Receiving Praise: Addressing the Cincinnati Bengals Offense and Aerial Attack

Inept.

At times this past season, that word became synonymous with the Cincinnati Bengals' passing game.

Can a Pro Bowl quarterback really have no passing yards and go 1-11 with a pick in a game? No matter how sturdy the New York Jets' defense is, and no matter if the Bengals were just not trying, those types of performances should not happen in the NFL.

Pitiful.

And when a team who has numerous play makers struggles to attack teams with the caliber of the Detroit Lions or Kansas City Chiefs, there is a huge problem.

Embarrassing.

In no way am I not applauding their success of getting to the playoffs or finally adapting to the gritty AFC North. It is just ironic that now is a Gilded Age of quarterbacks and pass-happy offenses.

It does not seem long ago when the Bengals mocked the Greatest Show on Turf with their own aerial display. Not to be cliche, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Something continued to click in that offense.

And then Palmer was sidelined with injury, and Ryan Fitzpatrick, one of those quarterbacks who will always have more picks than scores, takes over.

Then came the descent of T.J. Houshmanzadeh and the arrival of Laverneus Coles. I bet everyone who ran to buy their number 11 jerseys before this season now regrets it.

But the best thing about the NFL (and professional sports, actually) is the ability to change and adapt. Harder said than done, but very possible.

So with that in mind, what needs to be changed?

Start with the centerpiece of the offense: I have never been so disgusted with what is being said of Carson Palmer. When he was drafted number one overall by the Bengals, heads were raised and smiles were shown.

Now, fans want Mike Brown and Marvin Lewis to turn over a new leaf and gain a replacement?

A star cannot be a star if it is not given the proper help. The patch-work offensive line was a great surprise, mostly because of the success in the running game, but also in protection.

Give them all another year to work with one another and get out all the ebb and flow. Once Andre Smith gets a chance to prove his value, the line will be given a new, mammoth dimension. 

The stable of running backs is at an all-time high. I enjoy the site of very few mock drafts with us taking a running back. It broke my heart as much as the next guy's to cheer for Kenny Irons and Chris Perry, only to see them start from square one again.

They give Palmer added protection and safety valves.

Onto the wide receivers. 

Chad Ochocinco is a Hall of Famer, yet he along with the rest of the world ages. At 32 he still has it, but for how much longer? I try to not worry myself with that question and only live in the present. So with that said, Ochocinco still has that swagger to trash talk and back it up.

The rest of the corps, however, is under further review. Coles surely did not perform up to his gaudy contract.

Andre Caldwell played well, but needs to take on a bigger role at times.

Jerome Simpson, bless his heart, did not expect to be plucked up on day one of the draft and thrown into the fire. Yet he had some appeal that has not been seen.

Tight end was a position of curiosity, agony, and stone-cold (like Daniel Coats' hands) disappointment. Hopefully Chase Coffman will workout in the long run. 

Tragedy certainly struck when the Bengals lost Chris Henry. Ironically, that is the point when they could not adapt and adjust. The passing game faltered throughout the rest of the season.

But it is now the time when needs are addressed.

As noted, quarterback, running back, and offensive line are spots of encouragement on the offense.

For the wide receivers and tight ends, suggestions are smiled upon.

Ochocinco and Caldwell are going to make the team. Quan Cosby would make it as a returner, with the occasional role as receiver. Newly acquired Matt Jones will be slowly brought in, a la Larry Johnson, but will be given the chance to develop a greater role. Simpson, barring some miracle, is gone. 

There has been much talk of what to do in free agency or the draft. Terrell Owens (yes, seriously) is being mentioned around the water cooler, as is trying to pursue some other talented receiver. If one can be taken through free agency, Coles is most likely gone; that much money cannot be given to a guy who performs like a third wide receiver. 

Then to the draft. My personal favorites are Dez Bryant, Golden Tate, and DeMaryius Thomas. Bryant will be gone before the Bengals pick, and I feel they need to grab Jermaine Gresham, who will do wonders for the tight end spot and helping out the rest of the offense.

Once the second round pick comes along, Tate will be gone—he is too good. Thomas hopefully will be around. Now of course I do not decide who they draft, but I feel he provides something that could remind fans of Chris Henry. Take him, and get another in later rounds or pick up a rookie free agent.

Who wouldn't be satisfied with a corps of Ochocinco, someone like Owens, Thomas, Caldwell, Jones, etc?

But there is a reason that I or the rest of Bleacher Report Nation is not a coach or scout, so we can only hope our wishes via mock drafts are heard.

Back to earth: It would not hurt the Bengals to regain their passing swagger of '05 and '06. Couple that with Benson and the improved running game, and Mike Zimmer's new defense, things will sound good.

This year was Who Dat; hopefully next will be Who Dey.

That sounds pretty good to me.