The Cincinnati Bengals were absolutely awful in 2008. The team could not win games for the majority of the season. They truly hit the dumps at one point, fizzling out with a record of 1-11-1. The Team managed to bounce in 2009 however. They shocked the world and made the playoffs.
Carson Palmer is still not the quarterback that he was several years ago, but he appears to be on track to coming full circle in his comeback. He has Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant at wide receiver to help him on his way. Ochocinco is still one of the top receivers in the game and has the ability to get open or catch the ball in traffic.
And now add Terrell Owens, who was signed Wednesday, to the receiving corps. Look for the Bengals to continue to improve their passing game in 2010.
The running game will be a bit of a concern for the Bengals in 2010. Cedric Benson did enjoy a solid season in 2009, but it is no secret that he is a bit injury prone. He has never played all 16 games in one season of his career and last year was the first time that he ever carried the ball more than 300 times in a season. If he gets injured the Bengals will need someone to step up and help out Palmer on offense.
The defense will certainly be a concern for the Bengals in 2010. Despite winning 10 games last year, the Bengals only managed to outscore their opponents by 14 points on the season. That sort of play puts a lot of stress on the quarterback late in games.
The Bengals have the tools to compete, but they will be hard pressed to hold off the Ravens in 2010.
Cincinnati opens the 2010 NFL season on the road against the New England Patriots on Sept. 12.
The Bengals are +210 moneyline, +5.5 point underdogs and the over/under total is 43 in NFL odds.
Cincinnati’s NFL Regular Season Wins Total is 8.5 (Over, +140; Under, -160).
Related posts:
