Last Season
There are many adjectives that could describe the Cincinnati
Bengals' season last year, unfortunately most are unprintable. To say
they were 'dismal' is being too kind. The team's offense, for instance,
was ranked the worst in the NFL as it only managed to average a paltry
245 yards and score 12.8 points per game. Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco
failed to impress, while quarterback Carson Palmer was out for much of
the season with an injured elbow. However, if the Bengals had one
strength, it was their defense and linebacker Dhani Jones did well to
chalk up 116 tackles. Off Season
Given their 2008 season, the Cincinnati Bengals had
their work cut out in the 2009 NFL Draft, which seemed to pay off
judging by some of their acquisitions. Take power offensive lineman
Andre Smith, who delivered the goods in Alabama and should do the same
for the Bengals. On the team's defensive side, skilled former USC Trojan
linebacker, Rey Maualuga, is expected to shake things up as is lanky
defensive end, Michael Johnson, who proved his speed and agility for
Georgia Tech. On the downside, free agent T. J. Houshmandzadeh left the
Bengals to join the Seattle Seahawks, but on the upside, wide receiver Laveranues
Coles joined the team.
2009 Preview
The great thing about hitting rock bottom is that the only way is
up. As such the Bengals should fare better this year, especially
offensively given their new recruits. Recovered from his elbow injury,
Palmer will make a welcome return to the starting lineup. Badly missed
when he was on the bench last season, no doubt his teammates will help
ensure he remains healthy this season. According to the rumor mill, Ochocinco
acknowledged his poor form last season and has endeavored to turn over a
new leaf, while Laveranues Coles is also expected to step up. With a
good offense and a solid defense, the Bengals could shine.
2009 Prediction
While the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to be a greatly improved
team from last season, they'll still have to face the defending
Super Bowl Champs, the Baltimore Ravens, in their division.
If they can fend off the Ravens and keep their confidence high there is
no doubt they'll improve on last season's poor 4-11 record. However, it
is doubtful that they'll be good enough to reach the playoffs, although
stranger things have happened. Our Pick Bengals go up, but not by that much from last season. They were decimated by key injuries and are much better than a 4 win team. They could also provide some betting value, although if this team faces adversity it usually quits.
2009/10 Cincinnati Bengals Schedule
| Date |
Opponent |
| Sep 20, 2009 |
at Green Bay Packers |
| Sep 27, 2009 |
vs. Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Oct 04, 2009 |
at Cleveland Browns |
| Oct 11, 2009 |
at Baltimore Ravens |
| Oct 18, 2009 |
vs. Houston Texans |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
vs. Chicago Bears |
| Bye |
| Nov 08, 2009 |
vs. Baltimore Ravens |
| Nov 15, 2009 |
at Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Nov 22, 2009 |
at Oakland Raiders |
| Nov 29, 2009 |
vs. Cleveland Browns |
| Dec 06, 2009 |
vs. Detroit Lions |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
at Minnesota Vikings |
| Dec 20, 2009 |
at San Diego Chargers |
| Dec 27, 2009 |
vs. Kansas City Chiefs |
| Jan 03, 2010 |
at New York Jets |
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