2010 CINCINNATI BENGALS PREVIEW

[oldschooler]

[b][size="5"]2010 CINCINNATI BENGALS PREVIEW
[/size][/b]
AFC NORTH FORECAST: 3rd

The good news for the Bengals in 2009 was an impressive worst-to-first rise that gave them their second AFC North title under Marvin Lewis. The bad news was a frustrating finish in which they lost four of their final five games, including a home playoff loss to the Jets. Clearly, Cincinnati left plenty of room for improvement — especially on offense — if it is to make consecutive trips to the postseason for just the second time in franchise history.

The Bengals proved in 2009 they can run the ball against any team, but even with a healthy Carson Palmer they struggled moving the chains and scoring points through the air. They will not be able to succeed this season without adding that second dimension to their offense.

COACHES

Lewis is entering his eighth season in Cincinnati, and only Jeff Fisher, Andy Reid, Bill Belichick and John Fox have longer tenures with their current teams. But Lewis is in the final year of his contract, and while there are internal matters he must address involving his vision for maintaining a winning culture, he also must make sure the team doesn't take big steps backward this season. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is doing everything he can to show he's a viable head coaching candidate. In two seasons he has turned the defense into one of the league's best units through a fire-and-brimstone coaching style that emphasizes attacking from all points on the field. Bob Bratkowski has been calling the Bengals' offensive plays since 2001 and is under fire locally for the Bengals' lack of passing punch. The skill positions on offense have been upgraded this offseason, so it will be Bratkowski's job to reinstitute balance into what was one of the NFL's most potent offenses just a few seasons ago. GRADE: B

QUARTERBACKS

Palmer still commands respect from opposing defenses, but his production and consistency have dropped the past couple of seasons as he has come back from injuries. No one is using the elbow injury that cost him most of the 2008 season as an excuse, so the question remains whether Palmer can overcome his mediocre play of '09, when he finished 16th in the league with an 83.6 passer rating. Despite those struggles, Palmer improved his mobility out of the pocket and showed a greater penchant for keeping plays alive with his legs. Palmer also led the offense on eight late-game scoring drives that either gave the Bengals the lead or tied a game. Backup J.T. O'Sullivan has previous starting experience with San Francisco, but there would be a significant fall-off if Palmer went down. Palmer's brother, Jordan, is the No. 3. GRADE: B-

RUNNING BACKS

Cedric Benson ran with an edge last season, a hard style that became Cincinnati's identity. He earned the team's confidence that he can deliver again, though he did miss two games with a hip injury. If the passing game improves, Benson could become the first Bengal to break 1,500 rushing yards. Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard give the Bengals variations from Benson. Scott, last year's sixth-round pick, is more explosive, while Leonard does whatever it takes on third down. Second-year player Fui Vakapuna gets the first shot at fullback. GRADE: B+

RECEIVERS

Chad Ochocinco is not a consistent deep threat anymore, but his production should increase following the addition of two players who can help stretch the field. The Bengals acquired Antonio Bryant in free agency and tight end Jermaine Gresham with their first-round draft choice. Defenses dared the Bengals to throw deep last season and they couldn't, but Bryant and Gresham could change that. Andre Caldwell was the team's second-leading receiver with 51 receptions last season, and his anemic 8.5-yard average showed how much the downfield passing game struggled. The Bengals drafted two other players, Jordan Shipley from Texas and Dezmon Briscoe from Kansas, and signed former Jaguar Matt Jones to boost the passing game. Caldwell and 2008 second-round pick Jerome Simpson will have to step up their play if they want to stick around. GRADE: C+

