Bengals are much better than advertised when Giovani Bernard handles entire load Posted Sep 16, 2018 Let’s all say it together now: Giovani Bernard isn’t a backup running back. Bernard is a complete back who could start on a handful of NFL teams, easily. It’s just easy to forget because he had the injury in 2016 and the Bengals spent most of last year protecting him while he recovered — until that 168-yard outburst on Christma Eve. (USA Today)