Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp: The Time Is Now

The Cincinnati Bengals are at Georgetown College and ready for their first practice today at 3:00 PM.  The Bengals are looking to rebound from a 4-11-1 disastrous 2008 season.  Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco are both looking to regain their status as one of the league's best quarterback-receiver tandems.

In June, Ochocinco told NFL Network, "There is no 85 without 9 and there is no 9 without 85."

Ochocinco has been quite the social-media butterfly this summer, becoming a regular user of Twitter.  From his "Yo Momma" jokes to the fake face tattoos, OGOchoCinco never ceases to entertain.  Even though NFL officials said no tweeting during games, Ochocinco said, "I'm going to take this tweet to the next level and take it extreme."

Ochocinco appears determined to make fans forget about last year's horrible season.  Much of that will depend on whether or not Palmer can stay healthy.  After missing most of last season with an elbow injury, Palmer says his elbow is strong and ready to go.

While not saying this is a make-or-break year, Palmer did say, "The time is now.  We've got a lot of talent.  We've got a lot of good people, good individuals."

Hopefully, one of those good individuals includes Chris Henry.  Bengal fans, coaches and players are counting on him staying out of trouble.  If he can do that, look for him to have a big season.  Talent has never been a question with Henry.

The Bengals have 78 players in camp.  Free agent rookie guard Colin Dow was cut after failing his physical.  First-round draft pick Andre Smith remains unsigned.