Cincinnati Bengals Predictions
Three years ago, the Bengals were the champions of the AFC North, earning their first playoff berth in 15 seasons. They had one of the league’s best offenses led by one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. But after falling one game short of the playoffs in 2006, the Bengals have lost 12 of their last 19 games. They have quickly become one of the league’s most dysfunctional teams starting with Chad Johnson. Fellow receiver Chris Henry was released in the offseason after another run-in with the law. Let’s see how this team will fare this season with our 2008 Cincinnati Bengals predictions below.
Offense:
With Carson Palmer under center, the Bengals have a chance to win any game. Palmer set franchise records last year with 4,131 yards and 373 completions while tossing another 26 touchdowns. But his 20 interceptions last year was also a career high. Ryan Fitzpatrick is the Bengals’ No. 2 man, with Jeff Rowe and Carson’s younger brother, Jordan Palmer, battling it out for the third spot.
Rudi Johnson has to prove his three-year run of at least 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns was no fluke. After battling a hamstring injury last season, Johnson rushed for just 497 yards and three touchdowns. Kenny Watson started five games in Johnson’s place and proved he could be more than just a third-down back. DeDe Dorsey and Chris Parry are options, while last year’s second-round pick Kenny Irons is recovering from a torn ACL. Fullback Jeremi Johnson has been on the verge of making a Pro Bowl the last two seasons.
Once a deep group, the Bengals’ receiving corps is now thinner than ever. T.J. Houshmandzadeh tied for the league lead with 112 receptions and earned his first Pro Bowl appearance, but he is in the final year of his contract. Johnson is coming off a sixth consecutive season in which he has produced at least 1,150 yards and five touchdowns, but his unhappiness could bring an end to his career in Cincinnati. The drafting of three wide receivers signal that the Bengals are ready to move on soon. Tight end Ben Utecht was a key free-agent signing from Indianapolis to add another option to this deadly passing attack.
The Bengals used their franchise tag on Stacy Andrews, who doesn’t even have a starting spot heading into training camp. The key to this group of offensive linemen is the health of tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson. Jones had offseason knee surgery last year and started slow. Anderson played in seven games last season, the first time in 12 seasons in played in fewer than 14 contests. Andrews filled in for Anderson, but Anderson remains the heart and sole of the team. Eric Chiaciuc is the starting center for now, but ‘07 seventh-round pick Dan Santucci is expected to push for the starting job. Bobbie Williams and Andrew Whitworth are the starters at guard entering camp, but Andrews will compete to replace either of them.
Defense:
Justin Smith left through free agency, but the Bengals replaced him by signing defensive end Antwan Odom from Tennessee to play opposite Robert Geathers. Frostee Rucker will be their backup after two unspectacular seasons. Domata Peko and John Thornton are the starting tackles, but the Bengals drafted tackle Patrick Sims from Auburn in the third round to add depth behind them. Jason Shirley brings legal baggage, but if the gamble to keep him pays off he’s a 330-pound body in the middle.
First-round pick Keith Rivers is expected to start on opening day at weak side linebacker. Middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks had a very solid first game last season, but a groin injury in Week 2 sidelined him for the rest of the year. Rashad Jeanty has shown good instincts on the strong side and he’s expected to only get better. Veteran Dhani Jones is versatile and can play all three spots as he gets plenty of playing time in 2008. Odell Thurman has been reinstated by the NFL after a two-year suspension, but he’s not guaranteed to do anything.
Corners Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall, first-round picks in ‘06 and ‘07 respectively, lead this secondary. Veteran Deltha O’Neal isn’t pleased with a diminished role, but if he plays up to his potential the Bengals have a very good group of corners. Second-year players Marvin White and Chinedum Ndukwe join veteran Dexter Jackson to compete for starting safety spots. This team could be starting four players in the secondary with no more than 2 years of experience under their belts.
Info Plays 2008 Cincinnati Bengals Predictions
Cincinnati has plenty of issues to deal with before training camp. If they can get their contract issues sorted, most notably with Chad Johnson, than the Bengals can move on and work towards something special. Injuries absolutely crushed the Bengals last year and there’s no guaranteed it won’t happen again. But if it all plays out and they stay healthy, the Bengals still have a chance to win the AFC North division. In our eyes, the Steelers and Browns have passed Cincinnati up and those two teams will be fighting for playoff spots in 2008. The Bengals will edge out the Ravens and finish 3rd in the AFC North division this season.
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