I am a little late with this week's preview because this is actually last week's preview. Before we dive in, I want to again address some concerns people are having. Perhaps debunking a few myths will help.
1.) Talented young players will get better after having a year in the system.
This is a myth only in as much as it is universally applied. If every young player got better every year, every team would be good. That just simply is not the case, nor will it ever be the case.
That means all you Raider fans can settle down about the young talent on your team, and the same for you angry Redskin fans who believe your young secondary and inexperienced quarterback are ready for the big time.
2.) A new coach is better than a "bad" coach.
This is the "grass is always greener" theory. We can apply this one to the AFC North, since that is what we're here for today. Brian Billick became a scapegoat for the Ravens' 5-11 season, but remember, he went 13-3 the season prior AND won them a Super Bowl.
If a team doesn't get better, a new coach won't help THAT much. New Baltimore coach John Harbough has serious work in front of him. He's stuck with a roster that has only gotten older and slower where it was talented (defense), and younger and inexperienced where it had been solid (offense).
That does not translate into success for a team. The coach can help, but the team has to have better players to win more games.
Listen, you're excited about your team. Your GM just drafted that hot SEC running back several spots later than his talent warrants, and you're pumped. Don't set your expectations too high.
Additionally, new coaches almost always take some time to get it right. Norv Turner inherited the uber-talented Chargers, and they didn't play anywhere near their potential until mid-season practically.
If you say your young player will get better, and I say he won't, then we're both right because neither of us really knows for sure, and that is the beauty of sports.
That being said, let's jump in.
Bengals (2007 Record: 7-9)
Offense: Unfortunately for the Bengals, one of the biggest headlines in the offseason has a by-line in Cincy. Chad Johnson’s contract situation remains unresolved, even though Johnson has reported to training camp.
The ankle has slowed him in camp, but assuming he is opposite T.J. Whosyamama, this offense should be explosive.
Carson Palmer put up big touchdown and yardage totals last season, but he threw some killer interceptions, due in large part to subpar offensive-line play and having no consistency in the running game. Rudi Johnson returns, along with Kenny Watson, making the ground game solid, if healthy.
Success in the running game should mask some of the pass-blocking deficiencies along the interior. That should make it easier for Palmer to get to Johnson and Houshmandzadeh on the outside
Defense: The Bengals have had a playoff offense ever since Carson Palmer has been under center. The biggest question facing the Bengals has been the play of their defense.
The supposed guru Marvin Lewis and his defense allowed an atrocious 304 passing yards per game last season. Second-year Michigan product Leon Hall showed flashes of Ty Law last season, but he still has plenty of growing to do.
With Hall and third-year corner Johnathan Joseph, the outside has outstanding talent, but little experience. If the corners can grow up in a hurry, the passing defense should be much improved.
The Bengals literally pulled linebackers off the street last season, in an effort to fill the holes, but this year, they should field a much-improved group. Landon Johnson and Dhani Jones were certainly serviceable last season, but Johnson has moved on and their talented rookie Keith Rivers hasn't been on the field much without a contract
Getting Rivers into camp and situated with the defense will be crucial to the success of this defense.
Along the defensive front, there remains nothing to write home about. Adding Antwan Odom could really help a lackluster pass-rush, after that, Peko, Thornton, and Geathers form an average-at-best group.
We're going to send you the most entertaining NFL articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
6 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete