12 Early Predictions for 2006

[BZBot]

Will TJ get 1,000 yards? What will Justin Smith do this year? Will the team miss Jon Kitna?

Source: http://www.bengalszone.com/article.php?sid=421

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Ok, here's my predictions:

1. TJ WILL get 1000 yards this season. Why? Because we will need him making even more catches with Henry suspended.

2. Henry will see a suspension from the league at least once, and from the team at least twice.

3. Odell will continue to improve and won't have the sacks that Pollack will, but he will lead the team in tackles.

4. Tory James will keep his starting role all year long, and with real safeties behind him, push for another slot in the pro-bowl.

5. Rudi Johnson will start the season off rushing as if he wants the rushing title, but as Carson gets stronger and more confident, will drop off and end up just outside the top five backs.

6. Just as the season begins, the Bengals will announce a contract extension for Eric Steinbach.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Ok, here's my predictions:

1. TJ WILL get 1000 yards this season. Why? Because we will need him making even more catches with Henry suspended.

2. Henry will see a suspension from the league at least once, and from the team at least twice.

3. Odell will continue to improve and won't have the sacks that Pollack will, but he will lead the team in tackles.

4. Tory James will keep his starting role all year long, and with real safeties behind him, push for another slot in the pro-bowl.

5. Rudi Johnson will start the season off rushing as if he wants the rushing title, but as Carson gets stronger and more confident, will drop off and end up just outside the top five backs.

6. Just as the season begins, the Bengals will announce a contract extension for Eric Steinbach.

Not a bad list.

I think you get #1 or #5, but not both. It'll be hard to get 1500 yards to the RB and 1000 yards to the #2 receiver. Unless Perry gets hurt / sucks more than usual, and doesn't get carrys or receptions, at which point it might be possible, but still tough. I'd say either #1 or #5 has to happen for the Bengals to make the playoffs.

I might disagree with #2 - I think Henry only gets suspended once by the team, but it lasts a while. I think it's enough to keep him clean until next January when he goes nuts again.

I'd say #3 is guaranteed.

#4 is interesting How much of Tory's apparent drop off was lack of help, and how much was diminishing speed? I think he's still a decent corner, but starts needing more help. I think they use some more nickel, especially late in the year when Joseph is ready to play, to account for his loss of speed.

#6 would be nice. But do you extend both guards before either tackle?

Some of my own...

1) We don't see a list anywhere. Ever.

2) Chad still celebrates, but in general does a much better job of controlling himself. He had his fun year. Now it's time to win.

3) The Bengals are ranked between 15 and 25 in red zone efficiency due to the lack of a short-yardage back (Rudi really struggled last year on 3rd or 4th and short, though how much was him and how much the play calling is anyone's guess). They also lack anything that even smells like a tight end. TJ helps, but he's only one guy. KW is more useless than usual in the red zone. And I never thought I'd say it, but Walter helped on the goal line. Here's to Shayne!

4) Pollack: 8 sacks, 2 picks.

5) Little yellow is to be seen in PBS on New Year's Eve. It goes without saying, but to all the season ticket holders...sell all those extra tickets you buy to friends, not on Ebay.

6) Bengals go 1-2 in the first three games without Palmer. 2-2 in his first two games back from rust. 6-2 until the last game of the season due to a healthy Palmer and a reasonable schedule, which puts them...

7) 9-6 going into the Steelers retribution game with the playoffs hanging in the balance. I think we know what happens then.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

So you're saying our offense isn't as powerful as Indy's where they had a top running back and three top receivers not that long ago?

[Spor_tees]

Last year Chad had almost 1,500 yards...Rudi just missed 1,500 yards...and TJ barely missed 1,000 and that was with him missing games due to injury. So how can you say that it is unlikely that it can happen this year DC?

It happens this year and you will also see a RB arise other than Perry that makes him expendable after this year!

[Wraith]

Predictions:

The Good

#1 The next time Chris Henry is seen on a football field is when he suits up for the Iowa Barnstormmers of the AFL. Henry will be cut before training camp.

#2 Levi Jones' deal is comsummated before July 20th. 5 years somewhere around 7 million per.

#3 Eric Steinbach is designated a franchise player and then signed to a contract before the start of training camp '07

#4 This is TJ's breakout season with more than 1200 yards this comes as CJ's numbers slightly decline to just over 1250.

#5 Carson Palmer starts in KC and plays a full season (barring any worthless games at the end of the season). Carson starts the Pro Bowl and is voted Offensive MVP breaking Boomers Bengals yardage record in the process.

