bunch may not have a lot of star players, but Zimmer makes it a terrific defense.

I hope “Hard Knocks” makes NFL execs fall in love. They ought should. Zimmer is a shrewd, practical victor.

Mohamed Sanu coming off a foot injury that terminated his 2012 season early, and I’d like to meet him. Some tend to forget about this guy, even Cincy supporters perhaps, because there were so many outstanding rookies the previous season. Interestingly, in his final three games with the squad, he has caught four touchdowns. Imagine A.J. Green, Jermaine Gresham, rookies Gio Bernard and Tyler Eifert, along with a healthy Sanu, leading the Bengals’ offense. The fact that this football team’s defense is stronger on the defensive end is even more concerning.

Cincinnati ought to contend for the AFC North championship this season in light of that. While some people believe “Hard Knocks” is a diversion, the evidence for that claim isn’t very strong. The Bengals, in fact, had only made one postseason appearance in the preceding eighteen years, going 19-28-1 in the three seasons before their 2009 HBO series debut. Cincinnati went on to win the AFC North that year because of how much of a distraction the event was.

For the duration of the concert, I can see James Harrison screaming about all things Pittsburgh while sporting his vintage Steelers clothing and covering his face with eye black paint. “I cherished Pittsburgh! I’d like to bury them now! Let’s go rewatch “300.” In addition, I’m curious as to how many illegal hits he can get away with during training camp and still find a way to place the responsibility for his style of play elsewhere other than on himself. Oh, I’ll love him.

My major wish, though, is that the 2009 experience plays out again and we get to watch the coaching staff sit through meetings as Marvin Lewis and company provide owner/GM Mike Brown updates on the team’s activities. Talking football with a man who can fire you as an owner and must assist you as a general manager is “awkward.” When making decisions, you want your owner to be at a distance from you so that you can feel comfortable, not sitting next to you.”Did he just scowl at my comment regarding our running backs? Is he considering taking my place?” In its prime, I was a big admirer of “The Office,” and perhaps I’ll get to witness that awkward, single-camera humor once more.