Cincinnati Bengals: Help Wanted, Everywhere!

What's Missing?

It's kind of like...a big donut hole...or maybe a hole inside a bagel.

Either way, it describes the one thing that has kept the Cincinnati Bengals from being anything more than an average or slightly below average team—consistency.

Proof

Look at the last couple of seasons. The offense up until 2008, had not been an issue. However, in 2008 they finished last.

Yes, you heard me—last in total offense.

In particular, passing. You can explain that by saying Carson Palmer was out for most of the season.

OK, that still doesn't explain being 29th in rushing.

Well, maybe I should take that back—the Offensive Line may explain just about all of it.

Oddly enough, the drafting of Andre Smith—that right now isn't looking so good. It isn't a good sign when you draft a guy in the first round to be your starting left tackle, then move Andrew Whitworth over to that position.

The other lingering issue is wide receiver.

Yes, Chad Ochocinco returns from what can only be classified as an off year—in several ways and yes T.J. Houshmandzadeh is gone to Seattle. But Chris Henry returns and Laveranues Coles signed on the dotted line.

Defense was Better

Oddly enough, the strongest part of last years team was the defense.

Coordinator Mike Zimmer managed to pull together an often maligned unit and they ranked 12th in total defense on the season.

Yes, the new draft picks will help, but there is some talent on this side of the ball. With the addition of the picks along with Tank Johnson up front, this should again be a strong suit for this team.

The pass defense, a solid 15th best last season boasts, some solid players such as Leon Hall, who lead the team with three pick-offs last season.

Now, Roy Williams, a free-agent signee from the Cowboys. Though Williams wasn't exactly known for his pass defending skills, he certainly will help the run defense.

Will it be enough

As I stated in my last column, who knows?

Playing in the AFC North certainly doesn't help, but this group is unbelievably unpredictable.

If you are going by which team has the most "if's," then they would be the choice to make.

But we all know the whole "If's and But's" cliche.