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

The best offseason move might have been the re-signing of right guard Bobbie Williams, whose return brings back intact a unit that played better than expected last season, particularly in the running game. The Bengals were ninth in the league in rushing offense and averaged 4.1 yards per carry. The line will be asked to pass-protect longer this year as the team tries to resurrect its vertical passing game. Andrew Whitworth quietly has turned into a stalwart at left tackle after shuffling between guard and tackle his first three seasons. That leaves Andre Smith to assert himself at right tackle. Last year's No. 1 draft choice had a redshirt season after a contract holdout in training camp was followed by injuries that limited him to spot duty in six games. Center Kyle Cook has the physical strength and attitude to win more than his share of battles against the division's tough nosetackles. Nate Livings should be a greater presence at left guard if he can stay healthy. GRADE: B+

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Right end Antwan Odom had eight sacks through the first six games before suffering an Achilles tendon tear last season. Suddenly, the team's best pass-rusher was on the shelf. The outside pass rush held up pretty well as Jonathan Fanene stepped into Odom's spot, giving Frostee Rucker and Michael Johnson more time as backups. The Bengals improved upon their ability to get to the quarterback without having to blitz, but the consistency of that pressure waned down the stretch. Odom is expected to be back in time for training camp, and the Bengals used their second-round draft pick on Florida end Carlos Dunlap to continue adding to their depth and versatility. Veteran left end Robert Geathers was the leading tackler among the linemen but will be pushed this season. Tackles Domata Peko and Tank Johnson return as the starters inside, with Pat Sims also in the rotation. All are solid, above-average players, but the Bengals lack a dominating presence in the middle of the line. Zimmer is seeking more quarterback pressure up the middle. Sims, in his third season, has the talent to fill that void, but look for Zimmer to use several ends inside as well as he seeks different matchups to achieve his goals. GRADE: B

LINEBACKERS

This is a quality group that is filled with youth just entering its prime. The lone exception to the youth movement is middle linebacker Dhani Jones, who has led the team in tackles the last two seasons. Jones is entering his 11th season but hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. He's adept at making all of the defensive calls and getting everyone in their required spots. Strong-side linebacker Rey Maualuga is coming off a fractured ankle that cost him a chance to play in the playoffs. He is still working on his pass-coverage skills but plays with explosive aggression. Maualuga, who pleaded guilty to a DUI charge in February, also has sworn off alcohol after spending some time in rehab this offseason. Weak-side linebacker Keith Rivers needs to make more impact plays. The strength of this unit is its depth. There is little drop-off when backups Brandon Johnson and Rashad Jeanty are in the lineup. GRADE: B+

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The defensive success begins with the ability of cornerback duo Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph to play aggressive man-to-man coverage. Everything Zimmer wants to do in terms of putting pressure on the quarterback requires the corners to handle those one-on-one assignments. They each had six interceptions and combined to force four fumbles. They also have short-term memories that allow them to get beat on occasion but move on to the next play. Both are also good run supporters. The corner group is deep. David Jones gives the Bengals another big body (6'0", 196) to play on the outside, while Morgan Trent had an impressive rookie season playing the nickel. He was utilized frequently in blitz packages. Third-round pick Brandon Ghee has excellent speed but needs to work on his technique. Free safety Chris Crocker's importance to the secondary was evident late last season when he missed time with an ankle injury and the defense started to slip. Chinedum Ndukwe led the secondary in tackles after taking over for strong safety Roy Williams (forearm injury). Ndukwe has more range than Williams and could win the starting spot outright. The Bengals bolstered their depth at safety by signing Gibril Wilson in early May. GRADE: B+

SPECIALISTS

After seven seasons with Shayne Graham handling the kicking duties, the Bengals allowed him to test free agency and he signed with Baltimore. Dave Rayner, who kicked with the Bengals for two games in 2008, and Mike Nugent, who kicked for Tampa Bay and Arizona last season, will compete for the job. Punter Kevin Huber has a knack for getting the ball inside the 20 (24 times vs. 10 touchbacks) but needs better consistency with his hang time. Punt returner Quan Cosby greatly improved what had been a weak spot for several seasons. He has a quick burst and makes good decisions. Pacman Jones, if he makes the team, will push Cosby for that spot. Scott was impressive on kickoff returns, averaging 31.5 yards. GRADE: B