#6 Chis Perry sees alot more playing time and the rushing attack will look alot like KCs did the last two years with Priest and LJ pick up Perry late on Fastasy Football draft day.

#7 Pollack has a breakout year with 10 sacks and the defense as a whole is top 15 in both yards allowed and points allowed.

The Bad

#8 Odell Thurman will be suspended for the first four games of the season and will not have the impact that he had last year. The suspension is drug related and he is in Marvin's doghouse the entire season.

#9 This is Willie's last season in stripes.

#10 Deltha underperforms this season and one of the four DBs goes out early with a season ending knee injury.

Final Prediction

#11 The Bengals go 12-4 and represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

Yeah I'm a homer.

[ArmyBengal]

I don't have all kinds of predictions and will agree with what has been posted for the most part...

TJ should have another great year and may see the 1000 yard mark with no other true deep threat.

Tory should benefit from a safety tandom of Madieu and Jackson just like Odell and the LB corps should benefit from having Sam Adams up front.

Henry will be with the team as he can't be cut due to his injuries. After he's all healed up, he better hope his crap was settled with minimal disruption !!!

WHODEY !!!

[kingwilly]

Here is my 12:

1. Henry goes buh-bye...

2. Rucker & Peko do not make team..

3. Nicholson get lots of snaps as part of the 3-4 usage...but is still a moron.

4. Simmons is not up to the level and becomes back-up to Johnson by game 4.

5. Wright starts first 3 games and goes 2-1...we lose in KC. LJ is a demon.

6. Joseph supercedes Ratliff for nickel role and integrates well with madieu/james.

7. Adams CLOGS the lanes...breaks toilets.

8. Pollack is average...6 sacks...meh. Smith goes nutz in his contract year.

9. TJ steps up...yards don't matter, wins do. 10 TD's

10. CJ maintains.

11. Tab/Chatman/Braezell terrify from the 3rd WR spot...lots of fresh legs and speed for all 4 quarters.

12. These guys are goners: Askew, K-Wash, Braham and maybe Thornton.

We go 12-4 with losses to KC, TB, a dumb loss to NO and a split with Pitt.

[Stripes]

1. Palmer starts the season in Kansas City.

2. Thurman starts the season in Kansas City.

3. Chris Henry only misses the first two games.

4. Pollack eclipses 10 sacks and finishes second on the team in tackles.

5. Frostee Rucker is the Bengals' most impactful rookie.

6. The Bengals finish 6-0 against the AFC North.

7. Rudi sets the single season Bengals rushing record. Again.

8. Chad scores double digit touchdowns.

9. The Bengals lead the leauge in takeaways with more than last season.

10. The Bengals win the AFC North at 13-3, losses coming to Kansas City, Carolina, and Indianapolis.

11. After a first round playoff bye, the Bengals host the wildcard Steelers for the third time this season, and dispatch them for the third time 41-6.

12. T.J. Houshmandzadeh makes the winning touchdown catch with 34 seconds to play in Superbowl 41.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm, Kool Aid.

[bengalspride1219]

1. Palmer starts the season in Kansas City.

2. Thurman starts the season in Kansas City.

3. Chris Henry only misses the first two games.

4. Pollack eclipses 10 sacks and finishes second on the team in tackles.

5. Frostee Rucker is the Bengals' most impactful rookie.

6. The Bengals finish 6-0 against the AFC North.

7. Rudi sets the single season Bengals rushing record. Again.

8. Chad scores double digit touchdowns.

9. The Bengals lead the leauge in takeaways with more than last season.

10. The Bengals win the AFC North at 13-3, losses coming to Kansas City, Carolina, and Indianapolis.

11. After a first round playoff bye, the Bengals host the wildcard Steelers for the third time this season, and dispatch them for the third time 41-6.

12. T.J. Houshmandzadeh makes the winning touchdown catch with 34 seconds to play in Superbowl 41.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm, Kool Aid.

ha those are goals not predictions

but i predict at least 8 of those willl come true

haha

[ArmyBengal]

Since everyone wants to be a homer, let me try something...

#1. Carson misses the first 4 games and we finish 3-13, last in the division.

#2. Odell really does get suspended and our LB corps implodes.

#3. Sam Adams old ass has no impact and we still get ran the f*ck over.

#4. We don't resign Steiny, Levi, or Big Willie and start all over at o-line.

#5. Justin Smith records 15 sacks and signs with the Steelers via F/A.

