Depth chart released--Insights on the offense

The Bengals released their first depth chart of the 2013 season this morning, and at first glance, it doesn't look like the listings of the starters on the chart will change too much from now until the first game of the season in September. There were a few surprises on the first depth chart, but nothing majorly out of the blue and nothing that couldn't be anticipated based on noting the happenings of training camp at this early juncture.

-Josh Johnson is the backup quarterback as things start to take shape. The man Jay Gruden specifically targeted to assist with the West Coast system this offseason has taken noticeably more snaps than John Skelton, and can open up specifically designed read option possibilities with the first team unit. Expect Skelton and Zac Robinson to get cut before the season begins.

-Even though Giovani Bernard is listed as the second string running back, he will almost assuredly pass Benjarvus Green-Ellis in carries as the season gets underway. Green-Ellis will take back the role he played so well in New England by fighting for tough yardage on second and third downs and serving as the primary goal line back. Bernard is the more electrifying of the two quality players, although he needs to work on breaking tackles and staying on his feet while being hit.

-The biggest surprise on the offensive side of the ball comes at fullback with Orson Charles grabbing the role as the starter. Charles is not a great blocker but can present blatant mismatches to defenses with his catching aptitude and H-back ment
ality. The Bengals may keep two fullbacks this season with Chris Pressley returning at some point. John Conner will need to develop a hard nosed edge in the preseason and retain the run blocking presence he showed with the Jets his rookie season.

-The offensive line features the same lineup as last season even with Andre Smith getting off to a slow start, and the tight end group has Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert as the first and second options. Richard Quinn and Alex Smith will probably fight for a spot on the team. Quinn has the edge on the depth chart right now but Smith is the more versatile option because he can be a red zone target for Andy Dalton. Quinn has below average receiving skills but a superb blocking ability.

-Brandon Tate is ahead of Ryan Whalen and Cobi Hamilton on the depth chart right now. Hamilton may just be one of Marvin Lewis' typical late round rookies that is expected to prove his acumen for the game on the field. Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones were low on last season's depth chart at the beginning of the year, but they flashed brilliance in the preseason and quickly found the field. Tate may be the first string return man, but Hamilton will probably be the fifth receiver on the team.

Rich Hidy
Cincy Sports Spot