Starvin for Marvin: Why Marvin Lewis Is Taking the Trip to the Hot Seat

The Cincinnati Bengals over the past decade have not been able to find the greatest path in the NFL. Down deep in this city in Ohio, crime walks the streets.

In "Bungletown," as some fans do call it, the Bengals are known as the derelicts team, thus for a large percent of the roster receiving jail time and community service.

It didn't stop there, however, as they signed former trouble maker Tank Johnson to a contract!

Cincinnati has also been within the headlines over the past few seasons involving Chad Ochocinco.

The trouble Pro-Bowl wide receiver has wanted out of the orange and black for some time, and the franchise has not let him go. This is largely in part of Marvin Lewis, whom they have let make most of the decisions within the organization.

Another long season occurred in 2008, finishing 4-11-1, third in the AFC North.

This offseason, they let, statistically, their most consistent wideout in '08, T.J. Houshmandzadeh to free agency.

Carson Palmer, their franchise quarterback, injured himself earlier in the year, resulting in facing major issues at the most important postion.

Many fans in Cincinnati and around the league thought this could have been the end of Lewis, but it was not.

The organization still is sticking with Lewis, hoping to bring them back to the playoffs for their second time this decade (2005).

The Bengals did have the 12th ranked best defense in the league. Finally, Lewis' skills as a defensive mind paid off just like when he was with the Baltimore Ravens back in the '90s.

In the aftermath of the 2009 NFL Draft, Cincinnati was happy with their class.

Particularly in the first round, at the sixth overall pick, where they selected Andre Davis from the university of Alabama.

Smith has the talent; however, his issues at the combine and off the field at college led him to drop.

Will he become effective with the Bengals' offense? Can he co-exist with the team?

They did need somebody to protect Palmer on the left side, where they hope to get that from Andre.

Cinci also pulled off one of the bigger drop offs in the draft, in selecting USC line backer Ray Maualuga.

Projected to be a mid-to-late first rounder, getting Ray in the early second round was a solid pick, which adds good depth to an improving defense.

As the 2009 season inches closer, eyes around Ohio will be lurking over Marvin Lewis.

This is going to have to be the year of make or break.

First off, he will have his quarterback back and healthy, and when at full strength, plays up to his potential as a top five QB in this league.

The offense still has Chad Ochocinco, who thus far is going to be playing opening weekend and not cause any trouble.

Cedric Benson was a great spark of a running game toward the last few months of the season, and he returns for another season.

The offensive line wasn't all that disappointing as in years past, and with adding Andre Smith and some free agents, the line could handle a bit more pressure.

The defense also returns, which showed great strides, and upgraded even more through the draft and free agency.

The pieces are in place to make an improvement, and that's what he needs.

Of course, the fans are going to want that playoffs, but in the AFC North, they don't have enough pieces to make it this year.

Can they reach eight wins? It could happen, especially with the easier schedule they have.

If the Cincinnati Bengals nears or reaches 500, Marvin Lewis is staying put.

However, with all the hot coaching names out on the market this coming winter, if this does not happen, we could say good-bye to Lewis as a head coach.

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com