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They even had a chance to defeat the Eagles during Week 11 when Shayne Graham failed to make a field goal as time expired in overtime, resulting in a 13-13 tie.
The Bengals have what it takes to be a playoff contender in 2009. However, they will have no shot at making the playoffs if they fail to perform well in the second-half and fourth quarter of each game. They need to play strong for an entire 60 minutes if they plan on succeeding.
3. Chad Ochocinco and the Rest of the Wide Receivers
It's not surprise that Chad Ochocinco continues to make headlines on a weekly basis. Last week, Carson Palmer took a shot at Ochocinco during an interview on "Movin' The Chains" for missing out on voluntary workouts for the Bengals.
Palmer discussed how he was excited about the group of receivers competing for the spots that were once occupied by Houshmandzadeh and Ochocinco.
Ochocinco may still be on the Bengals' roster, but there is no telling what will happen with him in the future. For the last two seasons, his request to be traded has been declined over and over again by owner Mike Brown.
According to Palmer, he hasn't spoken to Ochocinco lately not has any other of the Bengals players. Whether or not he is going to be a factor for the Bengals this season is still up in the air, but statistics show he could be a major factor.
For the first time since his rookie season, Ochocinco failed to record 1,000 receiving yards in a season. In the four seasons prior to 2008, he had over 5,000 yards receiving and 31 touchdowns. Last season, he had 53 receptions for 540 yards and four touchdowns.
Whether or not Ochocinco and Palmer can rekindle their chemistry will be a debatable topic until the season starts in September. However, let's not forget about the rest of the wide receivers that can make an impact for the Bengals this season.
No player has benefited more from Ochocinco than former Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Over the last four seasons, he has a total of 4,084 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns. Some say he was a No. 1 wide receiver playing at the No. 2 spot and succeeded since defenders focused mainly on Ochocinco.
After Houshmandzadeh signed with the Seattle Seahawks, they signed free agent wide receiver Laveranues Coles from the New York Jets. His numbers may not match Houshmanzadah's, but he has the potential to benefit off of defenders focusing most of their time on Ochocinco.
Another player that has the potential for a break-out season is fifth-year wide receiver Chris Henry. According to Palmer's interview on "Movin' The Chains", Henry has had an amazing offseason and is looking for a fresh start after his incidents with the law over the last couple of years.
As mentioned before, the Bengals have one of the best offenses in the NFL on paper. Not only do they have a former Pro Bowl quarterback in Palmer, but they have two wide receivers with experience as a No. 1 go-to guy. If everything goes according to plan in Cincinnati, the Bengals may see Palmer having another career year.
4. Offseason Acquisitions
Over the last couple of years, the Bengals have been known to be quiet in the offseason. This year, they took advantage of the players available to them through free agency and the draft that should have an impact on making improvements from last season.
With the No. 6 pick in the 2009 Draft, the Bengals selected offensive tackle Andre Smith from Alabama to help protect Carson Palmer. Smith should have an immediate impact improving an offensive line that ranked third in the NFL last season allowing opposing defenses to record 51 sacks.
The addition of Smith should allow not only more time for Palmer, but for running back Cedric Benson to find more holes.
The Bengals also lucked out in the draft when University of Southern California linebacker Rey Maualuga fell into their hands at No. 38. The former Trojan recorded 194 tackles in three seasons while earning All-American and All-Pac 10 honors each season.
With him in the starting lineup playing alongside second-year linebacker Keith Rivers, the Bengals defense could cause headaches for opposing teams.
Laveranues Coles was one of the biggest headlines as far as the Bengals' free agent signings this offseason. However, it was the reuniting of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and former Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams that got the city of Cincinnati excited.
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