We have to really admire how the Cincinnati Bengals have built this team. They have a ton of offensive weapons, and I suspect they will go out and put a ton of points on the board. Plus the defense is also pretty good especially the front seven. They may have some issues in the secondary, and if they didn’t play in the same division as the Baltimore Ravens we might be talking about them as Super Bowl favorites. I think they will make the playoffs again, but getting past the Ravens is going to be tough.
Carson Palmer leads this offense, and they are loaded. The have the Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, along with rookie Jordan Shipley in the receiving corps. They also drafted Jermaine Gresham at TE. Palmer has a ton of targets, along with RB’s Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott. The offensive line is set, save for a position battle at RT, but this is a very good unit.
The defense has a potential hole at safety. Chris Croker, Gibril Wilson, Roy Williams, and Chinedum Ndukwe will battle it out to be the two starters. The corners are pretty good in Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph. The front seven is the strength of this team. The D line is good, and has depth given the drafting of Carlos Dunlap. LB Rey Maualuga will not be suspended and will lead the unit on the field. They run a base 4-3 scheme.
Special Teams may also be a small concern. Mike Nugent is trying to win a position battle to be the kicker, while Kevin Huber will be the punter. Bernard Scott will likely return kicks, and Quan Crosby is trying to step up to be the featured punt returner.
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• Cincinnati Bengals news and notes • The Business of the NFL •MTR Football
