Next year/Champs lose depth

[BZBot]

The NFL world doubts the Bengals once again. What's new?

Source: http://www.bengalszone.com/article.php?sid=414

[schweinhart]

No doubt the doubters are going to get a mouthful of crow parts. Just watching the NFL network the last couple days and the spin around the league updates Palmer's progress much like it has been elsewhere...he'll be ready for the opener. If that's the case, it's showtime again right from the start.

Also found it interesting on Total Access that Rod Woodson was saying how improved the Clowns will be and how much of a contender the Rats will be if they land McNair -- all of course with the Steelers being his team to beat in the North. The Clowns should improve defensively and climb out of the cellar in sacks plus probably handle the run a little better with the LBs they drafted but they still will live and die with Charlie Frye and Reuben Droughns and that shouldn't take them very far. As far the Rats, they will be dramatically improved if they field a QB worth a crap now that they have 3 legit WRs in Clayton, Mason and Demetrius Williams. If Jam comes back with full fury, the Rats should be in the race given their defense in place.

But after Woodson had his say, Wally Ogunleye took his turn and said the Bengals were the team in the North. Little wonder since he was on the field when the Bengals beat the Bears in Chicago at a time when their game was peaking on both sides of the ball.

I'm looking for the Bengals defense to finally get better and stay that way over the course of the year. But a lot of that could hinge on the pass rush. If they can put it together defensively, they will roll the North with a healthy Palmer.

[AGrizzlyBaer]

everyone is jumping on the cleveland bandwagon, i just see them being like baltimore last year, signing a bunch of big name f.a. and then flapping in the wind

[ArmyBengal]

I think the difference in regards to the Browns is the fact that Crennel is their coach and has them going in the right direction much like Marvin did here. Will they contend next year ?? No, I don't think so, but they are getting better and they can't be dismissed without thought either.

WHODEY !!!

[bengalboomer7]

Don't worry too much about the pundits talking in May. Cleveland seems to be the chic pick right now. We'll call it the Crennel curse. Remember everyone, including many posters here were taking the Cardinals last year.

No worries, the "experts" dont' ever get it right.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

McNair is old and done. His career is even more over than Brett Favre's. I am not at all worried about him saving Baltimore from the mighty Boller....

[HoosierCat]

I expect both Cleveland and Baltimore to be improved, and Pitt to take a step back thanks to the loss of Bettis, Randel El, and Hope.

How far Cleveland comes along will probably depend on how quickly the team can gel; they have a lot of new FAs, plus their rooks, plus high picks from the last couple years that haven't played much. I expect them to get more dangerous as the season gone on.

If Boller's better showing at the end of last year was the real deal, or if they get McNair, they'll be a threat. Their D ain't what it was, tho.

As for us, the linked article says it all: it's about Carson's knee and whether the D finally comes together.

[walzav29]

This is encouraging

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9445297

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

McNair is old and done. His career is even more over than Brett Favre's. I am not at all worried about him saving Baltimore from the mighty Boller....

I don't know about that. He's what, two years removed from an MVP season? If he can get healthy - always an "if" with him - he can be dangerous.

And Frye throwing to Edwards and Winslow can get something done.

[ArmyBengal]

I think McNair is one hit away from retirement and while he would probably be an improvement over Boller, the Ravens need more help than an aging QB...

WHODEY !!!

[BengalByTheBay]

Accept my offseason ramble for what it's worth, but I think McNair looks like he's breaking down physically. That sternum injury from 3 seasons ago seems to have started a general decline in his delivery and overall athleticism. He is still much better than Boller and would immediately upgrade the Rats offense, but for how long? Also, it gives them another QB derby, which never seems to work out well and could continue to hurt Boller's mental development. While I always want bad things to happen to others in our division, I have just noticed this really disjointed thowing motion from McNair the past couple of seasons, when he used to really be so fluid.

[AMC]

Accept my offseason ramble for what it's worth, but I think McNair looks like he's breaking down physically. That sternum injury from 3 seasons ago seems to have started a general decline in his delivery and overall athleticism. He is still much better than Boller and would immediately upgrade the Rats offense, but for how long? Also, it gives them another QB derby, which never seems to work out well and could continue to hurt Boller's mental development. While I always want bad things to happen to others in our division, I have just noticed this really disjointed thowing motion from McNair the past couple of seasons, when he used to really be so fluid.

The Ravens are still a run first team. I see McNair having a minimal impact in the passing game. No QB has ever been the focal point of that team. It's run the ball and defense.