#6. Rudi goes down in preseason and Perry runs for 350 for the year.

#7. Chris Henry goes to jail for a very long time.

#8. Rucker sucks more ass than humanly possible.

#9. Nicholson goes on a killing spree.

#10. Marvin Lewis replaces Cowher when he retires from Pittsburgh.

#11. Mike Brown is named commish and moves the Bengals to LA.

#12. Bengalszone gets sold and we have to now get a life...

HOLY CRAP THAT'S A DEPRESSING LIST !!!

NOT WHODEY !!!

[Kazkal]

Here is my 12:

1. Henry goes buh-bye...

2. Rucker & Peko do not make team..

3. Nicholson get lots of snaps as part of the 3-4 usage...but is still a moron.

4. Simmons is not up to the level and becomes back-up to Johnson by game 4.

5. Wright starts first 3 games and goes 2-1...we lose in KC. LJ is a demon.

6. Joseph supercedes Ratliff for nickel role and integrates well with madieu/james.

7. Adams CLOGS the lanes...breaks toilets.

8. Pollack is average...6 sacks...meh. Smith goes nutz in his contract year.

9. TJ steps up...yards don't matter, wins do. 10 TD's

10. CJ maintains.

11. Tab/Chatman/Braezell terrify from the 3rd WR spot...lots of fresh legs and speed for all 4 quarters.

12. These guys are goners: Askew, K-Wash, Braham and maybe Thornton.

We go 12-4 with losses to KC, TB, a dumb loss to NO and a split with Pitt.

Wanna bet a jersey on peko making the team

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

So you're saying our offense isn't as powerful as Indy's where they had a top running back and three top receivers not that long ago?

Uh....yeah? Harrison was better than Chad in his prime, Wayne is the bset #2 in the league, Stokely was better than Henry, Peyton better than Carson (in 2004, Peyton had the best season ever), and Edge was a bit better than Rudi. They also had a pass catching TE.

But that's beside the point. As to why it will be tough to have Rudi be a top 5 gainer *and* get TJ 1000 yards...

1) I think our offense takes a slight step back next year. Carson had an absolutely fantastic year last year. Stringing together multiple years like that is hard even for the best QBs alive. Of which he looks to be one, but still. And he's coming off an injury.

2) I don't think there's ever been a combo of one receiver over 1300 yards, one receiver over 1000, and one back over 1500. Not even Indy did all three of those in one year.

3) Henry's pretty good, and if he plays, he'll get yards.

4) If they insist on playing Perry, he'll either take yards from Rudi or TJ.

5) I think our D improves, speeding up the game resulting in fewer plays. It also allows us to be more conservative, resulting in fewer total yards.

But hey, I'd like to be wrong. Because if that happens and our D improves, I'd say the division is won.

[Spor_tees]

So you're saying our offense isn't as powerful as Indy's where they had a top running back and three top receivers not that long ago?

Uh....yeah? Harrison was better than Chad in his prime, Wayne is the bset #2 in the league, Stokely was better than Henry, Peyton better than Carson (in 2004, Peyton had the best season ever), and Edge was a bit better than Rudi. They also had a pass catching TE.

But that's beside the point. As to why it will be tough to have Rudi be a top 5 gainer *and* get TJ 1000 yards...

1) I think our offense takes a slight step back next year. Carson had an absolutely fantastic year last year. Stringing together multiple years like that is hard even for the best QBs alive. Of which he looks to be one, but still. And he's coming off an injury.

2) I don't think there's ever been a combo of one receiver over 1300 yards, one receiver over 1000, and one back over 1500. Not even Indy did all three of those in one year.

3) Henry's pretty good, and if he plays, he'll get yards.

4) If they insist on playing Perry, he'll either take yards from Rudi or TJ.

5) I think our D improves, speeding up the game resulting in fewer plays. It also allows us to be more conservative, resulting in fewer total yards.

But hey, I'd like to be wrong. Because if that happens and our D improves, I'd say the division is won.

Last year Edge had 1,500 yards, Marvin had 1,146, and Wayne had 1,055. That's not too bad.

[jrandom42]

2) I don't think there's ever been a combo of one receiver over 1300 yards, one receiver over 1000, and one back over 1500. Not even Indy did all three of those in one year.

