Cincinnati Bengals: Preview and Predictions for 2009

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

 
The 2009 offseason for the Bengals was quite odd. Normally the team is on TV for a player getting arrested, or a Chad OchoCinco rant on how he wants to be traded.
 
But the 2009 offseason featured positive publicity for once.
 
Dhani Jones starred in Dhani Tackles the Globe, an interesting look at sports played all around the world. For the record, he held his own in every sport and didn’t get hurt.

HBO selected the Bengals for its show Hard Knocks. It was an inside look at the organization that even local reporters have been unable to access. For the first time, we got to hear the owner/GM Mike Brown actually speak. He usually talks to the media approximately one time a year in July, before the wheels start falling off.
 
The show also has made you like Chad again. The majority of America had grown tiresome of the constant complaining and self-promotion of the disgruntled former Pro-Bowler. But his humor and stand-up play on the practice field has given him a new life. He seems to be enjoying football again.
 

Roster Moves
 
They let offensive lineman Eric Ghiaciuc and Stacy Andrews go. Receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh signed with Seattle and defensive tackle John Thornton was not re-signed.
 
They franchised kicker Shayne Graham (whom has complained about the lack of a long-term deal on Facebook). They signed Laveranues Coles to a four-year deal to replace Houshmandzadeh.
 
Former Cowboys safety Roy Williams and defensive tackle Tank Johnson joined the mix. Both claim they have something to prove after being let go by Dallas.
 

Draft
 
Most Bengal fans were ecstatic with the 2009 draft in April. With the O-line being the clear weakness, they selected tackle Andre Smith from Alabama. He has all the tools to be successful, but his weight and holdout have already proven to be big issues. Oh, and that fractured foot doesn’t help.
 
The steal of the entire draft might have been their second-round pick Rey Maualuga. Many experts had him in the top 10 before the combine. He dropped because of the recklessness he plays with, but with the way he hits he has star potential.

•Third DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech—huge upside but must stay motivated

•Third TE Chase Coffman, Missouri—broke NCAA record for receptions by a tight end

•Fourth C Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas—was a Rimington Trophy finalist in 2006, and won it in 2007; the Rimington Trophy is given to the top college center

•Fifth P Kevin Huber, Cincinnati—led the nation in net punting as both a junior and senior, and had just three touchbacks in 60 punts as a senior

•Sixth RB Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian—has a checkered criminal background, but his numbers (4,321 yards and 63 touchdowns the last two seasons) are hard to ignore
 

Predictions
 
Bengals Will Be First Team (of Many) To Crush Broncos

Since the average start for the Bengals during Mike Brown’s 18 years has been 2-6, getting off the quick start is essential. A 0-8 start to last year crushed every fan’s hopes for a winning season by week four.

This may be the only game where Palmer will be at full strength. Will he revert to his 2005 and 2006 form that included 60 TDs, 25 INTs, or 2007 where he led the league in interceptions? My guess is somewhere in between.
 
The good news for Bengal fans is the week one opponent. The Denver Broncos are in shambles with the whole Brandon Marshall and Jay Culter fiascoes. On top of that, projected starter and back-up Kyle Orton and Chris Simms are likely out for the game…Tom Brandstater is the third string.
 

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