FINAL ANALYSIS

The Bengals didn't make a huge splash with any of their offseason moves — they rarely do — but they should reap benefits from the ones they made. Bryant and Gresham figure to lift the passing game, thus allowing the offense to pick up a stout defense now and then. Amazingly, Cincinnati won the division despite scoring as many as 24 points in just three games. It will be difficult for the Bengals to duplicate last season's 10–6 record and their 6–0 mark in the AFC North, especially against a first-place schedule. But greater offensive balance and a more opportunistic defense — the Bengals produced just 25 turnovers a year ago — should keep them in the playoff hunt.

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SCOUTING THE BENGALS
NFL SCOUTS AND OPPOSING COACHES SIZE UP CINCINNATI

"Carson Palmer has lost some zip on his throws, but he should bounce back now that they've got Antonio Bryant to take the pressure off Chad Ochocinco. … They wore out Cedric Benson last year. When he's fresh, he's a hard-nosed, downhill runner who runs through arm tackles. … I really like what they did in the draft with Jermaine Gresham. They were pretty much desperate for a tight end, and this guy, if he's healthy, could be damn good. … We'll see if Andre Smith can be a No. 1 pick. … Defensively, they're solid. Their defensive line, at the beginning of the year they were playing at a high level; they just got some injuries. … Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall are legit cornerbacks, young guys who can really run and cover. I respect those guys. … I don't know if they'll be AFC North champs again, but they should contend."

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CINCINNATI IN THE DRAFT

Rd., Player, Pos., Ht., Wt., College

1. Jermaine Gresham, TE, 6-5, 261, Oklahoma
2. Carlos Dunlap, DE, 6-6, 277, Florida
3. Jordan Shipley, WR, 6-0, 193, Texas
3. Brandon Ghee, CB, 6-0, 192, Wake Forest
4. Geno Atkins, DT, 6-1, 293, Georgia
4. Roddrick Muckelroy, LB, 6-2, 246, Texas
5. Otis Hudson, G, 6-5, 320, Eastern Illinois
6. Dezmon Briscoe, WR, 6-2, 207, Kansas
7. Reggie Stephens, C, 6-3, 314, Iowa State

The Bengals wanted to add weapons to an anemic passing offense and did just that with the picks of tight end Jermaine Gresham and wide receivers Jordan Shipley and Dezmon Briscoe. Gresham will step right in and start, giving Carson Palmer a pass-catching tight end whom defenses will have to respect. Shipley will get a shot at playing in the slot as well as in the return game. Briscoe could turn into the surprise pick of the draft. He's a tall target who could give the Bengals another downfield deep threat they were missing last season after the injury and subsequent death of Chris Henry. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap and cornerback Brandon Ghee will be used in reserve roles but should be able to contribute right away in situational defenses.

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VETERAN PLAYER MOVEMENT

KEY ADDITIONS

Player, Pos., 2009 Team

Antonio Bryant, WR, Tampa Bay
Matt Jones, WR, None
Pacman Jones, CB, None
Mike Nugent, K, Tampa Bay, Arizona
Dave Rayner, K, None
Gibril Wilson, S, Miami

KEY LOSSES

Player, Pos., 2010 Team

Laveranues Coles, WR, Free agent
J.P. Foschi, TE, Free agent
Shayne Graham, K, Baltimore
Jeremi Johnson, FB, Free agent
Larry Johnson, RB, Washington
Shaun Smith, DT, Kansas City

***************

FANTASY FLASH

Limited by an offensive attack that emphasized the run over the pass, Carson Palmer had only one 300-yard passing game last year. He had five such games in 2007 (his previous full season).




[url="http://www.athlonsports.com/pro-football/19277/nfl-2010-cincinnati-bengals-preview"]http://www.athlonsports.com/pro-football/19277/nfl-2010-cincinnati-bengals-preview[/url]

[ccartman2]

If these writers want any credibility, they'd get their damn facts straigt. The Bengals finished 3rd in 2008.

