NFL Rumors: Jay Gruden to Be New Offensive Coordinator for Struggling Bengals

How do we know this for certain? Our old buddy NFL Insider Adam Schefter has given us to inside scoop.

The Bengals were arguably the most surprising team of the 2010 regular season. They dropped a 10-6 2009 record to finish 2010 with a 4-12 record. Where was their weakness?

Offense could be the answer, which is why they brought in Jay Gruden, the younger brother of the great Jon Gruden. Mike Brown decided to bring in Gruden in hopes to help out their offense, one that ranked 20th and below in the major offensive categories (13th, however, in pass yards per game.)

Jay's track record: he was the offensive assistant to Jon Gruden in Tampa from 2002-2008. He helped lead the '02 Bucs, a stronger defensive team, to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory. 

Since leaving the Buccaneers in 2008, Jay has coached two teams in the UFL. Previous to his stay in Tampa he coached in the AFL, obtaining two titles with the Orlando Predators. But will Jay's presence be enough to get Cincy back on track?

There's potential. Providing Terrell Owens signs with the Bengals for another year or two, there could be an excellent tandem at the WR position alongside Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson. 

Cedric Benson is a lock at the running back position, and has big-play potential.

But then there's Carson Palmer, who recently told owner Mike Brown that if he's not traded, then he'll retire; ending his would-be eight-year career. That's a big hole to file in at quarterback. Does Gruden have what it takes to lead an offense to a better season with either Dan LeFevour or Jordan Palmer with the starting job?

Final Analysis: Gruden helps Cedric Benson to accumulate 1,600-plus rushing yards with 12 touchdowns, but the rest of the offense struggles, ending in a 7-9 Cincinnati Bengals season.