[kingwilly]

My wife won't let me bet for jersey's anymore

As for the 1500-1300-1000 combo, the only teams that I can think of coming close would have been:

97 Packers - Levens - 1435, Freeman - 1243 and Brooks - 1010

00 Broncos - Anderson - 1487, R. Smith - 1600, McCafferty - 1317...real CLOSE

04 Colts - Edge - 1548, Harrison - 1113, Wayne - 1210 PLUS Stokely - 1077

[jditty47]

Will TJ get 1,000 yards? What will Justin Smith do this year? Will the team miss Jon Kitna?

Source: http://www.bengalszone.com/article.php?sid=421

#5...i doubt he doubles it.

#6. this is the one i definately disagree with. Perry was not a bad pick. David Klinger was a bad pick. Kijana Carter was a bad pick. Perry got us a few touchdowns last year and showed what our offense has evolved into. We need him to do what he can do to open up the offense more on 3rd down due to the fact that we have no TE presence...and rudi has proven hes not the greatest 3rd down back. And his contract still isnt over...u cant determine this to being a bad pick yet.

#9 nope. not in 2006. unless he gets injured...thats the only way he'll slip by January.

[HairOnFire]

...and rudi has proven hes not the greatest 3rd down back.

Hush. Rudi has been very good on 3rd down for several years now, and last season I think he was the only starting RB in the NFL who converted on every 4th down opportunity, going something like 6 for 6. The simple truth is that the presence of Perry created a perfect opportunity to spell Rudi from time to time, and a designated 3rd down pass catcher or draw play specialist represents the best role for Perry to fill. In fact, when you consider durability it might be the only role he can fill.

[derekshank]

I don't want to sit here and try to come up with 12... but here are a couple off the top of my head.

1) Chad's first TD celebration will receive a 15 yard penalty, and Marvin will put an end to creative TD celebrations.

2) Sam Adams will need a lot of rest... and Askew will step up and fill in well to let Sam catch his breath.

3) Our run defense will no longer draw ridicule from analysts, but we will still have an underwhelming pass rush, with Pollack leading the team with 10 sacks.

4) Carson Palmer will hand off the ball a lot more this season, we'll see less of the no-huddle (because it hurts the defense a lot), and we'll be seen as a more physical offense than in the past.

5) We will win the AFC North again as the team who suffered the fewest Free agency losses (I'll hold off on the Super Bowl prediction until the season starts).

[jditty47]

Hush. Rudi has been very good on 3rd down for several years now, and last season I think he was the only starting RB in the NFL who converted on every 4th down opportunity, going something like 6 for 6. The simple truth is that the presence of Perry created a perfect opportunity to spell Rudi from time to time, and a designated 3rd down pass catcher or draw play specialist represents the best role for Perry to fill. In fact, when you consider durability it might be the only role he can fill.

so he was good on 4th down...im guessing 5 of 6 were a yard or less. 3rd and long if hes in hes not gettin the rock. everyone knows that.

[Spor_tees]

Hush. Rudi has been very good on 3rd down for several years now, and last season I think he was the only starting RB in the NFL who converted on every 4th down opportunity, going something like 6 for 6. The simple truth is that the presence of Perry created a perfect opportunity to spell Rudi from time to time, and a designated 3rd down pass catcher or draw play specialist represents the best role for Perry to fill. In fact, when you consider durability it might be the only role he can fill.

so he was good on 4th down...im guessing 5 of 6 were a yard or less. 3rd and long if hes in hes not gettin the rock. everyone knows that.

Rudi has good hands...When he was a rookie with the Bengals he used to return kickoffs!

In 2002 here is his stats...2002 Cincinnati Bengals 7 13 277 21.3 42 0 1

He just got injured a few times and then they realized his value as a RB and decided not to use him up on special teams when he was going to be carrying the rock 25+ times per game. If Rudi didn't need the rest he could be an EVERY down back including 3rd down. What makes Perry such a good back for draw plays? His YPC average was only 4.6 compared to Rudi's 4.3! Shouldn't a 3rd down back that plays against pass defenses have a better YPC average than that?

P.S.- An amazing stat I just realized, Rudi has only fumbled 5 times in his CAREER. So let's not try to compare Apple's and turds here.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Hush. Rudi has been very good on 3rd down for several years now, and last season I think he was the only starting RB in the NFL who converted on every 4th down opportunity, going something like 6 for 6. The simple truth is that the presence of Perry created a perfect opportunity to spell Rudi from time to time, and a designated 3rd down pass catcher or draw play specialist represents the best role for Perry to fill. In fact, when you consider durability it might be the only role he can fill.

so he was good on 4th down...im guessing 5 of 6 were a yard or less. 3rd and long if hes in hes not gettin the rock. everyone knows that.

