The bandwagon is starting to heat up

[walzav29]

It was announced that the Bengals and Steelers game Sept. 27th has been moved up to 4:15. It was also written on Bengals.com that an ex-GM said they will be a playoff team. This is where I think this team is different now. If this came out 2 seasons ago TJ, and Chad would be running their mouths about how great this team is but they wouldn't put in the necessary work. They're all there now. I know Chad isn't but he's just 1 guy now. I truly believe that this is now Carson's team.

[mgilgris]

I would rather be a total surprise. The less attention the better. Dont want guys getting big heads

[derekshank]

The Bengals being a playoff team is a stretch... probably the reason the guy is an "ex-GM."

That said, it is not all that difficult to argue that they could be one of the most improved teams.

The Bengals passing game was ranked 30th in yards, 30th in passer rating (68.0), 30th in sacks allow (51), tied for last in TD's with 11 (compared to 15 ints) and dead last in completions over 20 yards.

The Bengals rushing game was ranked 29th in yards, and dead last in TD's with 6.

Improving the O-Line, and keeping Palmer healthy causes both to improve dramatically.

On defense, Zimmer's scheme performed fairly well... with the exception of a pass rush. Only the Chiefs had fewer sacks. Because it was so poor, I have very little difficulty imagining that rookies like Maualuga and Michael Johnson could improve it exponentially.

I still find a playoff appearance difficult to believe. Not impossible. The Dolphins and the Falcons performed miraculous turnarounds. While it's not difficult to imagine the Bengals rookies making an impact - it is difficult to imagine the impact being so extreme as to turn them from 4-11-1 to 10-6 or better.

[cincy71]

the key to bengals making the playoffs this year is simple

can one of the centers come threw and play a significant role. cook or luigs i believe will be the man and if they can come in and play and help keep palmer on his feet than this could very well be a playoff team. for the first time in many years the defence will be solid. zimmer + rey, tank and michael johnson can be a top 10 defence but the center play will determine if our offence and carson palmer can get back to the offence it once was

[kingwilly]

The Bengals being a playoff team is a stretch... probably the reason the guy is an "ex-GM."

That said, it is not all that difficult to argue that they could be one of the most improved teams.

The Bengals passing game was ranked 30th in yards, 30th in passer rating (68.0), 30th in sacks allow (51), tied for last in TD's with 11 (compared to 15 ints) and dead last in completions over 20 yards.

The Bengals rushing game was ranked 29th in yards, and dead last in TD's with 6.

Improving the O-Line, and keeping Palmer healthy causes both to improve dramatically.

On defense, Zimmer's scheme performed fairly well... with the exception of a pass rush. Only the Chiefs had fewer sacks. Because it was so poor, I have very little difficulty imagining that rookies like Maualuga and Michael Johnson could improve it exponentially.

I still find a playoff appearance difficult to believe. Not impossible. The Dolphins and the Falcons performed miraculous turnarounds. While it's not difficult to imagine the Bengals rookies making an impact - it is difficult to imagine the impact being so extreme as to turn them from 4-11-1 to 10-6 or better.

Derek, I disagree as to this team having sifficulty making a big turn-around, and here are 5reasons:

1. Palmer Healthy - biggest change in how the offesne will work. If he is able to come back and toss it like before, the passing game will be better.

2. O-line - the Andrews expriment failed and El Matador is gone...those are reason enough to have hope. A. Smith will be a monster and between Collins and Whit the right side will be solid.

3. Coles, Caldwell and Henry could be better 2/3/4 WR's than we'veever had. Chad....unknown, maybe will dislocate his dorsal metatraxis and need to sit out some of the year...could be a blessing in disguise

4. Utecht and Coffman could be the best catching TE tandem this team has ever had.

5. Benson with an invigorated line...and Carson hucking the ball...will be an animal and hard to contain.

I think the Bengals O is poised for massive turnaround. Not as if they could get worse.

[derekshank]

The Bengals being a playoff team is a stretch... probably the reason the guy is an "ex-GM."

That said, it is not all that difficult to argue that they could be one of the most improved teams.

The Bengals passing game was ranked 30th in yards, 30th in passer rating (68.0), 30th in sacks allow (51), tied for last in TD's with 11 (compared to 15 ints) and dead last in completions over 20 yards.

The Bengals rushing game was ranked 29th in yards, and dead last in TD's with 6.

Improving the O-Line, and keeping Palmer healthy causes both to improve dramatically.

On defense, Zimmer's scheme performed fairly well... with the exception of a pass rush. Only the Chiefs had fewer sacks. Because it was so poor, I have very little difficulty imagining that rookies like Maualuga and Michael Johnson could improve it exponentially.

I still find a playoff appearance difficult to believe. Not impossible. The Dolphins and the Falcons performed miraculous turnarounds. While it's not difficult to imagine the Bengals rookies making an impact - it is difficult to imagine the impact being so extreme as to turn them from 4-11-1 to 10-6 or better.

Derek, I disagree as to this team having sifficulty making a big turn-around, and here are 5reasons:

1. Palmer Healthy - biggest change in how the offesne will work. If he is able to come back and toss it like before, the passing game will be better.

2. O-line - the Andrews expriment failed and El Matador is gone...those are reason enough to have hope. A. Smith will be a monster and between Collins and Whit the right side will be solid.

3. Coles, Caldwell and Henry could be better 2/3/4 WR's than we'veever had. Chad....unknown, maybe will dislocate his dorsal metatraxis and need to sit out some of the year...could be a blessing in disguise

4. Utecht and Coffman could be the best catching TE tandem this team has ever had.

5. Benson with an invigorated line...and Carson hucking the ball...will be an animal and hard to contain.

I think the Bengals O is poised for massive turnaround. Not as if they could get worse.

If you look at my post again, you'll see that I said I expect a big turnaround... but I think they are still a year away from the playoffs.

I'll respond to each of your points.

1. I agree completely. I mentioned how the Bengals were in the bottom 3 in virtually every meaningful passing stat. Just having Palmer there improves the offense considerably. Keeping him there, and giving him time to throw is the issue.

2. A. Smith and Collins can't be much worse than what the Bengals put out last year. But we can't forget that one is a rookie, and the other has started only 6 games. Both are unproven and have a lot of learning to do. I expect improvement, but there will be growing pains.

3. Coles is a very different WR than Housh, and Henry can't fill that role either. Caldwell is the closest thing they've got... and that's a significant drop-off. Their 4 WR's sets will look pretty good... but how often do the Bengals use that formation? No one knows what to expect from Chad... so I see no significant reason to cite the WR's as a reason the Bengals will be better.

4. Sure... And I was as excited as anyone to finally bring in Utecht. Injuries to both Utecht and Pamler squelched that... but when both were playing together (only for 3 games) Utecht was not productive (3 catches for 13 yards). It can't be all Utecht, because he was great in Indy. Some of it must be scheme. I'll believe Palmer will consistently throw to a TE when I see it on the field - not on paper.

5. A. Smith may be the best thing that happened to Cedric Benson. Also, J. Johnson, and the new Samoan at FB will be helpful. But again... regardless of who starts at Center this year... it will be their first NFL start. That means there are question marks when it comes to running between the tackles.

In other words... while this team has the potential to improve leaps and bounds, it would be foolish to expect to see anything close to the offense of the '05 season. If I put on my optimist glasses, I can see the Bengals winning 4 or maybe 5 more games in '09. That would put them at 8-8, or 9-7. That's a solid season and an impressive turnaround - but the O-Line will need a bit more experience before the playoff talk begins (just my opinion).

[HoTbOy]

I was trying to find the link where I read this but couldn't, well anyway one of those so-called experts said that he expects the Bengals and Packers to be playoff teams this year, due to the draft and various people(CPalmer) being healthy this year...

[icehole3]

we need to many things to happen to make the playoffs, the first 4 games are critical, great draft was a good step.

[walzav29]

I will be disappointed if we don't make the playoffs. There is no reason they can't. Palmer coming back and being protected along with an actual RB will be huge.

