2007 Outlook:

The Cincinnati Bengals were one of the hot topics in the NFL last season, but for all of the wrong reasons. They first had to deal with the criticism and bad image that developed due to nine of its players getting arrested. It got so bad that the over-under on when the next arrest would occur was somewhere around one month! Then on the field, the Bengals were just as disappointing. Instead of their mantra “Who Dey,” Cincinnati fans really wanted to know, “Where Dey?” After reaching the playoffs two years ago, the Bengals regressed to an 8-8 record in ’06. Aside from the announcement of Henry’s 8-game suspension, the Bengals have actually had a relatively quiet off season and fans are once again energized to start the season. We know all about the high-powered offense, so the question will once again be how much will the defense enable this team to achieve.

2007 Draft Review:

The Bengals have to be quite happy with their draft. In the first round they were able to snatch up possibly the top cornerback in the draft with Leon Hall out of Michigan. Then, in the second round they were able to get great value for a back-up running back in Kenny Irons. Cincinnati continued to address the defense by taking three more defensive players. The major question is, why did they wait until Round 7 to address the offensive line vacancy created by Eric Steinbach? Draft Grade: B

Key Acquisition:

The Bengals’ defensive woes have been well-chronicled in Cincinnati, so the selection of CB Leon Hall in the first round of the draft was a key off season addition. He has the potential to be a shut down corner in this league for a long time to come. He should supplant Keiwan Ratliff as the nickel back behind starters Deltha O'Neal and 2006 1st round pick, Johnathan Joseph, and could challenge O'Neal for the starting job if O'Neal plays like he did last season.

Key Departure:

There were many off season defections, but the biggest to me appears to be guard Eric Steinbach. Not only did the Bengals lose a former Pro Bowler, but they also let him slip away to another team in the same division (Cleveland). Perhaps they envision free agent signee Stepanovich moving over from the center position to help at guard. It will be interesting to see how inside rushing, Rudi Johnson fairs with the decreased time between open holes in the interior. That could have a major effect on the entire offense if Johnson cannot grind out those tough yards inside.

Offensive Preview:

The Cincinnati Bengals will once again field one of the elite offenses in the NFL. They have stud performers at every skill position. At quarterback, Pro Bowler Carson Palmer is healthy entering the year and looks primed to put up huge numbers. The beneficiaries of Palmer’s throws will be the 1-2 punch at wide receiver of Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh, who are two of the elite at their position. Then to control the time of possession, the Bengals can hand the rock off to Rudi Johnson. This unit is a definite juggernaut. The one question mark is the effect that the suspension of 3rd WR, Chris Henry will have as Kelley Washington left in free agency. Look for all of the Bengals primary skill position players to be off the draft board early.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

After an off season that saw the Bengals lose the two players that led their defense in interceptions (Kaesviharn and James), the secondary remains an area of concern. Rookie Leon Hall will need to step in and have an immediate impact with incumbent starters, Deltha O’Neal and Johnathan Joseph. Joseph had some off-season legal troubles and O'Neal himself will have to make a concerted effort to play better this season as well, improving upon only one interception last year. Sam Adams is no longer around to anchor the interior so 2nd year DT Domata Peko must begin to produce to keep opposing lineman from keying on young Ahmad Brooks roaming the middle. On special teams, place kicker Shayne Graham is one of the best in the business. The Bengals don’t have one main return specialist, so the duties will most likely be split amongst a couple players on kick and punt returns.

Season Prediction:

Unfortunately for Cincinnati fans, Carson Palmer and company will need to put up huge point totals if this team expects to make the playoffs. At the end of the day, it is difficult to see the defense being able to hold up their end of the bargain. In the eight losses last season, the defense gave up 17 touchdown passes while producing only 4 interceptions. Conversely, they allowed on 7 touchdown passes and grabbed 15 picks in their eight victories. Unless they can develop some defensive consistency up front as well as the secondary, four games against the likes of divisional rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh will be a back breaker. It will be another disappointing season for the Bengals as they will fail to make the playoffs once again.

Projected Finish

9 Wins, 7 Losses (3rd in the AFC North)