This is the Locked on Bengles podcast on a Wednesday. I'm your host, James Rupin.

We do this every single weekday. You can subscribe on iTunes, the IHeart radio app,

Google Play Stitcher, Spotify, and Locked on Bengals.com. Great to have you in. A lot to get to

today, including Andy Dalton's comments to pro football talk.

If you're new to the podcast, it's simple. I'm James Rupin. I cover the Bengals in Cincinnati for ESPN 1530 and 700 WLW.

And we do this daily. This is your daily Bengals fix.

And it's great to be with you here today.

But let's start with what I saw today.

Because what I saw today, and actually I saw this yesterday, but it's interesting.

Andy Dalton says that he feels like the Bengals are close to returning to the playoffs.

And that sounds good.

And I think I agree that they're closer.

But do you agree?

That's my question.

Do you agree that they're closer than they were?

Poll question was up. My colleague Lance McAllister posted this. Over 1,200 people have voted so far, and it's 50-50 split.

And I wanted to get your thoughts, because I don't think there's anyone denying that they're better.

But there's certainly a gap between the 7 and nine Bengals that had to scratch and claw to win the last two games of the season.

And better as in playoff better.

Bengals are better instantly on the offensive line.

I think addition by subtraction with Russell Bodine.

I think certainly addition with Cordy Glenn. I think Bobby Hart gives them some depth in a guy they can at least look at

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