Uh DUH?!? I don't care WHO the running back is. On 3rd and long, they aren't getting the rock. EVERYONE knows that. What does this have to do with anything?

That's like saying Bush is from Texas. So what?

[HairOnFire]

3) The Bengals are ranked between 15 and 25 in red zone efficiency due to the lack of a short-yardage back (Rudi really struggled last year on 3rd or 4th and short, though how much was him and how much the play calling is anyone's guess).

See, this is the type of thing that grinds on me. Rudi was perfect converting 4th down opportunities last season, and over the last three seasons has had several highlite plays come on 3rd down...including several from the red zone. His ability to score TD's in double figures each and every season is well established. But due to the fact that the Bengals are trying desperately to get some return out of their investment in Perry they've rather predictably featured Perry in the 3rd down role. And that's fine with me as nobody is going to dispute that he's a more dangerous pass catching threat out of the backfield. But the Bengals don't suffer on 3rd down when Perry isn't available....which happens alot. Rudi can get the job done when asked, as can Kenny Watson, as well as Jeremi Johnson, who is a pretty fair pass catching red zone threat. The backfield threats are already on the roster. Perry is just icing on the cake.

Obviously where the Bengals come up short in the red zone is at TE. I've heard several coaches claim that the single greatest chance for success in the red zone comes when the TE position is featured...since they're frequently uncovered, followed by a delayed dump off to a RB, followed by a lob thrown to a WR breaking to the corner. Sadly, the Bengals offense still lacks a credible red zone threat at TE, and haven't really featured Perry as a red zone threat. No kidding, with few exceptions most of his damage has been done between the 20's, not in the red zone. Instead, it's been a steady diet of corner lobs and crossing routes, always featuring the wideouts, or Rudi slamming away between the tackles. And it's been very succesful. But there is room for improvement.

And to that end it seems far more likely that Perry's red zone role should be expanded, not because Rudi isn't a monster threat around the end zone, but because his threat is overwhelmingly running related. Combined with the fact that the Bengals still lack a credible pass catching TE the Bengals red zone package has lacked the type of player who can put incredible edge pressure on an opposing front seven. However, Perry can most certainly be that guy IF the Bengals use more 2-back sets, featuring movement, near the goal instead of constantly lining up with one or two TE's that everyone knows they won't throw to.

Frankly, losing their so-called pass catching TE in free agency may be the very thing that allows Chris Perry to finally achieve his much predicted breakout.

[schweinhart]

Bengals 27 Panthers 24 Super Bowl 41

The lack of a receiving TE does put more pressure on the receiving backs to thrive this year. Maybe a split backfield with Chris Perry and Kenny Watson on 3rd downs between 3 and 8 yards plus the red zone will surface on the field this year with 2 WR sets and a blocking TE. Both catch well and can run the draw, which should keep a D off balance as to which one will do what. The edge for blocking blizting LBs would go to Watson IMO but Perry shown he can at least get to DB blitzers off the edge even though he doesn't seem able to consistently wipe them out of their rush. In the event of an overload blitz, both could block and the TE could slip out to the vacated spot or Chad and Housh can make them pay as long as Palmer has got some time.

I'm not believing that a slimmed down Rudi will make much difference on 3rd and more than 2 yards. He never has shown that he can ran routes or catch the ball on dump offs with his back to the D. The only passes he seems to be comfortable with are swings where he is at least half turned upfield. But as for running on 3rd and short, I'd rather see Rudi at the back of the I with either JJ or Reggie Kelly lead blocking. Just no more of the 3rd and 4th down Chris Perry stretch runs please.

[jditty47]

Hush. Rudi has been very good on 3rd down for several years now, and last season I think he was the only starting RB in the NFL who converted on every 4th down opportunity, going something like 6 for 6. The simple truth is that the presence of Perry created a perfect opportunity to spell Rudi from time to time, and a designated 3rd down pass catcher or draw play specialist represents the best role for Perry to fill. In fact, when you consider durability it might be the only role he can fill.

so he was good on 4th down...im guessing 5 of 6 were a yard or less. 3rd and long if hes in hes not gettin the rock. everyone knows that.

Uh DUH?!? I don't care WHO the running back is. On 3rd and long, they aren't getting the rock. EVERYONE knows that. What does this have to do with anything?

That's like saying Bush is from Texas. So what?

um i believe perry turned a few 3rd and longs into first downs on receptions last year...im sure rudi didnt.