Cincinnati Bengals 2010 Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record 10-6

Wins: Packers, Steelers (2x), Browns (2x), Ravens (2x), Bears, Lions, Chiefs

Losses: Broncos, Texans, Raiders, Vikings, Chargers, Jets

Biggest Playmaker Chad Ochocinco

WR, Oregon St., Drafted #36, 10^th year

After a disappointing year in 2008, Ochocinco got back to his usual form with 1000+ yards and 9 TDs in 2009. He was the only major threat on his team last year, and now that the Bengals have restocked on offense look for him to have an even better year.

Impact Player Carson Palmer

QB, USC, Drafted #1, 8^th year

Palmer has always had the talent to be a top 5 QB in the NFL, but injuries and lack of overall talent on his team have slowed him down. This year may be the year where we see the full potential of Palmer. He has some weapons now at receiver with the addition of T.O., Jermaine Gresham, and Antonio Bryant. I really think Palmer can have a break out year.

Biggest Free Agent Additions Antonio Bryant & Terrell Owens

WR, Pittsburg, Drafted #63, 8^th year & WR, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Drafted # 89, 15^th year

There was a severe lack of depth behind Chad Ochocinco last year and it was evident in the Bengals playoff loss to the Jets. Ochocinco got shut down by Revis Island and there were no other weapons for Carson Palmer to throw to. Adding Bryant and Owens should solve that problem for this year.

Biggest Offseason Loss Laveranues Coles

WR, Florida St., Drafted #78 , 11^th year

The Bengals did not have too many big off-season losses this year. Although Coles only contributed 514 yards, he would be a good back up to Antonio Bryant who has been nursing a knee injury.

Biggest Draft Steal Carlos Dunlap

DE, Florida, Drafted # 54, Rookie

Dunlap is a guy that has top 10 talent, so getting him 54^th overall is obviously a huge steal. The biggest question mark was his motor on the field, and his character off of it. At times Dunlap could be a complete monster and then he would disappear at other times. If the Bengals, who believe strongly in giving guys second chances, can harness Dunlap’s raw talent and take care of his off the field issues, then this would be considered a huge steal.

Biggest Draft Reach None

You could argue that Jermaine Gresham, who did not play one snap, last year because of knee injuries, was a reach, but Gresham should be healthy now. He is a guy that could be a force in the league and end up being a big time rookie.

Offseason Grade A-

I think they had an excellent off-season, they acquired some guys that can step in right away and make plays. They got some players through the draft that could be studs in a few years.

X-Factor Carson Palmer

QB, USC, Drafted #1, 8^th year

I think if Palmer has a good year then the Bengal’s will be a very scary playoff team.

Name You Should Know Cedric Benson

RB, Texas, Drafted #4, 6^th year

The former 4^th overall pick was once considered a bust, but had a break out year last year rushing for over 1000+ yards in a season for the first time. It will be interesting to see if Benson can have another good year for the Bengals

Rising Star Bengals' Corners

Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall are one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL and are both young guys that can only get better.

Offensive Outlook B+

The Bengal’s added a lot of talent on offense which was the one place that they struggled last year. One guy that I really like that they drafted was WR Jordan Shipley, a guy that may not jump out to anyone at the combine, but runs great routes and knows how to get open.

Defensive Outlook B+

They were a very strong defensive team last year and their defense is still very young. There is no name that jumps out at you on the Bengal’s depth chart, but they have some very good young players that should start getting a little more recognition this year.

Special Teams Outlook C-

Special teams do not look great for the Bengals as Quan Crosby and Andre Cadwell are not going to make opposing coaches lose sleep at night returning kicks and punts. Right now there is a competition between K Dave Rayner and K Mike Nugent and both do not have an amazing track record. P Kevin Huber is solid.

Projected 2010 Record 11-5

The Bengal’s are a team that could really shock a lot of people this year. I think they did an excellent job through free agency and the draft and acquired some good pieces. The biggest question is with all the ego’s and character issues on their team; can they really keep it together and make a run this year?