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Mon May 18, 2009 4:45 pm EDT

Offseason progress reports: Cincinnati Bengals

By MJD

It's too early for '09 season previews, and too late for '08 season reviews. What's an NFL blog to do in the never-ending quest to overcover the bejeezus out of the NFL? Offseason progress reports. Let's go in alphabetical order. Today, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Free agents lost: OT Stacy Andrews(notes), QB Ryan Fitzpatrick(notes), C Eric Ghiaciuc(notes), WR Glenn Holt(notes), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh(notes), WR Marcus Maxwell(notes), RB Chris Perry(notes)

Free agents gained: WR Laveranues Coles(notes), DT Tank Johnson(notes), LB Brandon Johnson(notes), QB J.T. O'Sullivan(notes), S Roy Williams

Drafted: OT Andre Smith(notes), LB Rey Maualuga(notes), DE Michael Johnson, TE Chase Coffman(notes), C Jonathan Luigs(notes), P Kevin Huber(notes), DB Morgan Trent(notes), RB Bernard Scott(notes), RB Fui Vakapuna(notes), DE Clinton McDonald(notes), WR Freddie Brown(notes)

The Bengals might be in the most unique state of any team in the league at the moment. There are perfectly good reasons to think that '09 could be a bounce back year, and there are perfectly good reasons to think that it could be just as miserable as most others in franchise history. With the Bengals, it's not so much about what they should be in 2009, it's about what they should avoid being.

You know how after a particularly bad game, a coach might say he's going to burn the game film? Because there's nothing good about it and there's nothing to learn from it? The Bengals can do that with the entire 2008 season. Carson Palmer(notes) was hurt, Chad Ochocinco(notes) – for whatever reasons – had an abysmal year, very little went right and there was no reason to be happy about being a Bengals fan.

So why would anyone be excited about 2009? Because Palmer will be healthy. Because there's still talent there. Because it looks like Cedric Benson(notes), of all people, might have fixed their running game. Because the draft gave them what could be a dominant offensive lineman, and some quality young help on defense. Because as bad as last year was, it still never felt like they were that far away from being decent again, if that makes sense.

If the leadership is there (we've yet to see it from Carson Palmer, and I have even less faith in Marvin Lewis), and this team comes together, I feel like they can win some games. The tools are in place, at least to be competitive. This isn't a situation like Detroit, where they're starting from scratch.

No, the Bengals are starting with a handful of capable weapons, they've just got to scrape out all the negativity, distractions and nonsense.  They can't have any of the usual garbage coming from Chad Ochocinco, or anyone else on the roster.

Progress: When I think about the Bengals' offseason, I don't think about it in terms of "Oh, they lost this, but they added this!" I think of it in terms of, "It's no longer 2008, and therefore, it has to be better." How much better depends on the amount of focus they can muster, and how much negativity they can avoid.

Plus 3½ games. From 4-11-1 to 8-8.

Related: Progress Reports

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85 Comments

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  1. Barry W
    1. Posted by Barry W Mon May 18, 2009 4:58 pm EDT

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    Haha, I like the picture of Jordan Palmer. Carson Palmer is number 9.
  2. Kevin B
    2. Posted by Kevin B Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:31 pm EDT

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    8-8 seems accurate!
  3. smutsboy
    3. Posted by smutsboy Mon May 18, 2009 6:21 pm EDT

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    pity the fool who thinks Cedric Benson fixed their running game.
    I count 4 good games last year (2 of which were Cleveland and KC) on 3.5 YPC.
  4. Christopher M
    4. Posted by Christopher M Mon May 18, 2009 7:59 pm EDT

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    hahahahahahahahahaha... The Bungles will suck just as bad in '09 as they did in '08! They might finish out of the cellar, but with the way the Turds(I mean Brownies) are shaping up, it will be another cellar season for Cinnci. There is no leadership in Palmer, the guy is too scared to take any more hits, and wouldn't know how to improvise a play at the line if he had too.
    The running game is a joke, and with Houshmandzadeh gone, expect their passing game to crumble.
    Same for their defense. They haven't picked up any dominant players for their defense, and I expect it'll be a sieve like it was last year.
    Nope, I see the Bungles dwelling in the cellar for years to come.
    Obviously, I have Black and Yellow running through my veins. I also have looked very carefully at what all of the teams in the AFC North did in the draft as well as the free-agency period. I have to say, looking at the decisions made, that the Turds(Browns, sorry, heh heh), the Bungles, and the Ravens are f****d this season as well.
    My Steelers will only have competition from the Ravens, and we will do the same to them this year as we did in '08.
    So, I can confidently say "Hello, welcome back" to another AFC North title in '09, and I can easily see a SEVENTH SB title for this year.
    That's right b*****s, the Beast of the AFC is still here, and will be for many, many years!!!!
    GO STEELERS!!!! #7 IS ON THE WAY!!! GO STEELERS!!!!
  5. T. Styx
    5. Posted by T. Styx Mon May 18, 2009 9:28 pm EDT

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    You might have black and yellow running through your veins, Christopher M., but I think it goes down your back as well. Let's play the season out and see what happens, then you can run your mouth.
  6. jckiss2003
    6. Posted by jckiss2003 Mon May 18, 2009 9:33 pm EDT

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    Hey #1 That is Carson Palmer!!!!!!!!!!!
  7. Brian
    7. Posted by Brian Mon May 18, 2009 9:37 pm EDT

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    christopher m f**k you go bengals this is going to be a great year we have made great additions in free agents and did great in the draft and you would not have bet us in the playoffs in 07 if you the steelers didnt play dirty and thats why they rolled on to palmers leg so we will see who wins the afc north this year my bet is on the bengals and f**k the steelers cant stand them and hope ben rottenburger breaks both of his legs
  8. Marcus F
    8. Posted by Marcus F Mon May 18, 2009 9:49 pm EDT

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    The one thing I will say about the Bengals is that their defense did make strides as by the end of the season they were ranked #12 and they drafted Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson, two guys who could make a big impact and elevate the defense even further. Their offense is somewhat questionable as while Cedric Benson was decent for them he's not gonna do much against the Ravens or Steelers and Palmers gonna have to stay healthy for them to have a top 10 passing game. I think they could be okay, maybe 7-9 or 8-8, but not like Palmer is trying to sell them.
  9. Zach
    9. Posted by Zach Mon May 18, 2009 9:56 pm EDT

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    Cincinati actually improved in a lot of areas, but they are in the same divsion with the Steelers and Ravens. Plus the fact they and Cleveland always play each other close, Cincy could easily end up being 0-6 in Division. On most teams, Benson is a nice change of pace back, but the Bengals will feature him. Depending on how the line protects both him and Palmer will decide only how effective their offense is. Defensively, I don't see it. Rey Maualuga is a great addition and Roy Williams is a nice pickup, but thats it. Tank Johnson is vastly overrated. 8-8 is a huge stretch. With that schedule they have, winning five games would be impressive. I'm sticking to them 4-12 woth little offense after Carson Palmer, and no defense.
    14-2 Pittsburgh
    11-5 Baltimore
    4-12 Cincinati
    4-12 Clevland
  10. Robert
    10. Posted by Robert Mon May 18, 2009 10:15 pm EDT

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    Well another damm steelers fan, your team is done they will never win the superbowl again. And now is the time for the Bengals to let the new thrashing sharp claws shread the AFC foes to pieces. So you better save your twirlling little towels to cry in.
  11. carson palmer
    11. Posted by carson palmer Mon May 18, 2009 10:22 pm EDT

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    Christopher M and Zach have been smoking a bit much these days. Where to begin...
    Laughable comments from Christopher. "expect the passing game to crumble..." Why? Because they lost Housh? No doubt TJ was/is good and he had a pretty good year with, essentially, a rookie (extremely un-experienced) QB (Fitzpatrick) throwing the ball to him. Palmer is healthy and when he has some time to throw, Ray Charles could catch his passes. If Coles, Chad and Henry have some time, they'll make plenty of grabs. Afraid to take hits? Palmer played injured most of last year (when he actually played), when he easily could have sat. The guy is tough, commands his offense and leads his team. Saying otherwise is foolish. They made some decent free agent picks on D, which is currently ranked #12. Not sure what you mean by "sieve". Also, it sounds kinda dumb when you write about the Steelers and use "we" in the same sentence. You're not on the team. You're a fan. Using "we" is out of context and sounds silly.
    Zach - good points, but not sure how overrated Tank is, at least not yet. Don't forget - he's re-united with his old coach and together, they had some success. He could, very easily, have a monster year. Also, how you can you write 4-12 with no defense? If anything, they've bolstered the ranks via free agents and the draft. Rivers is healthy and has some amazing talent (not to mention a few bones to pick). Plenty of talent on that side of the ball. And, that's not me writing that - pro-analyst, commentators, etc are writing the same about Cincy's D.
    I'm all for predictions and talking smack and it's easy to throw the Bengals under the bus given their history - it blows, no doubt. That said, this off season in particular has been one for the ages. They've done some very smart moves on both sides of the ball and had a great draft that could easily bear some fruit for the upcoming season. So, i guess we'll all have to wait and see. But i genuinely feel that some of the nay-sayers (read: Steeler fans) will be eating their words soon enough.
  12. chadillac1970
    12. Posted by chadillac1970 Mon May 18, 2009 10:24 pm EDT