Took 30 secs:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/standings?year=season_2008

At any rate, you have to love the key departures list

Laveranues Coles, WR, Free agent (BUST for us last year).
J.P. Foschi, TE, Free agent Wouldn't have made the team in Utecht and Kelly stay healthy
Shayne Graham, K, Baltimore (might be only significant loss, but had to happen)
Jeremi Johnson, FB, Free agent (Might be a "BIG" loss).
Larry Johnson, RB, Washington Signed him for 4 or 5 games? Barely played? Not a big loss, though I would have liked having him back as a back-up.
Shaun Smith, DT, Kansas City Not a bit loss. Signed late season because Peko was hurt. Journeyman at best in the NFL. Certainly replaceable.

[Oldcat]

I think Foschi was signed late, after Kelly and U were hurt, so he wouldn't even have been in camp if they hadn't gone down.

[oldschooler]

By Mike Nahrstedt
Published: July 9th, 2010 Athlon Sports Deputy Editor
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[size="3"][/size][/size][size="5"][b]AFC NORTH WRAP-UP
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ATHLON'S 2010 PREDICTIONS

1. [url="http://www.athlonsports.com/pro-football/19282/nfl-2010-baltimore-ravens-preview"][color="#990000"]Baltimore Ravens[/color][/url]
2. [url="http://www.athlonsports.com/pro-football/19281/nfl-2010-pittsburgh-steelers-preview"][color="#990000"]Pittsburgh Steelers[/color][/url]
3. [url="http://www.athlonsports.com/pro-football/19277/nfl-2010-cincinnati-bengals-preview"][color="#990000"]Cincinnati Bengals[/color][/url]
4. [url="http://www.athlonsports.com/pro-football/19261/nfl-2010-cleveland-browns-preview"][color="#990000"]Cleveland Browns[/color][/url]

It has become a fact of life in the NFL that it's hard to win big without a potent passing game. That was true of the last two Super Bowl champions, the Steelers (XLIII) and the Saints (XLIV), and also of the teams they beat for the championship (the Cardinals and Colts, respectively). Most of the rest of both playoff fields was similarly tilted toward the pass.

Which, to some degree, explains what went wrong for the Ravens in each of those seasons. They made the playoffs both years but were eliminated when matched up against teams that could really wing it — Pittsburgh after the 2008 season and Indianapolis last season. Baltimore has had a great rushing offense and a stout defense, but the lack of a passing game that could keep up has been their undoing.

It wasn't Joe Flacco's fault. He had a surprisingly good rookie season and followed with an even better sophomore campaign. But he hasn't had much in terms of a receiving corps beyond the aging Derrick Mason. So, the Ravens knew what they had to do this offseason: Get Flacco some weapons.

Mission accomplished. The Ravens traded for Arizona's Anquan Boldin and signed Cleveland's Donte' Stallworth, giving them a tough, middle-of-the-field force (Boldin) and a deep threat (Stallworth) while relieving Mason, 36, of No. 1 WR responsibilities. They also drafted a couple of tight ends, Oregon's Ed Dickson and BYU's Dennis Pitta, to provide options beyond Todd Heap. Suddenly, a decidedly weak group of receivers was transformed into a more-than-adequate one. Now, when combined with the Ray Rice-driven running game, Baltimore's offense has the balance it had been sorely lacking. Add in another edition of the stingy Baltimore defense and you have a well-rounded team with the look of not only a division front-runner, but also a Super Bowl champion. Which is precisely what Athlon Sports is projecting for Baltimore this season.

