2009 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Predictions

We’ve seen steady decline since the Bengals won 11 games and a division title in 2005 and last year was a major disaster. Cincy dropped its first eight games of the season and finished just 4-11-1. The organization feels improvement is on the way now that QB Carson Palmer is healthy. Plus, it re-signed running back Cedric Benson, and signed free agents Laveranues Coles and Tank Johnson. But will it be enough to get back in contention for a division title? Get my take in my 2009 AFC North predictions. The NFL odds makers have listed the Cincinnati Bengals at +5500 to win Super Bowl XLIV.

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Offense – Carson Palmer is back after missing 12 games in 2008 with an elbow injury. He says he’s 100 percent and his elbow feels even better than it did before. His health is vital to the success of this team, but if he does go down, there won’t be as big of a drop off as there was last season. The Bengals brought in J.T. O’Sullivan who started eight games for the 49ers last year to be the backup. Carson’s brother Jordan is the third string QB.

Cedric Benson got a fresh start with the Bengals after a rough stint in Chicago and he took full advantage. He was very good for Cincy last year and the coaching staff is excited to see what he can do in a full season with the team. Jeremi Johnson is a dependable blocker at fullback and Brian Leonard should be a solid third down back.

Chad Ochocinco (formerly Johnson) is still a Bengal and he is coming off his worst season since his rookie campaign, catching just 53 passes for 540 yards. 2008 also marked the first time in six years he missed out on the Pro Bowl. If he decides he wants to forget about his differences with the organization and play some football, he can still be one of the best wideouts in the game, especially now that Palmer is back slinging the pigskin. He will combine with Laveranues Coles and Chris Henry to form a very good unit.

The offensive line was made a priority in the offseason after giving up 51 sacks.  The Bengals drafted the highly touted Andre Smith to take over at left tackle. He will likely team with Anthony Collins, Jonathan Luigs, Andrew Whitworth, and Bobbie Williams up front. I don’t expect this unit to be great, but I do expect it to be improved.

Defense – For the Bengals to make major strides in 2009, the defense will have to exceed expectations. It all starts up front with being able to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks. Robert Geathers looked like he might emerge into a perennial Pro Bowler when he came up with 10.5 sacks in 2006, but the end has tallied only six sacks the last two seasons. The team desperately needs him to revert to his 2006 form. Antwan Odom is slated to start at the other end and is in need of a bounce back season as well after an injury-plagued campaign in 2008. Tackle Domata Peko finished with 108 tackles last season and must do it again.

Dhani Jones led the linebacker corps last season, finishing with the most tackles on the team and providing much needed leadership. He will be challenged by rookie Rey Maualuga, but I really think the Bengals would be best served to play these guys at the same time, possibly moving Maualuga to the outside. The team is also excited to see what 2008 first round draft pick Keith Rivers can do in a full season. He was very productive before going down with an injury seven games in a year ago.

The secondary has the potential to be very good if the guys up front do a better job of reaching the QB. Roy Williams and Chris Crocker give the Bengals one of the more intimidating safety tandems in the league. Former first round picks Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall will take the corner spots.

Prediction: 3rd AFC North – With Palmer back, the Bengals could have a potentially dominant offense if the running game is above average. Still, defense is what wins titles in the North and that’s why I like the Steelers and the Ravens ahead of Cincy. The Bengals are listed at +900 to win the AFC North Division at Bookmaker.

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