The Bengals followed up an 11-win 2005 season with a disappointing 8-8 record last season. Cincy had nine players arrested in a nine-month period through January. With the improved defense and the same explosive offense, the Bengals should once again be contenders in the AFC North.
INSULTED
Carson Palmer passed for over 4,000 yards last season. It’s now over a season since he had major surgery on his left knee, so the sky’s the limit in 2007. Palmer is smart, accurate and has a cannon for an arm.
Running back Rudi Johnson is the workhorse in this offense. Johnson did some flexibility training in the off-season and also dieted to improve his speed and quickness. He’s a punishing runner, but he lacks that home run speed. We’ll see how his offseason work helps in that area.
Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh are one of the best starting receiving duos in the league. Johnson is the flashy, fast deep threat, while “Housh” is the sure-handed, precision road runner. Chris Henry, normally the team’s No. 3 receiver, has been suspended for the first half of the season. Tab Perry and Antonio Chatman will have to fill the void. Tight end Reggie Kelly gives Palmer solid protection and is a better receiver than most people realize.
The inside of the offensive line took a hit with the departure of left guard Eric Steinbach and the retirement of center Rich Braham. Goal Pro Bowl right tackle Willie Anderson and left tackle Levi Jones return. Bobbie Williams is also back at right guard. Andrew Whitworth will have to step up at left guard. Eric Ghiaciuc, Ben Wilkerson and Alex Stepanovich will compete for the starting job at center.
DEFENDING
Robert Geathers is the third-down rush pass specialist. Geathers had 10.5 sacks last season. Bryan Robinson is the run-stopping left winger who usually comes out in third-down passing situations. Justin Smith comes into the nickel defense and plays both end positions to make room for Geathers.
Michael Myers and John Thornton are in the middle of the line. Myers is a great run funnel, but he’s not much of a passing threat. Thornton is fast, but he wears himself out most of the time.
Ed Hartwell steps in as linebacker corps leader. Hartwell, a punishing hitter and great run blocker, will start on the outside. He could move to the middle if he has problems. Ahmad Brooks will benefit from Hartwell’s experience. Brooks will start in the middle. He made as many mistakes as big plays last season. Expect an improvement from Brooks this season. Rashad Jeanty will be the strongside starter.
High school needs to improve. This unit tied for 31st in passing yards allowed last season. Expect first-round draft pick Leon Hall, who will initially be the nickel back, to take Deltha O’Neal’s starting left corner job midway through the season. Johnathan Joseph enters his second professional season as the starting right corner. Joseph drew a lot of attention last season and he will continue to improve.
Ballhawking free safety Madieu Williams returns, as does strong safety Dexter Jackson. This will be their second season together, so improving the game should come as a result of better communication. Jackson may be pushed by fourth-round draft pick Marvin White. White is known for being a hard hitter who punishes catchers who cross the middle.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Coverage units are solid, but more consistency is needed. Tab Perry and Antonio Chatman are expected to win the kickoff and punt return jobs. Shayne Graham has been a solid kicker and has shown improvement on kickoffs. Punter Kyle Larson was fifth in the league in net average (38.6) and eighth in gross average (44.5).
PREDICTION
The Bengals will follow up a disappointing 2006 season with a return to the top of the AFC North. Palmer is back at 100% and the offense is explosive enough to make up for any shortcomings the team may have defensively. I see an 11-5 finish, putting them back on top as AFC North champions.