2009 Cincinnati Bengals: Dragon Slayers Or Damsels In Distress?

I have to say that this offseason has been the most promising in all my years following the Cincinnati Bengals. The loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh was painful for most Bengal fans, but could turn out to be a blessing.

They picked up Laverneous Coles for less money which enables them to spend elsewhere. Coles has been a No. 1 receiver, TJ has not.

The 2009 NFL Draft darlings were the Bengals in many publications. They also liked the Kijana Carter pick, so time will tell about the draft.

I have to say that this was the first draft that I openly cheered a pick. I was so ecstatic when they picked Rey Maualuga. It just seemed like the obvious choice since he would reunite with Keith Rivers. He may not have eye-popping numbers on paper, but the guy played MLB on a great USC team. He's a football player.

Some of the better moves could be the players that are gone. Stacy Andrews can be replaced. He came out of Mississippi having only played one year in college. A guy like that isn't playing because he loves the game, he's playing because the game loves his size and potential.

Levi Jones is gone, but what other choice was there? Injuries did him in. Ghiaciuc was mediocre. And as I mentioned earlier, TJ is gone, but I said it was painful to most Bengal fans, but not me.

TJ Houshmandzadeh was a great WR, but he always seemed to worry about himself when times got tough. He played the past couple years for himself and his wallet, now he's got the big payday he wanted. Good riddance I say.

Now let's talk about "dragon slayers." The dragons I am referring to are the defenses of the Steelers and the Ravens. The Bengals have the knights capable of slaying those dragons, but they must have Sir Lancelot leading the way (Carson Palmer). His health is priority No. 1. All other players will prosper if he plays.

This is my first article about the 2009 Bengals. I know deep inside that the players on their roster are good enough to beat any team. Keeping those players healthy is the key to a great season.