Mike Zimmer has said that the Cincinnati Bengals are close to being one of the strongest sides in their conference.

The Bengals have secured a wildcard playoff place in the AFC for the last two seasons, losing to the Houston Texans on both occasions.

The side's defensive coordinator told NFL AM: "I think we're really close. The first year, we got thumped pretty good by Houston. This year was a lot closer. We're right there.

"But we're going to have to keep grinding and keep adding talent. We have a good nucleus of guys, and I think we're exactly where we need to be."

The Bengals finished the regular 2012 season with the sixth-best record in the AFC conference.