1)CIN

2)PITT

3)CLE

4)BALT

[Ox]

Super Bowl champs lost some valuable depth

By Gary Horton

Scouts Inc.

As another NFL offseason comes to a conclusion and coaches prepare for a well-deserved vacation before training camp, it seems like the right time to look at last season's 12 playoff teams.

Who has improved and perhaps moved to the precipice of something big? Who has likely taken a step back? Who should expect about the same results they achieved in 2005?

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Super Bowl champions face more challenges in 2006 than you might think. First of all, they have to solidify their offensive identity, which is a ball-control running game. Right now they do not have a back who can give them 25-30 carries a game, and a run game by committee is not overly desirable.

The Steelers also must replace solid veteran contributors such as Antwaan Randle El, Kimo von Oelhoffen and Chris Hope -- all underrated players who were critical parts of their success. The stealers always seem to prepare for defections and have young guys waiting in the wings, but their depth will be severely tested in 2006. They will look like the 2005 stealers, but their margin for error will be less than it was in 2005.

Seattle Seahawks: This is a veteran group brimming with optimism and confidence. The Seahawks seem to be over their Super Bowl loss and actually might be better than they were a year ago. Although they lost a great offensive lineman in guard Steve Hutchinson, they re-signed their biggest offensive weapon (running back Shaun Alexander) and added a quality pass rusher (outside linebacker Julian Peterson) and an exciting young receiver (Nate Burleson).

In today's NFL, continuity is a huge advantage, and Seattle has it not only in its locker room but also on its coaching staff. This is a team with few weaknesses that expects to be back in the Super Bowl and win it this time.

Denver Broncos: Although they did not retain some aging veterans on defense and some key contributors on offense, the Broncos can overcome all of those losses. Their biggest move was acquiring former Green Bay wide receiver Javon Walker, who should give them the big-play flair that they have been missing.

This is close to a complete football team that simply needs a consistent year from quarterback Jake Plummer to be a serious Super Bowl contender. With rookie Jay Cutler on board, Plummer should be motivated to play well.

Carolina Panthers: This is usually an understated organization that goes about its offseason business quietly. This year was no different. An outstanding interior defensive line got better with the acquisitions of defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis, and a thin secondary was upgraded with veteran safeties Shaun Williams and Kevin McCadam and corner Reggie Howard.

However, the new player who will make the biggest impact is wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who will not only make the tough catches over the middle but also will take some attention away from fellow wide receiver Steve Smith. It's also important to remember that Johnson is an outstanding blocker downfield, which will be a great asset in this run-oriented offense. If Carolina's running game functions well in 2006, the Panthers will be a Super Bowl contender.

New England Patriots: This usually astute front office has had a very uneven offseason. The Patriots' personnel losses easily outweigh their acquisitions. This team has always been able to fill holes with veteran role players, but that may no longer be the case. Wide receiver David Givens is a big loss, kicker Adam Vinatieri is nearly irreplaceable and the leadership of Willie McGinest will be sorely missed.

There are virtually no new players to fill these spots, and the team appears to be in serious jeopardy of falling behind the Dolphins in the AFC East. However, we've learned never to underestimate Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

Washington Redskins: If spending money on high-profile veteran free agents is a successful formula for winning, we should put the Redskins in the Super Bowl right now. Safety Adam Archuleta, defensive end Andre Carter, wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and tight end Christian Fauria are all upgrades at their respective positions if they can jell in a new system.

Randle El is a huge acquisition because he gives the Redskins a legitimate three-wide receiver, one-back offensive set, which is their scheme of choice. Not only will it give them a chance for more big plays, but it also will open up great running lanes for Clinton Portis. If they can get consistency from the quarterback position, whether it is Mark Brunell or Jason Campbell, the Redskins are poised for a deep playoff run.

Indianapolis Colts: After a disastrous finish to the 2005 regular season and a shocking playoff loss to pissburgh at home, the Colts parted ways with superstar running back Edgerrin James, who now resides in Arizona. This team has to retool its running game and find a way to become more physical in crunch time.

Not everything is negative, however. Vinatieri is the best clutch kicker of all time and his addition could be the difference in two or three games, which could be the difference between winning the Super Bowl and losing early in the playoffs. If the Colts can manufacture a consistent run game in 2006, they will be right in the thick of the Super Bowl race.

