Egos Must be Kept in Check in Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Bengals have never been a franchise to shy away from controversy. The team has always been more than willing to give troubled players with bad reputations a chance to redeem themselves. It’s sort of like a sanctuary for the bad boys of the NFL.
Considering all he’s had to endure, all the egos he’s had to control, all the players he’s had to babysit, Marvin Lewis has done a tremendous job coaching this team. He’ll have to do the same great job this year and will have more egos to control.
Terrell Owens (T.O.) has joined the team, which gives Lewis two large personalities at wide receiver with Owens, Chad Ochocinco, and Antonio Bryant, who the team acquired in March. All three have been number one receivers and will want their share of the ball. Also, quarterback (QB) Carson Palmer will have to find a way to keep everybody happy.
The Bengals offence may end up being the team’s best in years if all players are willing to share the limelight. Carson Palmer will have to take on a bigger role and use his gun slinging ability. Injuries and inconsistent play prompted the team to develop an attack filled with running the football.
Last season, running back (RB) Cedric Benson resurrected a once dim career by going to the Pro Bowl and providing the Bengals with the running game they needed to control the ball and protect leads last season. This year, with the attention defenders will be giving to the Bengals receiving corps, the door may be open for Benson to reach 1,500 yards. He’s powerful, agile, fast and patient; all ingredients of a great running back.
The focus on the Bengals is all about their receiving corps. Ochocinco is still the primary target, and this year he has the benefit of having a receiver who will attract attention underneath in T.O. Ochocinco is still quick and has great hands. Owens is physical and takes the attention of defenders, while Bryant is a dynamic playmaker when he’s healthy.
We can’t forget a huge weakness the Bengals addressed when they drafted tight end (TE) Jermaine Gresham. Gresham is a dynamic pass-catching tight end and gives Palmer something he hasn’t had his whole career; a reliable tight end as a safety net.
The offensive line thrives on running plays and was a major reason why Benson was successful last year. However, they are slow in pass protection. Right tackle (RT) Andre Smith gives the line a boost as he is athletic and quick off the snap. Up the middle, the line is experienced with guards Bobbie Williams providing excellent leadership and Nate Livings provides power. Centre (C) Kyle Cook sometimes struggles but always hangs in there.
The defence was a big reason for the Bengals surprising 10-6 season last year. They were able to shut down all divisional opponents and protected leads very well.
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has done a phenomenal job with his group. A major facet is the D’s ability to stop the run. On the front line, nose tackle (NT) Domata Peko attracts double teams and has a strong presence in front. At the end, defensive end (DE) Tank Johnson is quick and versatile. Carlos Dunlap can make an immediate impact as a rookie as well.
The defence’s line-backing corps is excellent as well with Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga on the outside to provide a lot of talent. At middle linebacker, (MLB) Dhani Jones is the main contributor. He’s the leader on defence and is great both against the run and the pass.
Roy Williams returns at strong safety for the Bengals after battling injury problems for two seasons. Williams is a nasty hitter and great against the run, but is weak in coverage. At free safety, Chris Crocker is well-rounded and is as reliable as they come.
The team is also gifted at cornerback with both Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph, both being former first-round draft picks. Both can easily play man coverage, while Hall covers better, Joseph hits better and can make plays.
Punter (P) Kevin Huber was great as a rookie last year but his coverage unit must improve. The Bengals released kicker Shayne Graham and brought in Dave Rayner and Mike Nugent to battle for the starting job.
In the return game, Quan Cosby ranked fifth in the league in punt returns. The team also added Pacman Jones who’s a dynamic playmaker, and Jordan Shipley who will all share return duties.
The Bengals have made several improvements to their team. They will be in a tough three-way race for the AFC North title with the Steelers and Ravens, but there's no reason to think they can’t win 10 games again. This will sure be an exciting and entertaining season in Cincinnati.
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