2009 Record: 10-6, First in Division
2009 Playoff Record: 0-1
Key Losses: Laverneus Coles, Shaun Smith, Larry Johnson
Key Additions: Terrell Owens, Carlos Dunlap, Jordan Shipley
For the past few seasons the Bengals have been hyping a return to the playoffs under Marvin Lewis, and every season they seem to come up just short. Many times it's because they're hampered by injury, but last season they put together a relatively injury-free season and got back to the post-season under quarterback Carson Palmer. After an early exit, the Bengals are looking to get to the playoffs two straight years in a row, and they look to have the right personnel in place to do it.
The good news is that the Bengals were one of the NFL's best defenses last season, ranking fourth in overall defense. They've retained almost all of their personnel from a team that swept their division last season. They don't seem ready to repeat that accomplishment as all of their division opponents have made major upgrades, but they are in a position to be a force within their division. Like the rival Ravens, the Bengals were in the top ten in all major defensive categories except for sacks. Though they got through the regular season near the middle of the league here, it could have hurt them during their playoff loss to the Jets, in which rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez victimized them for 182 yards and a touchdown while never being brought to the ground. They clearly need a better pass rush to get farther in the playoffs, but have only made upgrades through the draft, taking Carlos Dunlap in the second round and Roddrick Muckelroy in the fourth. They do have some big names along the defensive front-Tank Johnson, Robert Geathers, Antwan Odom, Dhani Jones, and Rey Maualuga-but their sack production will have to increase nonetheless.
Offense has its own concerns. Since the last time the Bengals went to the playoffs, taking the division in 2005, they have had problems with the durability of Carson Palmer. Though he did make it through last season, those concerns have yet to be assuaged as he did give the Bengals staff a scare at various points during the season. Their hopes still rest on him and his arm, though, as the Bengals clearly are not the same team under backup J.T. O'Sullivan. Luckily for Palmer he has an excellent running back to keep the balance in the offense and weapons at receiver to help him out. Ced Benson re-emerged as an elite back last year, rushing for over 1,000 yards, and was a keystone to the Bengals' offense. Now instead of a one-dimensional attack, the tandem of Palmer and Ochocinco had a run game backing them up, and it paid off in getting them to the playoffs.
In the payoffs there was a deficiency, though, mostly at the receiver position. Ochocinco is a top receiver, but he clearly needs some help. Laverneus Coles didn't cut it last season, and the Bengals were set to take a chance on former Bucs receiver Antonio Bryant before he was released due to being out of shape. The Bengals are probably holding out some hope that third round pick Jordan Shipley will produce right away, but they also got some protection for if he doesn't by signing all-pro wideout Terrell Owens. Owens may not be all that he used to be, but he is still and excellent deep threat and one of the better receivers in this league. The tandem of him and Ochocinco should click nicely with an offense that already has a good set of weapons in place.
Their schedule could be the biggest cause for concern, as they play one of the NFL's fastest rising divisions in the AFC East. I expect them to have some competitive matches against the NFC South, though, and their playoff potential will be tested in facing two 2009 division champions in the Colts and Chargers. All the teams in their division have upgraded so don't expect another sweep, but they could be in a position to dominate the Steelers and Browns and win as many as five division games. They could take the division this year, but I expect them to be a Wild Card team instead. Look for them to be right in the middle of the scrum for a Wild Card berth near the end of the season and giving other AFC teams looking for playoff hope a good fight.
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