Bengals' Lewis: Win or Go Home.

Entering the 2009 season, more rests on coach Marvin Lewis' shoulders than risking another losing season.

With just one winning season in six years and two straight losing campaigns it's time to show injuries and risky draft picks were to blame rather than poor coaching.

He is going to need help, no coach in the business could have saved the fast sinking Bengals' 2008 season, 2009 may be his last chance in Cincinnati.

The Defense

Coach Lewis has revamped the defense with seasoned defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and linebacker coach Jeff FitzGerald, who sent four linebackers to the Pro Bowl with the '06 Ravens.

The new faces appear to have the defense facing the right direction; despite numerous injuries, moving from a dead last ranking to 12th overall by the end of the season.

But can they keep the momentum going?

A rookie season cut short by injury leaves Keith Rivers' development a few games behind but on the right path, adding fellow Trojan Rey Maualuga to the improving LB corps could result in a fast, dangerous middle pack for the Bengals in 2009.

Most of the secondary questions were answered with renewed health, key veteran acquisition Roy Williams, and retaining the rejuvenated Chris Crocker.

Despite media backlash, the Bengals also added talented veteran depth by acquiring the services of former Cowboy Tank Johnson. Johnson looks to backup two solid young DTs in Domata Peko and Pat Sims.

The Offense

Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski, known for his explosive offense year after year, suffered a humiliating year. With a patchwork offensive line and an unproven back QB, the Bengals posted an embarrassing last place offensive ranking in 2008.

The NFL Draft and several healing months later, the Bengals offense looks as poised as ever to regain their 2005 form.

There is still huge question mark with Chad Ochocinco still missing from team activities. However the Bengals likely won't miss T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who departed to Seattle.

They may house the most talented crop of young WRs in the AFC after picking up Laveranues Coles to add veteran presence to the young, talented trio of Henry, Caldwell, and Simpson who are eager to wreak havoc, hitting the field with Palmer under center.

Speaking of hitting the field, Carson Palmer hopes to do a lot less of that in 2009 with two new brutes on the line—talented tackle Andre Smith and savvy center Jonathon Luigs—who aim to keep the Pro Bowl QB upright long enough to strike fear in defensive backs around the league.

The Verdict

With the pieces in place for Coach Lewis to prove he can win with the minimal tools in place, he is expected to revamp his three year plan, which restarted after 2006 after lost draft picks, by refreshing the roster with younger, better players. The time to win is now, or there may be no 'next season' for Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati.