Bengals bites: Offense ready to roll as additions of Ross, Mixon and Malone and health of Green, Eifert bode well

We’re still nearly six weeks away from the start of the NFL season, but hype is building about the Bengals’ chances to return to the playoffs, and the folks at ESPN are optimistic about Cincinnati’s offense rolling like rarely before.

After Cincy drafted speedy Washington wide receiver in the first round, multi-talented running back Joe Mixon of Oklahoma in the second round and Tennessee wideout Josh Malone in the fourth, it’s easy to see why optimism abounds.

Fans are responding favorably to such ideas.

That’s certainly the thing; the Bengals have to replace two starting offensive linemen lost in free agency.

It’s not limiting reaction, though, as Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis and his team build toward the Sept, 10 opener against the Ravens in Paul Brown Stadium.

On the plus side, in addition to the talented rookies on offense, the Bengals hope that six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green will remain healthy after last season was cut short by six games by a hamstring injury and Pro Bowl tight end Tyler Eifert is back in the mix after back issues.

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