Chicago Bears: Confident their roster is good enough to put them in the Super Bowl hunt, the Bears were very conservative in free agency. Their most dramatic acquisition is Brian Griese, who is a lot closer to the field than most people realize. He is an excellent caretaker quarterback, and if Rex Grossman falters, the Bears finally have an excellent alternate plan.

With the core of their great defense intact, the Bears will win games by running the ball and controlling the clock. The big question is whether Cedric Benson can step up in Year 2 and become a franchise back. If that happens, success will continue.

Jacksonville Jaguars: It's been a slightly uneasy offseason for this usually rock-solid organization. Not only did the Jags lose their best offensive weapon to retirement (wide receiver Jimmy Smith), their "biggest fish" in free agency, linebacker LaVar Arrington, wound up with the Giants.

They still have a good defense, an exciting young quarterback and a group of big and physical wide receivers. For the Jags to become Super Bowl contenders, everything has to fall into place perfectly. You have to wonder whether they have enough clutch playmakers on both sides of the ball.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Although the Bucs did not have what would be considered a "sexy" offseason, they quietly did a masterful job of retooling this roster and getting their salary cap under control. GM Bruce Allen is a master capologist; he renegotiated some deals and removed some dead weight while keeping the core of this team together.

The Bucs are quietly rebuilding their offensive line, which was their Achilles' heel a year ago. If young quarterback Chris Simms takes his game to the next level, they will be solid on offense. The Bucs have age concerns on defense, but Allen and Jon Gruden have a knack for tinkering with this roster rather than starting over with a rebuilding job. This team was 11-5 in 2005 and there is no reason to believe it won't repeat that success.

Cincinnati Bengals: The rise of this much-maligned franchise revolves around the health of one key player: quarterback Carson Palmer. If he can bounce back from a devastating knee injury, this will once again be a potent offense. The Bengals have not been major players in free agency, but they are doing a nice job of keeping their key players under contract.

We will continue to see continuity on this roster, which is unusual in today's NFL, and especially in Cincinnati, where in the past players could not wait to leave in free agency. Scoring points will not be the problem for the Bengals, but their playoff hopes will likely revolve around how much they improve their 28th-rated defense from last season.

New York Giants: The Giants lost some big-name defensive players, but they were mostly aging guys with declining skills. The Giants' offense is already in good shape, and rookie wide receiver Sinorice Moss will give them a chance for more explosive, big plays.

The Giants' biggest acquisition was Arrington, who can give them a big-play element they have been missing for years. A secondary bolstered by the addition of corners Jason Bell, Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters, along with safeties Will Demps and Quentin Harris, should dramatically improve a pass defense that ranked 27th in 2005. This is a veteran team that expects to win now, and if quarterback Eli Manning shows more consistency, the Giants will be in the hunt.

Gary Horton has been a football talent evaluator for more than 30 years. He spent 10 years in the NFL and 10 years at the college level before launching a private scouting firm called "The War Room."

[HairOnFire]

Also, it gives them another QB derby, which never seems to work out well and could continue to hurt Boller's mental development.

There have been plenty of rumors that suggest that Billick is on a short leash that won't allow him anymore time to develope Boller. If true, McNair would give him his last best shot at proving that his offensive system is sound if run by a capable QB. If he clicks it buys time for everyone.

The rub is if McNair is added, but fails dramatically, I can easily see that team being blown up. Coaching staff fired, Boller sent packing, Ray Lewis pushed out, et cetera.

[BengalByTheBay]

Also, it gives them another QB derby, which never seems to work out well and could continue to hurt Boller's mental development.

There have been plenty of rumors that suggest that Billick is on a short leash that won't allow him anymore time to develope Boller. If true, McNair would give him his last best shot at proving that his offensive system is sound if run by a capable QB. If he clicks it buys time for everyone.

The rub is if McNair is added, but fails dramatically, I can easily see that team being blown up. Coaching staff fired, Boller sent packing, Ray Lewis pushed out, et cetera.

Billick is the one that gave Boller the great big vote of confidence last season when there was talk that he might go the way of Harrington, wasn't he. Well, I suppose that could just have been him toeing the company line, but I get the impression that Billick's fate is firmly tied to Boller. It should be interesting how things go in Rats land this pre-season. I mean, Boller set the world on fire at the very end of the year -- when there was absolutely no pressure and no hope of a winning season anyway -- so there will be pressure from some to keep going with him anyway. If they bring McNair in they have an immediate controversy because anybody who has ever watched a game in their life knows that even a bedridden McNair is twice the QB that Boller is. I almost hope this deal goes down just to see the Rats fans go at each other. In the brief trolling I did during last season there were already definite camps in the faithful -- the anti-Bollers had the best of that debate I would have to say. Winning is nice, but seeing your division rivals in civil war is pretty fun too.

