With deference to the late Al Davis, this year's Bengals don't want to be patient and take what the defense gives them. It seems they want to "take whatever the hell [they] want."
That's the identity Giovani Bernard seemed to reference Wednesday when he energetically told reporters about how much he was looking forward to new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson's uptempo scheme.
"It's a lot more tempo, tempo, tempo," Bernard began, adding, "We're just going to smash your face in -- basically."
Jackson, who was elevated from running backs coach to offensive coordinator in January, wants to run and run and run some more. Then when he's done feeding Bernard and fellow backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Jeremy Hill carries in between the tackles, he wants to flank one out wide and pass to him for big after-the-catch yards off a playaction fake to another back. Then when he's called one or two of those plays, he wants Green or fellow receiver Marvin Jones to sprint down the sideline for an occasional "Go" route bomb from what he hopes is a more confident Andy Dalton.
This offensive coordinator wants to use the run to set up the pass.
Bernard should see an increase in touches in Jackson's run-heavy scheme, but that could be tempered somewhat if Jackson tries to involve both Green-Ellis and Hill in the running game. One thing is for sure -- Andy Dalton is not likely to throw as much in 2014.
Bengals news
