Were The 2021 Bengals a fluke or a Great team in the making?

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2021 season was a compelling mix of surprises, growth, and promise. As to whether their success was a fluke or a sign of a great team in the making, a detailed exploration of various aspects provides a clearer perspective:

1. Emergence of Joe Burrow:

   • Fluke Argument: Some might argue that Joe Burrow’s exceptional performance was an outlier. His return from a significant injury raised doubts about his capability.
   • Great Team Argument: Burrow’s leadership, resilience, and skill set were evident. His chemistry with his receivers, decision-making, and adaptability showcased his potential to lead a successful team consistently.

2. Improvements in Offense:

   • Fluke Argument: The Bengals’ offensive success might be seen as a product of luck or a one-season wonder. Their ability to capitalize on critical moments might not sustain.
   • Great Team Argument: The offensive line’s growth throughout the season, coupled with the dynamic playmaking of receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, hints at sustainable success. Their ability to score against tough defenses demonstrated depth and adaptability.

3. Coaching and Strategy:

   • Fluke Argument: Some might argue that the coaching staff stumbled upon effective strategies that worked for a season but might not be replicable.
   • Great Team Argument: Coach Zac Taylor’s leadership and adaptability were crucial in navigating challenges. The team’s ability to adjust its game plans according to opponents and make in-game adjustments displayed a foundation for long-term success.

4. Defensive Improvements:

   • Fluke Argument: The Bengals’ defensive success might be attributed to temporary factors or opponents’ shortcomings rather than inherent defensive prowess.
   • Great Team Argument: The defense’s growth, particularly in crucial moments during the season and in playoff games, showcased resilience and potential. Players like Logan Wilson and Jessie Bates demonstrated individual growth, hinting at a foundation for a formidable defense.

5. Team Chemistry and Culture:

   • Fluke Argument: The camaraderie and team spirit might have been a temporary result of a successful season rather than a foundation for long-term success.
   • Great Team Argument: The unity, resilience, and supportive culture within the team were evident. Players’ commitment to each other and the common goal hinted at the potential for sustained success beyond just a single season’s outcome.

6. Strength of Schedule and External Factors:

   • Fluke Argument: The Bengals’ success might be attributed to a favorable schedule or unexpected underperformance from opponents.
   • Great Team Argument: Despite facing challenging opponents, injuries, and adversity, the Bengals showcased their ability to compete and win crucial games. This resilience indicates their potential to handle tough schedules and external pressures consistently.

7. Long-Term Franchise Vision:

   • Fluke Argument: The franchise might lack a clear long-term vision or the resources to sustain success beyond a single season.
   • Great Team Argument: The Bengals’ investments in infrastructure, player development, and strategic decisions suggest a concerted effort toward sustained success. Their draft picks, salary cap management, and commitment to improving the team hint at a long-term vision.

In conclusion, while the 2021 Bengals’ success might have elements that can be viewed as a fluke, several indicators suggest the potential for a great team in the making. Joe Burrow’s emergence, offensive and defensive improvements, coaching adaptability, team culture, and the franchise’s long-term vision collectively point towards a foundation that could sustain success beyond a single standout season. However, the coming seasons will be the true litmus test of whether this success was a fluke or a precursor to the Bengals establishing themselves as a perennial contender in the NFL.