Linebackers
Players to target: Nick Vigil, Preston Brown, Jordan Evans
Colts matchup: QB Andrew Luck, Running Backs, Tight Ends
Without hard hitting middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict, the Bengals are a vulnerable group over the middle. This is where the new quick-strike offense could be dangerous. Andrew Luck will have plenty of opportunities to hit his tight ends or running backs over the middle for short gains.
Expect a lot of double tight end sets, where Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron will receive an array of looks and targets from Luck. Don’t forget about Jordan Wilkins, Nyheim Hines, and (hopefully) Marlon Mack who could all get targets on dump passes out of the backfield.
What Cincy lacks in linebackers, they make up for in pass rushers. Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap are two of the most feared pass rushers in the league. These two could ruin the return of Andrew Luck, if he is unable to get the ball out quickly.