Key Matchups For The 2009 Cincinnati Bengals

With the NFL regular season approaching, fans analyze their team's schedule, trying to come up with a record and decide if it will be enough to get into the playoffs.

Football is the ultimate team game, but there are individual matchups throughout the year that can be very intriguing.

It may be one player going up against another, head coaches squaring off in a big rivalry, or a quarterback trying to pick apart a secondary.

Here are a few of the interesting matchups as I look ahead at the 2009 Cincinnati Bengals.

Josh McDaniels vs. Marvin Lewis

Ever since 33-year old Josh McDaniels was hired as Denver's head coach, he has made it a point to let people know this is his team and they are going to do things his way.

His public rift with Jay Cutler resulted in the quarterback of one of the league's best offenses last year being traded.

McDaniels will be looking to start his head coaching career off with a win. Marvin Lewis will be looking to start the year with his head not on the chopping block.

Aaron Rodgers vs. Bengals' Defense

Aaron Rodgers is beginning his second season as the starting quarterback in Green Bay. He is looking to take the next step in his career and make Packer fans forget about that Fav-ruh guy.

With a healthy Keith Rivers and new additions like Roy Williams and rookies Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson, an already sound Bengals' defense will look to bring Rodgers down.

Hines Ward vs. Keith Rivers

Hopefully, the Bengals defense will be coming off a strong performance against Green Bay in Week 2, just in time for their first AFC North opponent.

Bengal fans would like nothing more than to see Keith Rivers knock that disgusting smile from Hines Ward's face.

Eric Mangini vs Marvin Lewis

The Battle of Ohio will feature two coaches who are both under a microscope. Mangini is in his first season with the Browns and is looking to turn the franchise around.

Some might call this a make-or-break year for Lewis, coming off of a horrible 2008 season with the Bengals.

Ray Lewis vs Carson Palmer

Ray Lewis and the Baltimore defense might not be as dominating as they were several years ago, but they can still cause plenty of problems for opposing quarterbacks.

Palmer missed most of last season with an elbow injury and will be looking to regain his status as one of the league's elite quarterbacks.

D.J. Moore vs. Chad Ochocinco

By the time the Chicago Bears come to Paul Brown Stadium in Week 7, it should be pretty clear whether or not Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco can return to the dangerous offensive tandem they once were.

The Bears are high on rookie cornerback D.J. Moore, so I am sure Ochocinco will try and welcome him to the league.

Brett Favre vs. Bengals' Defense

Let's say the Minnesota Vikings are 4-4 going into their bye week. Can't you see Brett Favre riding in on a white horse to save the day?

If neither Sage Rosenfels nor Tavaris Jackson are playing well, look for Favre to trade in the Wranglers for pads and a helmet.

Chargers' Secondary vs Bengals' Passing Attack

The San Diego Chargers' pass defense was ranked 31st in the NFL last season. If Carson Palmer and company are still relatively healthy this late in the season, the Bengals could enjoy a big day offensively.

Jets' Defense vs. Laveranues Coles

Rex Ryan has brought in some experienced defensive players in hopes to form an aggressive defense. Coles was the Jets' leading receiver last year before signing with Bengals in March.

Mike Brown vs. Bengal Nation

Since his father passed away, Mike Brown has made a mockery of this franchise. He is one of the most despised owners in sports.

Whether it be the lack of a scouting department or absence of a general manager, another losing season will simply add fuel to the fire in Cincinnati.