Cincinnati Bengals Preview: 10 Positives Going into Training Camp

The 2010 Bengals look good on paper. This may turn out to be the best Bengals team since the Super Bowl team. They have simply gotten stronger in every area.

Large parts of the team remain relatively unchanged from last season, allowing them to build on what they accomplished in 2009.

Here are 10 positives going into training camp.

Cornerback

One word describes this group—stacked. Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall are great starters. Adam Jones showed the Bengals that he has not lost any speed.

More importantly, he also showed them that he is ready to step into the nickel corner spot.

The Bengals have never had three cornerbacks like Joseph, Hall, and Jones. The other corners are and up-and-coming Morgan Trent, underrated David Jones, and highly thought of rookie Brandon Ghee.

Carson Palmer

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Carson Palmer "looks as sharp as ever" this offseason.

Palmer is another year removed from his elbow injury. He has some shiny new toys to throw to in Antonio Bryant, Jermaine Gresham, and Jordan Shipley.

The offensive line has another year under their belt, so they should improve.

Look for Palmer to put up numbers similar to 2007.

Michael Johnson is a beast

Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer raved about Michael Johnson at minicamp.

If all goes as planned, Johnson will line up at defensive end and outside linebacker this season.

Opposing offenses won't know if he will rush the passer or drop back in coverage.

Last year, his freakish athletic ability was obvious. With a year under his belt, the sky is the limit.

Rey Maualuga is sober

Maualuga is recovering from a drinking problem. With his drinking problems behind him, he is in the best shape of his life.

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer recently said that Maualuga has been working hard and that he expects him to have a great season.

He needs to stay on track, but everything looks positive so far.

Linebackers

Keith Rivers is everything any team would want in a WILL linebacker with his speed and power. Rey Maualuga plays very hard every down.

Dhani Jones is the coach on the field who has seen it all. Rashad Jeanty, Brandon Johnson, and Abdul Hodge are quality backups.

The Bengals are in great shape at linebacker.

Defensive line

The Bengals have a lot of talent at this position. They will make plays. Last year, the line had trouble getting to the passer when Antwan Odom went down. He is 100 percent healthy now, though.

They also re-signed Tank Johnson and drafted Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins. Big things are expected from Michael Johnson, who will play some end and linebacker.

Expect more than their 16th-best 34 sacks this year.

Weapons for Palmer

The Bengals are said to be revamping the entire passing game. Chad Ochocinco should put up 70 catches for 1,000 yards.

They have some new faces in Antonio Bryant, Jermaine Gresham, and Jordan Shipley. All three of these guys will make a big impact. Jerome Simpson is turning the corner.

Palmer hasn't had this many targets in a long time.

Reggie Kelly is back

Reggie Kelly is a great blocker who has been referred to as the third offensive tackle.

He should help with his play on the field, but his biggest contribution may be in teaching Chase Coffman and Jermaine Gresham how to play tight end at the highest level.

Kelly is also the most respected player in the locker room.

Andre Smith

Andre Smith was the best offensive lineman in the draft last year. He is expected to be ready to fully participate in training camp.

Smith is back at his playing weight and is fully healed.

Will the real Andre Smith please stand up? Yes, he will.

Defense

The Bengals defense is young and ready to improve upon last year's success. There are no weak groups on this squad. All the starters are back.

Expect big plays.

More Bengals Articles

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This is a list of Bengal weaknesses.

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.

More Bengals Articles

What do you think the Bengals' strengths are? While thinking about that, check out these other Bengals articles:

This is a list of Bengal concerns going into camp.

This is a list of Bengal weaknesses.

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.