The Steelers typically are in the Super Bowl mix, too, but that seems unlikely this year. It's not just that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be sitting out the first four to six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy, though that certainly is a big factor. It's also the loss of the team's best wide receiver (Santonio Holmes, who was traded to the Jets just before his four-game drug suspension) and offensive lineman (right tackle Willie Colon, who tore his Achilles tendon in June). It's the health of strong safety Troy Polamalu, who missed most of last season with a knee injury. And it's uncertainty about the chemistry of a team that had an uncharacteristically ugly offseason. The Steelers still have plenty of talent on hand, especially on defense, and it will take every bit of experience and ability they can muster to finish atop the AFC North.

That's where the Bengals finished last season, and never in their 42-year history have they won consecutive division titles. In fact, they've made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons only once. That, as much as anything, is reason to suspect the Bengals will regress this year. So are questions about quarterback Carson Palmer, whose return from a largely lost 2008 season (elbow injury) was unspectacular as the Cincinnati offense was centered on Cedric Benson and the running game. But Palmer needs to reintroduce the threat of a downfield passing game, and perhaps he will with the addition of free agent wide receiver Antonio Bryant and rookie tight end Jermaine Gresham. The defense has emerged as one of the league's best ones, and it gets back end Antwan Odom, who was terrorizing quarterbacks before suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon tear six games into last season. But these are the Bengals, folks, so don't be surprised if a pretty talented team fails to make it back to the playoffs.

Only in Cleveland could interception machine Jake Delhomme and career backup Seneca Wallace represent an upgrade at quarterback. Such is life when the previous starting passers were Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. But they're gone, and Mike Holmgren is in as team president. A four-game winning streak at the end of last season gave coach Eric Mangini a new lease on life, but Holmgren will be expecting further signs of improvement if Mangini is to last beyond 2010 — or even all the way through it. That could be difficult on a team whose best players are an offensive lineman (tackle Joe Thomas) and a return man/wide receiver/Wildcat quarterback (Josh Cribbs). It will be a while before the Browns are relevant in the AFC North again.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES

Baltimore Ravens: Will the secondary be healthy enough to hold up its end of the bargain?

Free safety Ed Reed has enjoyed a remarkable career, but he was limited last season by a pinched nerve in his neck. The Ravens need a healthy Reed to get back to his ballhawking ways, but that's no sure thing. And two key cornerbacks, Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb, are rehabbing torn ACLs. We'll find out in camp how close they are to being ready to go.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Who will take Ben Roethlisberger's place for the first few games?

Third-year quarterback Dennis Dixon, who nearly engineered a win at Baltimore in his lone 2009 appearance, is one possibility. Longtime backup Charlie Batch is another. Perhaps the odds-on favorite is veteran Byron Leftwich, who was obtained from Tampa Bay after Roethlisberger was suspended and knows the offense from his 2008 tour of duty as Big Ben's backup. Whoever wins the job must be adept at handing off to Rashard Mendenhall because it's unlikely he'll be allowed to fling it the way Roethlisberger did a year ago.

Cincinnati Bengals: Can Cedric Benson carry the load the way he did last season?

The good news: Benson enjoyed the best season of his career in 2009, rushing for 1,251 yards and six touchdowns on 301 carries. The bad news: Injuries limited the running back to 13 games. Benson has never played 16 games in any of his five NFL seasons, and it's doubtful he'll do so in 2010 if the Bengals keep feeding him the ball the way they did a year ago. But he is what makes their offense go.

Cleveland Browns: How closely is Mike Holmgren breathing down Eric Mangini's neck?

The speculation is that Holmgren will replace Mangini with himself if the Browns, as expected, resume their losing ways. That might be an entirely misguided notion, but it can't be comforting for Mangini to know that his boss is a highly accomplished head coach only two years removed from the sideline.





[url="http://www.athlonsports.com/pro-football/19302/2010-afc-north-wrap-up"]http://www.athlonsports.com/pro-football/19302/2010-afc-north-wrap-up[/url]

[scharm]

Read one at the store. Bengals no where near playoff predictions. Baltimore is a lock for AFC North and Houston seems to be the favorite for new AFC team to the playoffs.


