The Cincinnati Bengals are going back on HBO for the series "Hard Knocks" and while many teams like the New York Jets end up looking a bit foolish on the show, centering it on the AFC North team may end up being a very good move, as the Bengals made the playoffs last time they were featured on the show.
According to ESPN.com, the Bengals are going to appear on the training camp documentary series for HBO for the second time in five seasons. The team was on the show in 2009 and it detailed a very interesting team that was coming together under Marvin Lewis as well as the process of signing top draft pick Andre Smith, who recently re-signed with the team. The signing of Smith gives the move a slight feel of everything coming around again and Lewis is still at the helm this time as well.
There will be a big difference this time around though, as that team was trying to realize its potential, while this one is already very talented and has made the playoffs in two straight years as a wild card. Andy Dalton is the young stud at quarterback, while Green is a star in the league at WR. Last time around the team had Chad Jonson and Pacman Jones, but this year there isn't as much negative buzz around players.
Last season the Dolphins were on it and many felt it was boring, but this year should be good as they go back to the Bengals and the show will have five episode airing on Tuesday's in August and September. ESPN reporter John Clayton writes that it was a good move this time, as last time it was all about the attention from those players and this time it will be about the talent that is on the field. Basically, these Bengals might be boring, but boy are they solid at a number of positions.
The team has new rookies and players, including first round pick Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard, and along with that on offense is Gree and Dalton as well as Jermaine Gresham and the defense is expecting to be better with Mike Zimmer commanding the unit.