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    09' is the year of the bengals. weve waited a long time for a superbowl in cincy, and this is the best shot we've had. GO BENGALS!!!!
  13. chadillac1970
    13. Posted by chadillac1970 Mon May 18, 2009 10:28 pm EDT

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    The Bengals really need Marvin Lewis to take a hike. Who is going to ever respect a coach that cant control players like chad ochocinco. grow some balls coach and take control of your team this year!!!
  14. tadroid
    14. Posted by tadroid Mon May 18, 2009 10:33 pm EDT

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    Christopher M., I'm feelin' ya'. Grew up with western PA family. All Nittany Lions, Steelers and Bucs. Living in Cincinnati is tortuous. I actually hope the Bengals do well, but of course like Obama's promises, hope turns to crap, and the that crap turns into the same ole' crap. And the same ole' crap is just that - in the end - the same old crap. Poor Bengals fans. I'm hoping that Mike Brown moves the team, so the Cincy metro area can get better game selection. Being tied to the Bengals is absolute DEATH with regards to programming.
  15. carson palmer
    15. Posted by carson palmer Mon May 18, 2009 10:39 pm EDT

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    Tadroid - written like a true Steeler fan and conservative Republican. Check out www.directv.com. Rather than be tied to Bengal programming, you're more than welcome to get the service and follow the Steelers on a weekly basis.
  16. Fitzy
    16. Posted by Fitzy Mon May 18, 2009 11:58 pm EDT

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    Bengals progress report? There's an oxymoron for ya. Regress report, more like it!!
  17. Fitzy
    17. Posted by Fitzy Tue May 19, 2009 12:05 am EDT

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    "Because it looks like Cedric Benson(notes), of all people, might have fixed their running game."
    Yeah I have to echo the sentiments of Mr. T (comment #3). Did you really write this sentence? Tell us it was a dry run for next year's April Fool's joke, a bad typo ("running = drinking?"), a result of Icky Woods commandeering your keyboard, something...Just tell us you didn't really mean it!
  18. Irish Bastard
    18. Posted by Irish Bastard Tue May 19, 2009 12:32 am EDT

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    dipsht.................carson palmer.......not all Steelers fans are conservative Republicans........So I think you should take foot or whatever you enjoy having in your mouth out and think before opening your pie hole....SMUCK !
    ALL SO ..................carson palmer # 11. You have said nothing in your post / book you wrote.
    Bungals will ALWAYS BE THE BUNGALS...BUT AS LONG AS THEY BEAT THE Ray " i should be in jail " Lewis and crew ...I will be cheering them on !
  19. letyourthoughtsdrain
    19. Posted by letyourthoughtsdrain Tue May 19, 2009 12:32 am EDT

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    I'd be glad to take the over on all of your 4-12 predictions. They won 4 games (and tied the Eagles) last year with Ryan freakin' Fitzpatrick and just added a ton of talent to a rapidly improving defense. I know the Bengals have sucked historically, but are you people retarded? The Steelers are obviously the team to beat, but I promise you Steelers and Ravens fans that you're about to see the hardest hitting bunch of striped kitties you've ever seen. Think Chris Crocker knocking Santonio Holmes the f**k out, over and over again. And Hines, you've got a bounty on your head , my man. Roy Williams or Maualuga will be competing to cash that one in.
  20. Robby P
    20. Posted by Robby P Tue May 19, 2009 1:38 am EDT

