Fantasy Football Notes: Cincinnati Bengals

While some would like to attribute the Cincinnati Bengals 4-11-1 season last year to the loss of Carson Palmer for three-quarters of the season, the problems ran deeper than that.

In fact, Palmer, who had thrown for over 4,000 yards and 25-plus TDs in both 2006 and 2007, was 0-4 in the four games he played in—not quite an endorsement that the team would have fared better with him under center rather than Ryan Fitzpatrick. Heck, even Peyton Manning may have had a hard time getting the Bengals’ passing game going in 2008.

So, what turned the seventh-best aerial attack in 2007 into the third-worst in 2008?

Two main factors contributed to the passing game’s demise: The first being the play of Chad Ochocinco. Following six straight seasons of at least 1,100 yards, Ochocinco amassed just 540 receiving yards in 2008. Looking less explosive than in prior years, the wide out’s biggest accomplishment all of last season actually took place off the field as he was able to legally change his name from “Chad Johnson” to “Chad Ochocinco.”

The second reason the Bengals passing game was unable to get off the ground was due to their lack of a ground game. Prior to the season, the Bengals released running back, Rudi Johnson, feeling confident that Chris Perry and Kenny Watson could shoulder the load. Unfortunately, the Bengals were mistaken as the two amassed just a combined 324 rushing yards on the year.

In fact, their play was so bad that the Bengals reached out to oft-troubled running back Cedric Benson, who totaled 747 yards and two TDs on 214 carries; however, even Benson’s efforts couldn’t keep opposing defenses honest, as they continued to focus on shutting down the Bengals’ one true play maker, TJ Houshmandzadeh.

Thus, despite the improved play of the Bengals’ defense, which finished 12th in the league, its best performance since 2001, 2008 ended up being a wasted year for Cincy.

KEY ADDITIONS

Laveranues Coles (WR)—There's no doubt that the Bengals are going to miss TJ Houshmandzadeh (see below), but bringing in Coles softens the blow just a tad. No longer the deep threat he once was, Coles will use his toughness to run the underneath routes in the Bengals offense.

Coles had a solid 2008 with 850 yards and seven TDs and could better those numbers in 2009, playing with Palmer, especially if Ochocinco doesn’t play like “Ouchostinko!”

KEY DEPARTURES

TJ Houshmandzadeh (WR)—Housh has been the workhorse for the Bengals at the wide receiver position the last three years, racking up 90+ receptions each season. Following two consecutive 1,000 yard and nine-plus TD years in 2006 and 2007, Housh’s stats took a hit in 2008 as the Bengals’ passing game went south. Still, he managed to grab 92 receptions for 904 yards and four TDs. No doubt, Palmer will miss his favorite target.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Andre Smith (OT)—Following a year in which they allowed the third-most sacks of any team in the NFL and averaged the third worst yardage per carry among all NFL teams, it didn’t exactly take rocket science for the Bengals to figure out they needed to shore up their offensive line this off-season.

Thus, with the sixth overall pick of the draft, the Bengals took Andre Smith, a devastating tackle out of Alabama; however, like with nearly of all of the Bengals personnel, Smith comes with some character flaws, including a questionable work ethic.

If Smith keeps his act together, he should be an anchor to the Bengals o-line for some time; however, if he can’t, the Bengals will see this selection blow up in their faces.

BRUNO BOYS SPOTLIGHT

Carson Palmer (QB)—Palmer is a huge risk/reward option for 2009. Not only will fantasy owners have to worry about how he will bounce back from last season’s elbow injury (and subsequent surgery), but there will also be concern regarding his options at wide receiver, with Housh bolting for Seattle.

Still, with Palmer going for over 3,800 yards and at least 26 TDs in each of the three seasons prior to last, he could make for an excellent value pick.

Cedric Benson (RB)—The Bengals provided Benson with the second chance he so desperately needed following his release from the Chicago Bears due to a BUI and DUI. Benson took advantage, playing well enough—especially in the last two games of the season, in which he totaled 182 rushing yards—to secure the starting spot for 2009. Consider him a RB3 option for your fantasy draft.

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