[Kazkal]

Kitna’s wet noodle arm.

[Dadraftnick]

There is one thing he is wrong about NOBODY in the league is worried about Anthony Wright.

I have no idea how the "Bengals brain trust" ended up with this guy because we were the only team that even considered him.

What the other teams think when they play Wright is the same thing we thought when we played the Ravens with him starting "were gonna get some INTERCEPTIONS!!!!"

[jditty47]

wright is better than jamie martin who they were considering as well.

[Stripes]

wright is better than jamie martin who they were considering as well.

What he said.

[Spain]

The jags, simple put all the others have lost a little. IN the AFC Jacksonvile will be our comp. Palmer and Leftwich whose better? We all know that. Or Cheatersburgh could go for our knees again till the leauge does something no one can win in the playoffs against such a low cheap shot bastards.

[walshfan]

In the NFL Carolina looks like the team to beat although Seattle and the Giants will be in the hunt...What hurts the Giants is their division is so tough...

The AFC is wide open imo.

Cincy

Pitt

Jax

SD

KC

Ind

NE

Mia

Lots of good teams.....

[rwalling]

In the NFL Carolina looks like the team to beat although Seattle and the Giants will be in the hunt...What hurts the Giants is their division is so tough...

The AFC is wide open imo.

Cincy

Pitt

Jax

SD

KC

Ind

NE

Mia

Lots of good teams.....

I wonder out loud if Indy won't slip a notch this year.

Several reasons...

1) The playoffs showed that max pressure that gets Peyton's feet happy is effective (but you better get to him or you'll pay!)

2) The Edge is gone

3) Another year on the other marvin

4) Reggie Wayne not as hungry after the big contract????

As for the others...

NE has a lot of retooling to do

MIA still has QB issues (Culpepper and Harrington were 8 Bengal INTs combined last year)

KC vs. SD will be every bit the battle Pitt Cincy is this year.

I think JAX knocks Indy off the South throne this year.

[derekshank]

KC vs. SD will be every bit the battle Pitt Cincy is this year.

I'm just not buying SD anymore. Thye have LT and Gates... but that is pretty much it. Brees was the perfect fit, and they let him go. Rivers hasn't proven anything. They take a step back in my opinion... and they didn't even make the playoffs last year.

KC will be good again... but they still don't have any receivers... and their defense is still worse than Cincy's. I'm not putting any money on the AFC West to get to the Super Bowl.

[suwanee88]

I love it that you Bengal fans think the Steelers have lost something!

I think they are even better than last year. Reasons below:

-Brett Keisel is a star in the making at DE - replacing your buddy Kimo. He is not as good against the run as Kimo but he is better all around.

-We have much more speed at WR with Holmes and Reid - Holmes is a better WR than Randle EL and Reid is better at PR than Randle El- EL is the most overpaid player in the league.

-Duce Staley is a better short yardage back than Jerome Bettis!

Good Luck beating us - never gonna happen!

[derekshank]

I love it that you Bengal fans think the Steelers have lost something!

I think they are even better than last year. Reasons below:

-Brett Keisel is a star in the making at DE - replacing your buddy Kimo. He is not as good against the run as Kimo but he is better all around.

-We have much more speed at WR with Holmes and Reid - Holmes is a better WR than Randle EL and Reid is better at PR than Randle El- EL is the most overpaid player in the league.

-Duce Staley is a better short yardage back than Jerome Bettis!

Good Luck beating us - never gonna happen!

Good luck believing that Holmes is better than Randle El. Maybe in time... but not this year. I'm a huge Buckeye fan, and have thought that Holmes is pretty over-rated all along. He often gets caught from behind... and for having all that speed to burn, he doesn't seem to have it when it counts on a football field. Maybe his 40 time is a bit deceptive eh? Not to mention that he will never be able to run the gadget play like Randle El did... which is exactly why Randle El was so effective.

As far as Duce Staley being a better short yardage back than Bettis... firstly that is just ridiculous... secondly, he couldn't hold Bettis' jock when it comes to leadership skills, and that is where the real loss is.

P.S. It's not just Bengal fans that think the Steelers have lost something. I've heard several different experts on national radio talk about how much the "champs" have lost, and how they have done little to replace their losses.