2007 Cincinnati Bengals Predictions & Season Preview
June 5, 2008
Cincinnati is hoping the 2007 Bengals predictions show a team that won’t be as disappointing as the 2005 and 2006 editions were. In 2005 there were some very high hopes when Pittsburgh came into town, only to see Carson Palmer go down on the first offensive play. It was all but over from that point on just by looking at the players, coaches, and fans faces. 2006 was supposed to be dependant on Palmer’s return. Well, he returned and played great, but the team lost three straight to close the season and end up 8-8. All the team needed was one win and they were guaranteed a playoff spot. Everyone on the team knows that another 8-8 year will be unacceptable, but can they do anything about it.
Cincy has one of the best quarterbacks in the game with Carson Palmer. Palmer had 4,035 yards passing with 28 TDs and 13 INTs. It really doesn’t matter who is backing him up because he has been so dependable in his short career. At running back the Bengals still have Rudi Johnson, a guy who has gained 4,200 yards on the ground over the past three seasons. The team doesn’t want him wearing down though so they picked up Kenny Irons with their second round draft choice. If Chris Perry can’t bounce back from injuries, Irons will share some carries this season. At receiver the team is deep and it’s a good thing they are since Chris Henry won’t be around until the 9th game of the season due to suspension. Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh make one of the best pair of wideouts in the NFL and there is Tab Perry and Antonio Chapman both returning from injury.
The defense is weak, but they do have a knack for creating turnovers. It all starts up front with Robert Geathers putting pressure on the opposition in getting double digit sacks a year ago. On the other side Justin Smith plays hard every down, but the tackles are getting a little up there in age. Sam Adams can stuff the run, but he can be huffing and puffing from being out of shape. Linebacker is the weakest spot on the team with two of their best in David Pollack and Odell Thurman most likely not seeing the field this season due to injury and suspension. The team will have to rely on a couple of second-year starters in Ahmad Brooks and Rashad Jeanty. Edgerton Hartwell will provide some veteran leadership. In the secondary the team lost Tory James, but has a talented second-year player in Johnathan Joseph to take his place. Deltha O’Neal needs to return to his 2005 form and the safety position is solid with Dexter Jackson and Madieu Williams both being dependable.
It seems like veryong is pretty high on this team this year, but we have our doubts. Honestly, if they come out playing like they should then the Bengals will contend with the AFC’s elite. If they are mediocre then they won’t have a shot at catching the Ravens and they won’t make the playoffs. The value is probably with the UNDER win total as 8-8 seems to be their number lately. If they get things going though they could be a good sleeper pick to win the Super Bowl or the AFC. As you can see we are pretty torn on this squad.