2008 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Predictions

Since making the playoffs in 2005 with an 11-win year, the Bengals have been the model for what not to do to become a successful franchise. Is there any way to restore order in Cincinnati? Jimmy Boyd provides his takes in his 2008 Cincinnati Bengals predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

Carson Palmer is an elite quarterback. He deserves to be on a better team with guys who show that they care about winning. As long as he is in the game, the Bengals have a chance to win. He threw for over 4,000 yards for the second consecutive season and added 26 touchdowns. His 20 interceptions were a sign that he was trying to do too much to help his team.

If Rudi Johnson can return to form, he and Kenny Watson form a very talented duo in the backfield. Watson blossomed from being a third down back to leading the team in rushing yards while replacing the injured Johnson.

The Bengals once had the most explosive receiving corps in the league, now it is just the most disgruntled. T.J. Houshmandzadeh will be in a contract year so they should get some decent output from him, but Chad Johnson is threatening to sit out if he's not traded and the Chris Henry has been released after yet another run-in with the law. The Bengals drafted three wide receivers including Jerome Simpson in the second round and Andre Caldwell in the third to show those remaining that they are ready to move on if need be.

The Bengals offensive line can be a solid unit if tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson are healthy. The duo missed 14 starts between them last season. Good competition at the other spots figures to see this unit improved.

Defense

The Bengals really struggled to mount a pass rush last season so the team signed free agent Antwan Odom to play along side Robert Geathers to help him out. Domata Peko and John Thornton will start in the interior.

The Bengals used their first round draft pick to nab Keith Rivers and they are depending on him to be the future at the weak side spot. The Bengals know Ahmad Brooks can be a force in the middle, but he has to stay healthy. He went down with a groin injury in week two and never returned. Rashad Jeanty was solid in the strong side role a season ago and the Bengals expect more of the same from him.

Second year players Marvin White and Chinedum Ndukwe will be heavily depended on in the secondary with the departure of safety Madieu Williams. Dexter Jackson can still deliver bone crushing hits, although his range is limited. Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall will start at the corners.

Special Teams

Shayne Graham was a bright spot for the Bengals last season, connecting on 31 of 34 field goal attempts. The Bengals must get better in the return game. They finished last in the league in punt returns, averaging just 4.9 yards per return. There are hundreds of high school teams which could have done better.

Prediction – 4th AFC North

With the emergence of the Browns last season, the Bengals are now projected to bring up the rear in the division. The Steelers and Ravens are both stronger defensively and that figures to play to their advantage. Cincy will still score through the air, because Palmer is that good, but the level of commitment that the receiving corps has to this football team is questionable and will likely hold the Bengals back.

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Check out the official site of the Cincinnati Bengals and for more information.

July 1st, 2008