Quote from free agent addition should be the Bengals' motto this offseason
The Cincinnati Bengals made several massive free-agent additions earlier this offseason, including offensive lineman La'el Collins. Collins will immediately slot in as a starting offensive tackle for the Bengals which will help improve Cincinnati's biggest weakness (their offensive line) from last season. On Tuesday, Collins spoke to reporters after an OTA session. And he dropped […]
The Cincinnati Bengals made several massive free-agent additions earlier this offseason, including offensive lineman La'el Collins.
Collins will immediately slot in as a starting offensive tackle for the Bengals which will help improve Cincinnati's biggest weakness (their offensive line) from last season.
On Tuesday, Collins spoke to reporters after an OTA session. And he dropped a quote that should be posted everywhere in the Bengals' facilities immediately.
"Potential without hard work means nothing," said Collins.
I don't think truer words have ever been spoken by an NFL player.
"Potential" is a word we use a lot this time of year. Nearly every team in the NFL that's made significant offseason additions has the word "potential" attached to them at some point during the offseason.
But games aren't won on potential. Collins is exactly right. A team can have all the potential in the world, but if they don't put in the work, it means nothing.
The Bengals, on paper, should be a better team than they were a year ago. The offensive line improvements they made during the offseason should make Cincinnati the favorites to win the AFC North again. And they should be one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
But if they don't put in the work, the games they should win on paper will turn into losses. Collins' quote could help the team keep its focus through the grind of training camp and the regular season.
Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
