Bengals & Eagles try to Shake off 2009 Playoffs Friday

August 20, 2010

The new look Philadelphia Eagles will try to build some momentum heading into the regular season as they take on the Cincinnati Bengals in week 3 of the pre-season. Both of these teams have something to prove after first round losses in the playoffs last season. The Eagles are hoping that Kevin Kolb can take over this offense, and run it they way he did when he threw for 2 consecutive 300 yard games in Donovan McNabb’s absence. Cincinnati is hoping that Carson Palmer can get back to the form he had early in his career.

Both teams can play defense. Cincinnati finished the 2009 season with the 4th best defense in the league in terms of yards allowed. Philadelphia has somewhat of a down year, but still finished 12th in total “D”. The majority of the starters that helped these defenses hold down their opponents are back for the 2010 season.

The Bengals used 3 of their first 5 selections in the 2010 NFL Draft to add to their already stout defense. DE Carlos Dunlap was taken with the 54th pick overall, and cornerback Brandon Ghee was picked up in the 3rd round with the 96th pick. Cincy was equally as efficient against the run and pass, and are hoping to duplicate their performance from a year ago.

Cincinnati’s problems occurred on the other side of the ball. Despite having a solid run game, and one of the best receivers in the league, the Bengals found a way to have the worst offense in the league over the last half of the year. Carson Palmer went the entire season without serious injury, but wasn’t nearly as prolific as he has been in past seasons. He has received some help for the upcoming year as the Bengals picked up receivers Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens in the off-season. The addition of 2 reputable wide receivers will take the pressure off of Chad Ochocinco, and will open up the field for RB Cedric Benson. The Bengals disappointing loss to the Jets in the first round will be a motivating tool for this year. Expect the Bengals to exceed most sportsbooks predictions of a 9 win season in 2010.

The Eagles ranked 11th in total offense last season, due to a solid run game, and the grit and determination of Donovan McNabb. McNabb’s intangibles will not be replicated by Kolb, but Kolb is a pure passer that can take full advantage of the arsenal of weapons he has at his disposal. LeSean McCoy had a tremendous rookie year. He rushed for 637 yards, and caught 40 passes for 308 yards. The majority of Kolb’s weapons will come in the receiving game. Brent Celek is one of the best tight ends in the league, and finished with 76 catches for 971 yards in 2009. DeSean Jackson has proven to be one of the best wideouts in the league after an 1156 yard season that included 9 touchdowns. Jeremy Maclin started slowly in ’09, but finished strong as he had 56 receptions for 773 yards. This year will come down to Kolb’s ability to get a firm grasp of the offense, and limit mistakes. If he can keep the turnovers down, and play like he’s capable of, then the Eagles may surprise many football experts in 2010.

This should be a hard fought game that is dominated by defense. It may only be week 3 of the pre-season, but both of these squads are pushing hard to get to the next level this year.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NFL

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