Again, I just think there's as much reason to think they do better than most think, as there is them doing much worse than most think.
This team could absolutely go to crap and they are picking in the top 5 or they could make the playoffs in Stroud's rookie season.
If they hit 6 wins through their first 10 games, which I don't rule out, why can't they eek out 3 more through the last 7 ??
I get it though and have suffered through the seasons of suckage more than most being a Bengals fan.
It's harder to envision your crap team making a large improvement, then it is to expect the suck to continue.
I'm telling you, the Bengals made strides not simply because Burrow and Chase, although most point to that and nothing else.
They overlook what it took for us to get to this point, the shift in philosophy from the front office regarding their handling of free agency, getting the stick out of their backside in regards to naming rights and how to bankroll guaranteed portions of contracts, placing a large importance on the draft and getting the right guys, and in my opinion one of the biggest things (something almost never mentioned) is the culture that new coach Zac Taylor brought to the organization.
This is why I love seeing what the Texans are doing. I see a more thought out approach to free agency (not the haphazard crap from 2022), being aggressive in the draft, and a VERY apparent change in culture that seemingly oozes from Ryans that cannot help but be great for the players.
I'm sticking with my 9-8 with a Wild Card opportunity at the end of the season.
If they fall short, so be it, but I see too many similarities to overlook it.
Feel free to point and laugh come the end of the season. I will be right here !!!