Cincinnati Bengals: Question Mark and the Mysterions...

2009 Bengals Season Preview

No, despite the title we aren't talking about "96 Tears", although I suppose we could be. Rather we are talking about  heading into the great unknown. You could be talking about Scuba Diving, Mountain Climbing, Skydiving, or any number of Extreme Types of Sports, or you could be talking about the 2009 version of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Nobody really knows exactly what to expect out of this bunch, a team that didn't exactly have a stellar 2008, but had a lot of injuries and other issues.

Though there have been some changes; adding Laveranues Coles and losing T.J Houshmandzadeh amongst them, the 2009 season will primarily ride on the return of Quarterback Carson Palmer and some sort of...well any sort of improvement from the defense.

The Rookies 

Probably the biggest source of optimism for the team this year, a good draft. The draft landed several potential stars or at least guys who can make an impact on a team chock full of holes.

Andre Smith, if he lives up to his potential could be Palmer's personal protector for the next 10 years. Though Smith had some character questions leading into the draft and well...didn't exactly knock scouts dead at the combing, he certainly was great in college.

Rey Maualuga , another guy with some questions, but tons of talent. This is the guy who could be the next Ray Lewis or could be the answer to a "Where are they now?" trivia question. All the hype over the USC linebackers and he drops into the Bengals lap in Round Two.

"Sigh". Officials at Draft HQ in New York couldn't get to the podium fast enough to make this pick.

Michael Johnson, yet another guy with questions and another with just "Freakish" athletic ability. 6'7", 265, Johnson can do it all, the interesting part will be seeing where he lines up...is it "Pass Rushing End" is it "Pass Rushing Linebacker" or is it "Every Down Guy".

Other Issues

Most Bengal fans know that this team has had holes...they still do. Picking up Brian Leonard in a trade recently= not a bad move. As much as Cedric Benson finally found his niche' last season, there is no telling how he will do this year. At the very least, Leonard provides quality, versatile depth.

The other...probably biggest issue, or at least the loudest is Chad Ochocinco. Yes, he still wants out. Yes, he's still here. No, he probably isn't going anywhere either. Mr. Ochocinco now has a little bit to prove. 2008 was not a good year for him...on many levels. The question is, "Does he want to do anything about it?"

The answer...god only knows.

We mentioned Carson Palmer earlier. Palmer returning from his elbow issues needs to have a big season for the team to have any success. Is he up to it? If healthy, of course. The question is, will he stay healthy. Not because we think he's injury prone, but rather; how many times is he going to get hit?

Quick Summary

Overall, this probably isn't a playoff team...yet. The AFC North as always...is loaded. With Pittsburgh coming off a Super Bowl win and Baltimore improving even more, making the playoffs will be a challenge. It's not to say that it can't happen, but it would be a surprise if it did.

The one thing that Coach Marvin Lewis can't afford to have happen is for the Franchise to continue the slide it started last season. If that happens, he's gone and so are a lot of the other pieces to what is as always, a very complicated puzzle.