CINCINNATI -- Each offseason we can highlight any number of areas a team needs to focus on as it prepares for the next season.

The last two days, using advanced statistics and rankings from ESPN Stats & Information, we have looked at six specific areas in which the Cincinnati Bengals would be smart to devote some attention before training camp. First, we looked at three issues they ought to work on fixing. Now we're exploring three other areas the Bengals ought to focus on building from:

1. Maintain solid pass protection. From a passing standpoint, Andy Dalton has had better seasons. In 2014 he tied his career-low in passing yards (3,398), set a new career-low in touchdowns (19) and had his second-highest number of interceptions (17). Much of that was the product of philosophical tweaks the Bengals made in a transition at offensive coordinator from Jay Gruden to Hue Jackson. They ran more and got Dalton to throw shorter and quicker. The combination lowered his passing yards, and made it a little easier for him to set a career-high in completion percentage (64.1). The push for quicker, shorter passes also helped in pass protection. Linemen weren't required to block as long, meaning Dalton faced relatively little pressure compared to other quarterbacks. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Bengals controlled the line of scrimmage on 46.5 percent of the passing snaps. They also allowed the third-fewest sacks in the NFL, giving up 23. Next season, they'll want to resume their new philosophy to keep the heat off Dalton.

2. Continue strong goal-to-go play. Cincinnati's offense also played well in goal-to-go situations. Whenever the Bengals got close to the goal line, the unit had a knack for getting into the end zone. Tight end Jermaine Gresham factored heavily in such situations, catching three of his five touchdown passes on goal-to-go downs. Running back Jeremy Hill also was important on the close-yardage plays, scoring six of his nine total rushing touchdowns. The Bengals' goal-to-go efficiency rating was the league's fourth-highest, according to ESPN Stats & Information. They scored touchdowns on 78.3 percent of the drives when they had goal-to-go plays. They converted touchdowns on 18 of the 23 eligible drives. Oakland led the league with an 88.2 percent goal-to-go efficiency (15-of-17) rating. While it's possible Gresham won't be in Cincinnati next season, the Bengals still need to keep using their tight ends, running backs and perhaps a healthy Marvin Jones to score in close scenarios. Three of Jones' 10 touchdown catches last season came on goal-to-go drives. Nine came in the red zone.

3. Keep punting teams a priority. Few teams proved how valuable special teams can be like this year's Bengals. They were particularly strong on the punting teams, thanks to Pro Bowl punter Kevin Huber and return specialist Adam Jones. How important were the punting teams? The Bengals led the league in average distance an opposing offense had to travel following a Huber punt. Teams were forced to drive 78.3 yards. Much of that was aided by the fact Huber led the NFL in the percentage of punts that landed inside the 5-yard line. Cincinnati's punt-return team similarly flipped the field well, ranking third in field position it gave its offense after a return by Jones or Brandon Tate. On average, the Bengals' offense had 69.5 yards to go after a punt. The key to maintaining sound field position next season hinges on continuing such strong special-teams play.