Face it, it's time to start talkin draft.

[oldschooler]

[quote name='scharm' date='10 July 2010 - 07:54 AM' timestamp='1278766458' post='896538']
Read one at the store. Bengals no where near playoff predictions. Baltimore is a lock for AFC North and Houston seems to be the favorite for new AFC team to the playoffs.


Face it, it's time to start talkin draft.
[/quote]



[b][size="5"]Preseason soothsayers have Super Bowl faith in the Ravens[/size]
[/b]Updated 7/1/2010 12:37 PM

By [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/reporter/Skip+Wood"]Skip Wood[/url], USA TODAY

Having prepared in the offseason for how 2010 could bring them another [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Events+and+Awards/Sports/Super+Bowl"]Super Bowl[/url] title, the first since linebacker [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/People/Athletes/NFL/Ray+Lewis"]Ray Lewis[/url] led them to the Roman-numeral promised land in the 2000 season, the [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Baltimore+Ravens"]Baltimore Ravens[/url] have a couple of believers among the glossy preseason magazine crowd.Two publications —[i]Lindy's[/i] and [i]Athlon[/i]— have picked them to win it all. The other four —[i]Beckett[/i], [i]Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo![/i], [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/The+Sporting+News"]Sporting News[/url] and USA TODAY — all picked four different teams to bring home the Lombardi Trophy.

And none of the six has either of last season's Super participants, the triumphant [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/New+Orleans+Saints"]New Orleans Saints[/url] and the [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Indianapolis+Colts"]Indianapolis Colts[/url], winning the ultimate crown.

To Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, whose team added weapons such as receiver [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/People/Athletes/NFL/Anquan+Boldin"]Anquan Boldin[/url], the buzz about his team is justifiable.

"We believe that we have the team to do it," he says. "We've believed that the last couple years."

Here's a rundown of what each publication projectsfor the season, including division winners and wild cards:

•[b][i]Athlon[/i][/b]— AFC East: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/New+York+Jets"]New York Jets[/url]; AFC North: Ravens; AFC South: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Indianapolis+Colts"]Colts[/url]; AFC West: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/San+Diego+Chargers"]San Diego Chargers[/url]; wild cards: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Miami+Dolphins"]Miami Dolphins[/url] and [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Houston+Texans"]Houston Texans[/url]. NFC East: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Dallas+Cowboys"]Dallas Cowboys[/url]; NFC North: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Minnesota+Vikings"]Minnesota Vikings[/url]; NFC South: Saints; NFC West: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/San+Francisco+49ers"]San Francisco 49ers[/url]; wild cards: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Atlanta+Falcons"]Atlanta Falcons[/url], [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Green+Bay+Packers"]Green Bay Packers[/url].

[b]Super Bowl[/b]: Ravens over Vikings.

•[b][i]Beckett[/i][/b]— AFC East: Jets; AFC North: Ravens; AFC South: Colts; AFC West: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/San+Diego+Chargers"]Chargers[/url]; wild cards: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/New+England+Patriots"]New England Patriots[/url] and Texans. NFC East: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Dallas+Cowboys"]Cowboys[/url]; NFC North: Vikings; NFC South: Saints; NFC West: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/San+Francisco+49ers"]49ers[/url]; wild cards: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Arizona+Cardinals"]Arizona Cardinals[/url] and Falcons.

[b]Super Bowl[/b]: Cowboys over Jets.

•[b][i]Lindy's[/i][/b]— AFC East: Jets; AFC North: Ravens; AFC South: Colts; AFC West: Chargers; wild cards: Patriots and Texans. NFC East: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Philadelphia+Eagles"]Philadelphia Eagles[/url]; NFC North: Vikings; NFC South: Saints; NFC West: 49ers; wild cards: Cowboys and [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Green+Bay+Packers"]Packers[/url].

[b]Super Bowl[/b]: Ravens over Cowboys.

