The Facts: Green and the Bengals suffered professional setbacks in 2016. But following an offseason of rehab and retooling, for Green and the Bengals, respectively, the wide receiver has his eyes back on the ultimate prize and is using his long-time rival as motivation. "Look at the year Julio Jones had," Green told Geoff Hobson of the team's website. "He was coming off an 1,800-yard season and he had what last year? [1,409.] That's because they put all the weapons around him."
Diehards Line:
Green spent much of the offseason working with trainers in hopes of avoiding a repeat of the injury problem last year and he’d also like to avoid a repeat of his outsized role in the team’s offense. Green says he doesn’t doubt his ability to carry a heavy load, but prefers it when the Bengals are able to share the wealth as they did in previous seasons. Indeed, Green would welcome a reduction in targets, as long as Cincinnati's young prospects (John Ross, Joe Mixon) are contributing toward another playoff run. "This year it's just not me and Brandon [LaFell] and four young guys. Everything doesn't have to be forced to me, which I like," Green added. We agree. And it should make for a more effective Green and that's good news for all of us.