2005 NFL Preview: Cincinnati Bengals

Sponsored by CyberSportsbook.com

Last Year

A streak of 13 consecutive non-winning seasons continued in 2004 as the Cincinnati Bengals were unable to surpass the eight-win barrier once again. Second-year quarterback Carson Palmer took over the offensive reigns and unlike many Bengal signal callers before him, didn't do much to disappoint. As the season progressed, so did Palmer and the young team. With the momentum of a 6-3 finish to last season, the Bengals are primed for a winning season, but I would suggest cautious optimism. After all, we're talking about the Bengals.

What We Learned From Last Year

Like Anna Chuboda, the (alleged) trophy wife in the center of NBC's Average Joe 4, Bengal fans were a little confused last season.

They were used to watching their team play like a bunch of average Joes, but when a hunk like Carson appeared — not the 25-year-old night club manager from New York — they got a glimpse of what life is like with a really sexy offense.

Bengal fans, and Anna for that matter, were tired of inadequate men leading their offense (if you know what I'm saying), but those worries can now be alleviated.

If there's only one thing to extract from the Bengals 2004 season, it's the fact that a team that has endured so much unrest at the quarterback position for many years has finally found a franchise starter.

Since Marvin Lewis arrived, the stumbling and bumbling feeling has dissipated. The organization's mentality is to win and to maintain competitiveness at every point of the season. Although the Bengals are only 16-16 during Lewis' tenure, in the two seasons prior to his arrival the Bungles were 8-24.

He's huddled talent on the defense and gathered the makings of a scary offense.

Palmer labored in the first seven games of the season and so did the Bengals. The team was 2-5 while Palmer was only completing 52% of his passes with five touchdowns and ten interceptions.

It was fair for the sophomore quarterback to struggle, as that was his first taste of NFL action. But as he got acquainted, the Bengals morphed from developing to dangerous.

In Palmer's last six games of the season (missed final three games with knee injury), his completion percentage shot up to a Peyton Manning-like 69%, his TD/INT ratio improved to 13/8 and the offense averaged 28 points per game. Furthermore, four of the six opponents in that stretch, Baltimore, New England, Pittsburgh, and Washington, finished with defenses in the top nine.

Carson didn't do this all of this on his own, of course, he just took advantage of all the weapons we knew were at his disposal.

Rudi Johnson provided a consistent ground threat with almost 1,500 rushing yards and Chad Johnson was a secondary killer virtually every Sunday. While Peter Warrick was sidelined with injuries, T.J. Houshmanzadeh supplied a viable threat opposite of Johnson.

But the line was truly the foundation of the offensive stability. With at least 15 starts from four of their five linemen, Palmer was secure in the pocket.

The drafting of Chris Perry was a senseless pick, especially with quality linebackers such as Karlos Dansby, Teddy Lehman, and Daryl Smith available. The fact that Rudi Johnson was on the roster, a proven starter, further made the selection a foolish one. With a mix of hamstring and hernia injuries, Perry's future doesn't look too bright. Meanwhile, the linebacking corps struggled in 2004, particularly after Nate Webster tore his right patellar tendon.

The secondary was a strength as Tory James made a trip to the Pro Bowl and Deltha O'Neal was reliable. Safety Madieu Williams was an obvious standout as he played virtually everywhere in the secondary and finished with 102 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries.

Two years ago, the Bengals were finding novel ways to lose each week, now they are finding new ways to win. Now that they have welcomed back the word "expectations" into their dictionary, let's see how they respond to them.

This Year

Bengal fans were waiting for so long for a miracle to come. Everyone told them to be strong, to hold on, and don't shed a tear.

Finally, those Celine Dion lyrics seeped in and a new day has come for the Bengals.

With the offense returning the majority of its personnel, the defense will be the area that requires tender loving care.

The power of love can only do so much, which is why the Bengals focused on acquiring talent through the draft.

Linebackers David Pollack and Odell Thurman were the first two Bengal selections in the 2005 draft and both will be inserted into the starting lineup. Pollack is more of a pass-rushing threat (played DE in college) and Thurman is a forceful tackler. There are high expectations for Thurman, who was the best available linebacker in the draft. Brian Simmons is the leader, but is the only healthy veteran among the linebackers.

Sack totals were unimpressive last season, as the count finished at 37. The defense will count on David Pollack to find his way to the quarterback while the line undergoes adjustments. Justin Smith is the foremost menace on the front four, but the other end position is up for grabs. Duane Clemons was the incumbent, but Lewis likes the quickness of Robert Geathers. The combination of John Thornton and free agent signing of tackle Bryan Robinson will shore up the center of the line and ameliorate the 26th-ranked rushing defense.

It is a pleasure to see a team who recognizes its deficiencies and addresses them. New defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan should appreciate that, as well.

Linebacker Nate Webster and Peter Warrick were borderline cap cuts, but the fact that they were kept on the roster demonstrates how badly the Bengals want to win this year. They have those positions filled but successful teams always have depth.

Warrick does possess blazing speed and should be more effective in the slot as a third wide receiver. He's been extremely motivated this offseason to get back and make an impact. T.J. Houshmanzadeh will start on the other side of Chad Johnson after a breakout year in 2004, where he skipped over Kelley Washington on the depth chart once Warrick was hurt. Washington may be at the bottom of this stockpile of talent, but the potential is still there and he's the team's most physical target.

You would think that that would be a sufficient set of receivers, but the Bengals also drafted Chris Henry (third round) and Tab Perry (sixth round). Henry, at 6-4, has the size and quickness to offer the positives of both Warrick and Washington in one shot.

On promise alone, there is no better group of receivers but they don't play this game on paper.

The offensive line is same as it was last season and is one of the better groups assemble by the Bengals. Chemistry and cohesiveness on the offensive line in underrated and the familiarity among this starting five should give them an advantage.

Palmer has every possible type of receiver at his disposal, a sound running game, and a stout offensive line, which adds up to a top-10 offense.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will come down off of cloud nine, leaving this division down to the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati. One team has a stellar defense, the other, a stellar offense. So the question remains, can Baltimore's offense outdo Cincinnati's defense?

Over/Under: 7.5

With Cleveland, Minnesota, Chicago, and Houston in the first four weeks, the Bengals have a legitimate opportunity to start at least 3-1 and carry over the momentum from last season. The division is still a tight one and although nine wins may end the streak of non-winning seasons, it may not be enough to get into the playoffs. Outside of their division they play: MIN, @CHI, HOU, @JAX, @TEN, GB, IND, @DET, BUF, and @KC.

Fantasy Sleeper

Chad Johnson — no. T.J. Houshmanzadeh — no. Rudi Johnson — no. The answer here has to be Palmer. Even though he's on the radar, if you take the numbers from his last six games and flesh it out over a season, you're looking at a QB who will give you just under 4,000 yards passing and 35 touchdowns. Not bad for someone who is still learning at the pro level.

Stay tuned as Dave Golokhov brings you previews for all 32 NFL teams! Sponsored by CyberSportsbook.com, a great casino for horse racing and sportsbook action.