Cincinnati Bengals: Five Possible Weaknesses In 2010

The Bengals look strong in many areas this season, particularly at the cornerback and running back positions.

The Bengals can't be strong everywhere, though. They have some question marks that need to be addressed.

Here are five potential weaknesses for the 2010 Bengals.

Pass rush

The pass rush is probably the weakest part of the Bengals' defense. Fortunately, the team has addressed the issue in the draft.

Including Michael Johnson, who will likely move to a linebacker/lineman hybrid spot, here is the Bengals' 2010 line:

DE: Antawn Odom, Robert Geathers, Jonathan Fanene, Carlos Dunlap, and Michael Johnson. Frostee Rucker appears to be on the bubble.

DT: Domata Peko, Tank Johnson, Atkins, Clinton McDonald. Pat Sims may be on the bubble here.

A healthy Antwan Odom will help but he is coming off a serious Achilles injury. Given that, it seems unlikely that Odom will approach is 2009 sack pace. It may be a bit early to rely on rookies like Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins.

Last year, the Bengals put up 34 sacks, 16th in the NFL. Take away Odom's eight sacks and the number is pitiful. Someone like Johnson will have to step up big to improve that number.

Pass protection

A glaring weakness is the pass-protection for QB Carson Palmer.

There are many words on the internet devoted to the demise of Palmer. He didn't look good at times. His performance in the playoff game was bad. When the Jets knew the Bengals had to pass, the Jets defense was all over him.

In fact, there were many times the pass protection just didn't allow him the time needed. Palmer has some new receivers to throw to but nothing was done to help the line.

Andre Smith still has a bad foot. There is no reason to believe he will play 16 games at right tackle. Even if he does, he has to be considered a question mark. They also have Reggie Kelly back, who will help a little.

Bengals fans may be looking at another year of the power running game.

Tight end

Tight end is another area of concern. In 2009, before the first play of the regular season, the Bengals lost both their starting tight ends.

This year, Reggie Kelly is back but he may have a lot of rust to shake off before being productive. By all accounts, rookie Jermaine Gresham is a stud but he is a rookie and he may hold out like Andre Smith did last year.

Another guy who is back is Chase Coffman. In 2009, Coffman was unable to get on the field due to poor blocking skills and an ankle injury. Oh yeah, Daniel Coats is on the roster. Feel better now, Bengal fans?

Wide receiver

Wide receiver is a position of change in 2010. The Bengals are said to be revamping the entire passing game.

They have some new faces. The receiving core should look something like this:

Chad Ochocinco, Antonio Bryant, Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson, and Quan Cosby/Dez Briscoe/Matt Jones.

All quarterbacks need time and targets. When Palmer did have time in 2009, he had few targets who could reliably catch the ball.

Antonio Bryant should be better than Laveranues Coles but he has knee problems. Shipley may be a huge factor but rookie receivers can't be relied upon. Caldwell disappeared in the second half of the season.

In the end, all of these guys with the possible exception of Ochocinco are question marks.

Safety

This weakness is not as glaring as the others but the Bengals need better coverage from their safeties in 2010.

Early reports are saying that Chinedum Ndukwe is improving.

Some think he and Chris Crocker are underrated and make up a solid secondary. Roy Williams will play the role of enforcer and Gibril Wilson seems pretty solid.

None of these guys are play-makers, though.

More Bengal articles

Other weaknesses to consider are kicker and fullback. What do you think the Bengals' weakness area? While thinking about that, check out these other Bengals articles:

Here are five things the Bengals should not do.

This article reviews the Bengals' minicamp.

This is a list of five reasons not to miss Shayne Graham.

This article gives five reasons why the Bengals should sign JaMarcus Russell.

This article reviews the top unrestricted free agent signings by the Bengals.

This article looks at Carson Palmer's career and why he hasn't gotten a playoff win.

This article gives five reasons why the Bengals signed Adam "Pacman" Jones.

This article asks some questions about the Bengals' draft.

This article wonders whether Marvin Lewis should be signed to an extension.

This article questions the Antonio Bryant signing.

This article debates the Matt Jones pickup.

Check them out...don't cost nothin'.