2010 NFL Predictions: Cincinnati Bengals

June 28, 2010

A phenomenal 2009 season for the Cincinnati Bengals spiraled out of control over the last 4 games. After starting the season 9-3 due to a dominating defense, the Bengals lost 3 of their last 4 games, and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the New York Jets. Things may not get any easier for Cincinnati as they have a difficult schedule and a tough division to navigate in 2010.

Quarterback Carson Palmer got back into form last season after being out for most of the 2008 year. He wasn’t asked to do too much as the running game was used to control the majority of the offense. However, he did provide the leadership and pocket presence that is required to take this team back to the playoffs. Palmer ended the year with almost 3100 yards passing and 21 touchdowns. He completed over 60 percent of his throws, but was clearly lacking the receiving group needed to take over games through the air.

Head coach Marvin Lewis took advantage of his offenses strengths and kept the ball primarily on the ground for much of the season. Of course this is easy to do when you have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Despite falling apart down the stretch, the Bengals defense finished the year with the 4th best defensive unit in the league. The most impressive part of this defense was that they played together, and had no weaknesses in the chain. Dhani Jones led all tacklers with 76, but the entire defensive squad comtributed evenly throughout the season. Lewis is staying with the defensive philosophy as Cincinnati used 3 of their first 6 picks in the draft to strengthen this group. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap was taken with the 54th pick overall, and cornerback Brandon Ghee and defensive tackle Geno Atkins were taken in the 3rd and 4th rounds. They might not need a whole lot more help this season, but having depth at every position is critical in football.

The receiving corps was solid even without pro bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzedah. Houshmandzedah was picked up by the Seattle Seahawks after the 2008 season, but didn’t fair well last year. Jordan Shipley was picked up by the Bengals in the 3rd round to help the weakest part of the offense. Naturally Chad Ochocinco led the way for the receivers with 1047 yards and 72 catches, but their was a significant drop off after him. Andre Caldwell and Laveranues Coles added another 94 catches and 946 yards combined, but opposing defenses made it difficult for Palmer to go down field as they double-teamed Ochocinco the majority of the time. Cincinnati doesn’t look as though they are too concerned with the lack of productivity from the receivers as they haven’t made any key acquisitions in the off-season.

Cedric Benson was thought to be done a year ago after suffering an injury and only rushing for 747 yards with a 3.5 yard per rush average. He proved all of the football experts wrong as he had a remarkable year in 2009. Benson rushed for 1251 yards and 6 touchdowns despite missing 3 games. He will be looked upon to carry the workload again this year.

As a whole the 2010 Cincinnati Bengals should be as good if not better than last years team that went 10-6 during the regular season. The problem for Cincy is the division they play in. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are also loaded on both sides of the ball and may make it hard for the Bengals to get to the post-season. Out of division games against New England, Atlanta, Indianapolis, New Orleans and San Diego may make it almost impossible to even finish the season at .500. Time will tell what this Bengals team is capable off, but I’m guessing they are going to need to stay healthy and catch a break or two to get back to the playoffs.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NFL

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