•[b][i]Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo![/i][/b]— AFC East: Jets; AFC North: Ravens; AFC South: Colts; AFC West: Chargers; wild cards: Patriots and Texans. NFC East: Cowboys; NFC North: Packers; NFC South: Falcons; NFC West: 49ers; wild cards: Vikings and Saints.

[b]Super Bowl[/b]: Packers over Colts.

•[b][i]Sporting News[/i][/b]— AFC East: Jets; AFC North: Ravens; AFC South: Colts; AFC West: Chargers; wild cards: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Tennessee+Titans"]Tennessee Titans[/url] and Patriots. NFC East: Cowboys; NFC North: Vikings; NFC South: Falcons; NFC West: 49ers; wild cards: Saints and Packers.

[b]Super Bowl[/b]: Jets over Cowboys.

•[b]USA TODAY[/b]— AFC East: Patriots; AFC North: Ravens; AFC South: Colts; AFC West: Chargers; wild cards: Jets and [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Cincinnati+Bengals"]Cincinnati Bengals[/url]. NFC East: Cowboys; NFC North: Vikings; NFC South: Saints; NFC West: Cardinals; wild cards: [url="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports+Leagues/NFL/Chicago+Bears"]Chicago Bears[/url] and Packers.

[b]Super Bowl[/b]: Vikings over Colts.



[url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-06-30-preseason-predictions_N.htm"]http://www.usatoday....edictions_N.htm[/url][url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-06-30-preseason-predictions_N.htm"][color="#000000"][/url][/color]

[|Bunghole|]

[quote name='scharm' date='10 July 2010 - 08:54 AM' timestamp='1278766458' post='896538']
Read one at the store. Bengals no where near playoff predictions. Baltimore is a lock for AFC North and Houston seems to be the favorite for new AFC team to the playoffs.


[b]Face it, it's time to start talkin draft.[/b]
[/quote]
[img]http://forum.go-bengals.com/public/style_emoticons/default/24.gif[/img]

[JC]

Jesus. The love for the Ravens is unreal. They added Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth and all of the sudden they are destined for greatness? Still have a shitty secondary. Old linebackers. A QB who can't doesn't have the cajones to throw the ball further than 5 yards. If Ray Rice breaks down at any point, they're superduperfucked.

I really believe we are the AFC North team with the least amount of question marks. Besides, the Ravens are still in our dustpan from last year. I don't see them getting out too soon. We own those fuckers.

[|Bunghole|]

[quote name='JC' date='10 July 2010 - 11:02 AM' timestamp='1278774162' post='896557']
Jesus. The love for the Ravens is unreal. They added Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth and all of the sudden they are destined for greatness? Still have a shitty secondary. Old linebackers. A QB who can't doesn't have the cajones to throw the ball further than 5 yards. If Ray Rice breaks down at any point, they're superduperfucked.

I really believe we are the AFC North team with the least amount of question marks. Besides, the Ravens are still in our dustpan from last year. I don't see them getting out too soon. We own those fuckers.
[/quote]

I completely agree. I can't understand why everyone is so high on them. Or how anyone would put the Steelers ahead of us at #2. WTF? Just because we've only had back-to-back playoff appearances once? Do any of these turds know who is even on our team?

[oldschooler]

More Ravens hype . . .



[b]Offseason upgrades finally put Ravens' offense in spotlight[/b]
By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

[list]
[url="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d819019a2/article/offseason-upgrades-finally-put-ravens-offense-in-spotlight"]http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d819019a2/article/offseason-upgrades-finally-put-ravens-offense-in-spotlight[/url][/list]

[oldschooler]

Check out this link. Football Outsiders thinks Bengals are gonna suck . . .


[url="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2010/7/10/1560619/football-outsiders-project-awful"]http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2010/7/10/1560619/football-outsiders-project-awful[/url]

[ccartman2]

[quote name='oldschooler' date='10 July 2010 - 12:45 PM' timestamp='1278780334' post='896560']
Check out this link. Football Outsiders thinks Bengals are gonna suck . . .


[url="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2010/7/10/1560619/football-outsiders-project-awful"]http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2010/7/10/1560619/football-outsiders-project-awful[/url]
[/quote]

It has the chefs winning their division, so I guess you can put a lot of stock in it. Any one think the cards will win their division with out Warner? How about the Rams finishing 3rd?

[oldschooler]

[quote name='ccartman2' date='10 July 2010 - 11:50 AM' timestamp='1278780621' post='896562']
It has the chefs winning their division, so I guess you can put a lot of stock in it. Any one think the cards will win their division with out Warner? How about the Rams finishing 3rd?
[/quote]

They project the Ravens to have the best record in the NFL.

[WhoDeyThink]

Nugent will be a good kicker for us!

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='oldschooler' date='10 July 2010 - 12:45 PM' timestamp='1278780334' post='896560']
Check out this link. Football Outsiders thinks Bengals are gonna suck . . .


[url="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2010/7/10/1560619/football-outsiders-project-awful"]http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2010/7/10/1560619/football-outsiders-project-awful[/url]
[/quote]


lol if the Cowboys finish last in their division, the chiefs WIN their division, and the Bengals only get 5 wins like they project, I'll shell out the $12 and buy that rag next year.

[fredtoast]

[quote name='Bengals1181' date='10 July 2010 - 02:20 PM' timestamp='1278786015' post='896571']
lol if the Cowboys finish last in their division, the chiefs WIN their division, and the Bengals only get 5 wins like they project, I'll shell out the $12 and buy that rag next year.
[/quote]


Where did you see the full projections?

[The Scales]

The Bengals secondary will neuter the ravens pass game. Boldin and Stallworth are just the type of wideouts that this Swat Team dominates. Now if the Ravens added a tall wideout who can run, someone like Marshall or Henry, then perhaps there may be some issues. But as it stands. No.


So Basically the reports are incorrect. The Bengals will win it again, and make a big push for a championship.

[Arkansas Bengal]

It sure would be nice to see how well these assholes did last yer. I'll bet their predictions for 2009 playoff teams were less than 50%.

They NEVER have any accountability and they NEVER show how shitty their predictions were for the previous year. They need to be graded so people can see how bad they suck every year.

Worse yet, idiots keep shelling out good money every year for these 'expert' opinions.

[oldschooler]

[quote name='fredtoast' date='10 July 2010 - 01:58 PM' timestamp='1278788321' post='896573']
Where did you see the full projections?
[/quote]


They were on there. But . . .


[i]Note: Footballoutsiders have asked that I not post the win projections for every single team in the NFL. I have complied with their request, and have removed the figures for all teams not in the NFC East.


[/i]They had the Bengals at 5.5 and the Browns at 5.4.
Ravens were something like 11.6 and the Stealers were 9.7 (or there abouts.

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='oldschooler' date='10 July 2010 - 06:12 PM' timestamp='1278799962' post='896587']
They were on there. But . . .


[i]Note: Footballoutsiders have asked that I not post the win projections for every single team in the NFL. I have complied with their request, and have removed the figures for all teams not in the NFC East.


[/i]They had the Bengals at 5.5 and the Browns at 5.4.
Ravens were something like 11.6 and the Stealers were 9.7 (or there abouts.
[/quote]


stealers were 9.9

[scharm]

Strange thing is that I would judge the 2009/2010 bengals to be a more solid football team than the 2005/2006 group.

IMO, 05/06 were awesome at creating TOs but they lived and died off of them and they were not a mature team. Yet, entering 06 the Bengals had alot more hype than our 2010 group and that was with Carson coming back from a major knee injury.

IMO, just a major lack of respect. 2008 that team wasn't as bad as the 4-11-1 record, 2009 that team could have been very easily 12-4 and maybe the low side being 7-9.

The 2010 bengals are almost completely off the map for playoff predictions.