Fansided

NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) against the Indianapolis Colts during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) against the Indianapolis Colts during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

There might not be a player under more pressure this season than Andy Dalton. The fifth-year quarterback has been to the playoffs every year of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, and he is yet to win once when there. Dalton was booed at a charity softball game in Cincinnati earlier this month, just another indication of how much tension there is going into 2015.

The same can be said for head coach Marvin Lewis. Lewis has somehow stuck around in a football city for more than a decade without winning once in the playoffs. Despite having one of the more talented rosters in the league, the Bengals have failed to get over the proverbial hump.

Major Battle

The Bengals have a good idea of who will be starting at most positions, although defensive end is a place to watch. Wallace Gilberry and Margus Hunt will both be pushing for starting roles instead of Michael Johnson, who is returning to Cincinnati after an unsuccessful campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The depth here is terrific for Lewis to experiment with.

Expectations

Finally win a playoff game. The Bengals have to get into the playoffs and win at least one game, or general manager/owner Mike Brown will be forced into some serious decisions. Few teams have such a cut-and-dry goal ahead of them, but Cincinnati has a singular focus. Nobody expects Dalton to win a championship anytime soon, but the playoffs are a must.

Next: Baltimore Ravens

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