As long as the Bengals keep at least 24 players out of jail, they should win the AFC North.
2006 Record: 8-8, 2nd AFC North Missed Playoffs
Offense: Multiple Quarterback: Carson Palmer My pick to win the MVP award this season, Palmer will have his best season with Rudi, Chad, T.J. and the crew back again. With over 4,000 yards passing and 28 TDs to only 13 INTs, Palmer put up stats that should have helped the Bengals make the playoffs. Grade: 5 out of 5
Running Back: Rudi Johnson The chants of "Rudi, Rudi, Rudi" will be blaring loud and clear from the riverfront. Johnson is a bruiser who had over 1300 yards rushing and 12 TDs. Chris Henry is a viable backup as the Bengals may attempt to go with the 2 back system. Grade: 4 out of 5
Wide Receiver: Key Player-Chad Johnson It's the Chad and TJ show for it's 6th season in the League. Actually, I think it's been longer b/c they went to college together, but this will work. Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are probably the best pair of wide outs in the league. The question is will they be able to co-exist. Both big egos normally are center stage during the season. Grade: 5 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-RT WIllie Anderson The line is ok, but Anderson is the leader of the group. Old Willie hopefully will get another shot at the Super Bowl this year. Grade: 3 out of 5
Defense: 4-3 Defensive Line: Key Player-DE Justin Smith This unit is weak. The only reason I picked Smith is because he played for Missouri. I'm not a big fan of the D-Line here. Grade: 1.5 out of 5
Linebacker: Key Player-OLB Odell Thurman If Thurman could stay out of trouble, he is a great player. The third year pro from Georgia has the speed to cover the RB and the toughness to cover the TE. Unfortunately, he is the only good one they have. Grade: 2 out of 5
Cornerback: Key Player-Deltha O'Neal Both of the starting corners had bad years last season, interception wise. O'Neal had 1 pick, Jonathan Joseph had none. They need to improve on that. Grade: 2 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Dexter Jackson The former Super Bowl MVP is a good fit in this defense of underachievers. IF someone was to step up on this D, I'm guessing Jackson will be the guy. Grade: 1.5 out of 5
Special Teams K: Shayne Graham P: Kyle Larson Graham has made some clutch kicks in his career. He was 25 for 30 last season. Larson is a good punter as well. Grade: 4 out of 5
Overview If the Bengals could play some solid defense(something that Marvin Lewis is good at coaching), there is no reason why Cincy couldn't win the AFC. However, I got a feeling that this D will suck. Carson will win his MVP and Rudi will get his 1500 yards, but the defense will be the reason the Bengals fall in the playoffs.
Having lived in Cinci. Unfortunately for the last 26 years part time, i have seen the Bengals play a multitude of games on TV. Doesn't matter who is coaching them, they always seem to loose steam during the game and loose most of the time except for last year. I have to give them credit for that. Some times they show a spark of improvement.
The last time I checked, even in foot ball there is a team of guys on the field and all have to deliver 110% to win games . A couple players can't just carry the rest of the team and expect results in a championship caliber.
Yep some of the boys are always getting them selves in trouble with the law and other atrocities that make them poor role models for the kids that think they are saints. As a matter of speculation, It has been said the Bengals have a reserved cell at the local jail for them to serve their time.Understand now where we have such a high crime rate among our children in Cincinnati.
This crime wave is not just the present players.. This action goes all the way back in years since I know of in the early 80s.
The best thing for Cinci. is to send Brown ( the owner) and the Bengals packing and get a good team to play in this town if we want to see a champion ship for Cincinnati foot ball fans..
Yep I am talking Bengals too.. Just do not see the Bengals ever making the plaoffs for the championship. Did once with Sam Wyche and Boomer Esiason. Since then nothing but embarrasment.
When I first moved up to Cincinnati and not knowing much about the Bengals a sales rep. asked me if I played for the Bengals. I said who? Never heard of them before. Considering I was a Dolphins fan from Miami Fla. back then, he saw no humor in my remark.
I am an avid sports fan who attempts to watch/read about as many games as possible. Growing up in St. Louis, I am a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. Not having an NFL team for most of my life, until the Rams showed up, I am a Tennessee Titans fan and I am also a University of Tennessee fan. I am a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
