Cincinnati Bengals Look to Finish Disappointing 2008 Season on a Postive Note

The Cincinnati Bengals are on a two-game winning streak and have a chance to finish the month of December with a winning record when they host the 2-13 Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Prior to the 2008 season, there were high expectations for the fans and players of the Cincinnati Bengals. A high-powered offense led by three Pro Bowler's in Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson (I'm done calling him Ocho Cinco), and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, many thought the Bengals would cause headaches for the Browns, Ravens, and Steelers in the AFC North.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case so far this season.

With one week remaining in the regular season, Cincinnati has a 3-11-1 record. The list of reasoning behind the Bengals performance this season is so long it could be made into a short story novel.

Carson Palmer's elbow injury has limited him to playing in just four games this season. Chad Johnson is having his worst season since he was a rookie. Prior to the 2008 season, Johnson had over 4,000 yards receiving and 24 touchdowns his last three seasons.

This season, he has 540 yards receiving and four touchdowns.

Should we blame Johnson's numbers on the absence of Carson Palmer?

As much as I want to, I can't. With the absence of Tom Brady, Randy Moss has been able to put up 995 yards and 11 touchdowns with Matt Cassell at quarterback. 

I know what you are all thinking, Ryan Fitzpatrick is not even close to being on the same level as Matt Cassell. One played his college career at Harvard and the other played at the powerhouse of Southern California.

Despite the disappointment of the 2008 season, the Bengals have an opportunity to finish the last month on a positive note. They have recorded wins over the Redskins and Browns the last two weeks and face a Chiefs team Sunday that has had just as disappointing of a season as they have.

If the Bengals can pull off a win Sunday against the Chiefs, they will carry a three game winning streak with them into the 2009 season. It may be far away, but the Bengals have a lot to look forward to.

Carson Palmer will be back healthy. If Palmer's healthy, Johnson's numbers should be up. Not to mention the Bengals hopefully re-sign running back Cedric Benson, who is coming off of a career high 171 yards rushing against the Browns.

It has been a season to forget for players and fans of the Cincinnati Bengals. If you told me at the beginning of the season that the Bengals would have three wins through Week 16, I would have thought you were crazy.

On the bright side, they have an opportunity to finish off this horrendous season on a positive note.