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    The Bengals were not far off at all last year. Their defense was really good, considering where they used to be, their personnel, and the fact that the offense was so bad that they were always on the field and got tired out. With having a combination of Carson injured, Fitzpatrick as the backup, and a HORRIFIC offensive line, it's VERY tough to be good. the bengals were 4-3-1 in the second half of the season. That was better than the Jets, Broncos, Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Cardinals. It could have easily been 5-3 if Shane Graham made a 48 yard field goal at the end of the overtime. They ended VERY strong, winning their last 3 games. Look out for them next year, the offense should be back to at least the caliber they had in 06 and 07, but their defense should be MUCH better. Carson, Coles, Benson, Chatman, and Johnson on the offensive side, and Rivers, Maulaluga, Geathers, Michael Johnson, Dhani Jones, Leon Hall, and Chris Crocker on the defensive side should be the guys to look out for. Hall and Crocker help make a great defensive backfield, they have similar playing mentalities and crocker plays similarly to bob sanders and troy polamalu, small, but quick and tends to smell out the ball. You might think i'm nuts, but looks out, he is GOOD.
  21. Robby P
    21. Posted by Robby P Tue May 19, 2009 1:42 am EDT

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    #13.... Marvin Lewis has controlled players like chad and henry, and back to Corey Dillon when he first arrived, but Mike Brown has reeled chris henry back in time and time again and Marvin NEVER looks pleased about it. It's a management problem with Mike Brown being STUPID with the team and quietly controlling more than he should.
  22. Jaws
    22. Posted by Jaws Tue May 19, 2009 2:09 am EDT

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    The problem the Bengals had last year was that their offensive line was, well, offensive. Palmer was getting beat up in the preseason and it never did get any better. This year it is a case of addition by subtraction. Not re-signing Stacy Andrews and Eric Ghiaciuc will make the line better. Ghuaciuc played center like he was on roller skates. And Andrews looked like a revolving door at right tackle. Drafting Andre Smith and Jonathon Luigs is an upgrade. When the Bengals won the division in 2005 they were a strong running team that feasted on play action passes. This year look for the Bengals to go back to that style of offense, and with a solid offensive line, a deep receiving corps, what could be one of the best young defenses in the NFL (hard to believe), and a much easier schedule than last year it could be a very good year for the Bengals.
  23. Jamey
    23. Posted by Jamey Tue May 19, 2009 2:21 am EDT

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    Being a Pats AND Bengals fan (Living in NE, but the Bengals have had a sweet spot in my heart since childhood) I can say that you AFC Northers don't know a lot about Coles... he has the potential, given a good QB, to be everything Hoosurmama was. He's a great underneath guy and runs just as hard, or harder ATC. Remembering the Steelers of 2 years ago and the fragility of Roflsburgher (he's constantly injured, so far he's played through a lot to his credit, but that won't help when the injury's just a tiny big bigger) not to mention their questionable running game (Parker has incredible potential but he's got Rufuluspfhersbhergher like fragility issues) and the lack of a solid short yarder (Ben can't hold this team on his back, he's not as elusive as he used to be or decisive enough, and he doesn't have the ability to win games on deep balls like Palmer does) I just don't see Pitts being all that dominant. They won games last season the way they always do in successful years, by squeaking it out at the end, and through general luck. they don't win decisively, like ever! so saying they're gonna come in and clean house... well, they could well be next years Chiefs... horrible record, but they came close a lot of games!
  24. J B
    24. Posted by J B Tue May 19, 2009 2:26 am EDT

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    There is one problem with the Bengals and that problem is Mike Brown.
  25. Zack
    25. Posted by Zack Tue May 19, 2009 8:34 am EDT

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    Remember when Cedric Benson knocked Polamalu (sp?) the f**k out? That was great. Also - tadroid, if you don't like it in Cincinnati - get the f**k out. You morons that think the Bengals will go 4-12 crack me up. If they can win 4.5 games with Ryan Fitzpatrick (and the rest of that "team" last year), I think 8 wins this year would be a big disappointment. Cleveland is a joke, they don't know what they're doing. Look for a sophomore slump out of Flacco in Baltimore. I don't have a problem admitting that Shi**sburgh and Worthlessberger are the team to beat, but I think it's gonna be a lot different in '09 and I can't wait to see Hines Ward get that smile wiped off his face.

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