Cincinnati Bengals 2008 Season Preview

Cincinnati Bengals: Overview

After the injury bug took a big bite out of their roster, the Cincinnati Bengals fell to 7-9 in 2007. There was much to be happy about in 2007, however, as the long-suffering defense of the Cincinnati Bengals began to play up to potential. With a healthy roster and many problem players ejected from the team, the Cincinnati Bengals hope to outscore their opponents all season long.

Cincinnati Bengals: Off-Season

With a poorer than usual record in 2007, the Cincinnati Bengals picked higher in the NFL Draft than they did in recent years. The Cincinnati Bengals originally targeted DT Sedrick Ellis, but after the New Orleans Saints jumped ahead and took him, the Cincinnati Bengals took Sedrick Ellis’ USC teammate OLB Keith Rivers instead. A rangy and talented player, Keith Rivers was one of the best defenders available and should wreak havoc on opposing offenses for years to come. With their wide out position in question, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted three wide receivers in the 2008 NFL Draft, including Jerome Simpson in the second round. DT Pat Simms will start right away and bring much needed size to the front seven.

The Cincinnati Bengals gave QB Carson Palmer another weapon by signing TE/H-Back Ben Utecht. Pass-rushing specialist Antwan Odom was brought on to replace DE Justin Smith on the line. The Cincinnati Bengals cleaned house by dumping troubled players WR Chris Henry and LB Landon Johnson. The only significant free agent loss was S Madieu Williams.

Cincinnati Bengals Preview: Offense

Quarterback Carson Palmer has become one of the best in the NFL and is a true franchise player. Besides his own enormous talent, Carson Palmer has also benefited from one of the best offensive lines in football. OTs Willie Anderson and Levi Jones are the best bookend tackles in the NFL. C Eric Ghiaciuc has been a solid starter and has a great football IQ. Big Gs Bobby Williams and Andrew Whitworth are forces in the center of the line.

The offensive line of the Cincinnati Bengals is one of the key reasons of the success of RB Rudi Johnson. Rudi Johnson’s powerful running is a stark contrast to the speed of the receiving corps and helps wear down defenses. RB Kenny Irons returns healthy and will share the running load. Versatile FB Jeremi Johnson is another key component of the Cincinnati Bengals running game. With WR Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson’s career up in the air, the Cincinnati Bengals are prepared to go on without him. With Chad Johnson, the Cincinnati Bengals have an explosive passing attack that teams Chad Johnson with WR TJ Houshmandzadeh. Young wideouts Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson, Mario Urrutia, and Maurice Purify will all vie for playing time. TE Ben Utecht comes over from the Indianapolis Colts to provide another dimension.

Cincinnati Bengals Preview: Defense

Pass-rushing DE Antwan Odom comes over from the Tennessee Titans to fill the void for departed DE Justin Smith. DE Robert Geathers holds down the other side of the line, with DTs Domata Peko and Pat Simms controlling the middle. Rookie OLB Keith Rivers is ready to step in and lead the Cincinnati Bengals linebacking corps. With the speedy and aggressive Keith Rivers flying around, huge LB Ahmad Brooks will be allowed to make plays.

Even with the loss of S Madieu Williams, the secondary is still the strong part of the Cincinnati Bengals defense. CB Leon Hall enters his second year as an already dominant player and a possible shutdown corner. CB Johnathan Joseph is another young star in the making and pairs well with Leon Hall. CB Deltha O’Neal brings veteran leadership to the rotation. S Chinedum Ndukwe has stepped up to be a great player coming off his rookie year and could be a Pro-Bowler. S Marvin White finishes out the young and up-and-coming Cincinnati Bengals secondary.

Cincinnati Bengals: Special Teams

After years of mediocrity, the Cincinnati Bengals may have finally found their return men. WR Glenn Holt has come on as an excellent kickoff returner and set a Cincinnati Bengals record in 2007. WR Antonio Chatman has become a skilled punt returner who can break open a game with every touch. Accurate K Shayne Graham is also a valuable offensive weapon, setting a Cincinnati Bengals team record for most field goals in a season in 2007. The big leg of P Kyle Larson is the key to the field-position battle and can even run for first downs if allowed.

Cincinnati Bengals Preview: Outlook

The Cincinnati Bengals play in the AFC North and will face stiff competition from longtime rivals the Cleveland Browns. The hard-hitting Baltimore Ravens will be another AFC North challenger. The growing rivalry between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers is sure to be a brutal battle and is the key division match up. The Cincinnati Bengals 2008 schedule pits them against the best in the NFL outside the division, including the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. The Cincinnati Bengals will play all their home games out of the friendly confines of Paul Brown Stadium, with late-season snow games making for thrilling finishes.