Cincinnati Bengals 2009 Season Preview: Signs of Hope

Training camps have wrapped up, the NFL season is right around the corner, and it's still hot as sin outside. But instead of cooling you off with a warm island song, FanHouse break out ye old heat check for our 2009 NFL Season Previews. " We'll rate each club in 5 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

They don't allow you to take a mulligan in pro football. If they did, one has to believe the Cincinnati Bengals would take it for the whole 2008 season. An injured quarterback, problems on defense, and a controversial and somewhat unproductive wide receiver conspired to take Cincinnati down. After a 4-11-1 campaign, the Bengals are ready to (sort of) start over.

Offense -- Quarterback Carson Palmer -- a Pro Bowler, is back after elbow problems ruined his 2008 season. The resurrection of running back Cedric Benson was a great story for the Bengals last year, and now Benson tries to prove himself as the feature back on a team with some expectations. The Bengals lost leading receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the Seahawks, but there is still reason for optimism. For starters, veteran Chad Ochocinco seems rejuvenated after an awful 2008 season. If nothing else, it will help him to have Palmer back under center. Instead of Houshmandzadeh, Laveranues Coles was signed from the Jets to serve as Ochocinco's running (well, receiving) buddy. Chris Henry looks to make the most of what seems like his eighth chance in the NFL, and he's been praised by coaches and teammates this time around for his improved maturity. Keeping Palmer and Benson upright is the real challenge. The line is patchwork at best, with Anthony Collins and Andrew Whitworth holding down the tackle spots. Once rookie Andre Smith is up to speed (and healthy), he will take over at left tackle, but there's no set timetable on that. Heat Index: 8

Defense -- Given how much work they had to do to keep the team in games last year, the defense didn't perform terribly. It will take some great improvement up front for them to hold on this season. The Bengals are too porous against the run and don't generate enough pass rush to be consistently competitive. Ends Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom shoulder much of the pressure to get to quarterbacks. Tackle Tank Johnson could be a steal if he stays healthy and out of trouble. The linebackers only combined for one sack last year, but should be able to do a bit more this year. This is a decent group that will be bolstered by a healthy Keith Rivers, back after missing most of last season, and rookie Rey Maualuga, who should see plenty of playing time. Johnathan Joseph is the highlight of a strong secondary. The youngster from South Carolina is already a top cornerback. Safety Chinedum Ndukwe has developed into a nice player. Heat Index: 6

Special Teams -- The return game is a mess, with Andre Caldwell and Antonio Chatman charged with injecting some life into it. Kicker Shayne Graham is solid, and we all know Ochocinco can kick in a pinch now. Rookie punter Kevin Huber had a good camp and won the job. Overall, the Bengals need more work here, but it will come as the club drafts athletic players to provide depth elsewhere on the field. Heat Index: 5

Coaching -- Marvin Lewis was brought to Cincinnati after a very successful stint as a defensive coordinator. For some reason, the Bengals have not played anything close to the kind of defense Lewis was known for coaching before. With just one winning season in six years on the job, one has to wonder if Lewis is in any kind of trouble. Getting Palmer back should help offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski look better this year, as he has the personnel at the skill positions to really scare people. Heat Index: 6


Intangibles -- Cincinnati has to get better on the road. The Bengals have won just three road games combined in the past two seasons. The on-field leadership really lacked last year after Palmer was hurt, and it seemed like they didn't have the leadership to emerge from the abyss. A healthy quarterback can take this team a long way, but he has to stay healthy first. The schedule includes back-to-back road games on three separate occasions, giving this team a chance to prove itself away from Paul Brown Stadium. Heat Index: 6

Total Heat Index: 31/50 -- It's all about the defense and the offensive line. We know the Bengals will rack up points if Palmer has time to throw and Benson room to run. However, the defense is a huge concern, and without some sort of quick development of talent along the front seven, the Bengals will suffer. There is real boom-or-bust potential with this team, but a surge is unlikely given the competition at the top of the division.