[whizzo]

it all hinges on the O-line. don't worry about the D, it was good last year and improved further with ReyRey and Johnson. the important bit is the O-line. if they can keep carson on his feet and the holes open for benson, our offense will be more than fine.

[damiancasey]

Fool Bengals Fans once - shame on you, fool Bengals Fans twice....

[HoosierCat]

it all hinges on the O-line.

If the last three seasons are any guide, it all hinges on injuries.

The Bengals haven't had any luck staying healthy since 2005, which was a big part of the reason they made the playoffs.

[ArmyBengal]

Well, the last time the Bengals played in a Super Bowl was 1989. I joined the Army in 1990 and they haven't been back since. With this group of players we got in the draft coupled with my retirement early in 2011, the 2011 season should be the year we actually make it back to the Super Bowl.

2009- Great improvement from last year (maybe a suprise playoff appearance)

2010- Playoffs for sure

2011- Super Bowl

It's all coming full circle I'll tell you !!!

I'm looking forward to see how camps go this year and who ends up getting the axe !!!

[gregstephens]

The Bengals being a playoff team is a stretch... probably the reason the guy is an "ex-GM."

That said, it is not all that difficult to argue that they could be one of the most improved teams.

The Bengals passing game was ranked 30th in yards, 30th in passer rating (68.0), 30th in sacks allow (51), tied for last in TD's with 11 (compared to 15 ints) and dead last in completions over 20 yards.

The Bengals rushing game was ranked 29th in yards, and dead last in TD's with 6.

Improving the O-Line, and keeping Palmer healthy causes both to improve dramatically.

On defense, Zimmer's scheme performed fairly well... with the exception of a pass rush. Only the Chiefs had fewer sacks. Because it was so poor, I have very little difficulty imagining that rookies like Maualuga and Michael Johnson could improve it exponentially.

I still find a playoff appearance difficult to believe. Not impossible. The Dolphins and the Falcons performed miraculous turnarounds. While it's not difficult to imagine the Bengals rookies making an impact - it is difficult to imagine the impact being so extreme as to turn them from 4-11-1 to 10-6 or better.

Derek, I disagree as to this team having sifficulty making a big turn-around, and here are 5reasons:

1. Palmer Healthy - biggest change in how the offesne will work. If he is able to come back and toss it like before, the passing game will be better.

2. O-line - the Andrews expriment failed and El Matador is gone...those are reason enough to have hope. A. Smith will be a monster and between Collins and Whit the right side will be solid.

3. Coles, Caldwell and Henry could be better 2/3/4 WR's than we'veever had. Chad....unknown, maybe will dislocate his dorsal metatraxis and need to sit out some of the year...could be a blessing in disguise

4. Utecht and Coffman could be the best catching TE tandem this team has ever had.

5. Benson with an invigorated line...and Carson hucking the ball...will be an animal and hard to contain.

I think the Bengals O is poised for massive turnaround. Not as if they could get worse.

I think another factor that needs to be considered here is the punting game. I don't know (and none of us do yet) how the new kid is going to do, but Larson's poor field position punting did not help us last year. If we can improve that average field position, give a (hopefully) reinvigorated defense a chance to work, that will be a factor that is not negligible. It could prove to be huge in one or two close, last quarter games that will hopefully swing our way for a change.

[ArmyBengal]

I'll throw another consideration in there in regards to having some players that might actually make the return game one that BENEFITS the team. Having a punter that can change field position for us and returners that can do the same, will do wonders for this team. While I'm not "expecting" the playoffs, 9-7 wouldn't really suprise me.

With the way things go in a season and getting some breaks go our way would it really be that unbelievable to get another win or two in there ??

Once again, not "expecting" it, but it suprise me either. Here's to hoping it DOES suprise a lot of other teams this season !!!

[HairOnFire]

Shades of last years "Why not us" threads?

Put me in the camp of doubters. The offense should be much improved, but the impressive gains made on defense in the just completed draft will probably remain on paper for awhile.

Until I see evidence to the contrary this team isn't a legit playoff contender. Rather, it's at best a fringe contender and it's realistic goals should/might be limited to winning as many as it loses early, followed by eliminating those pesky months long losing streaks. If they somehow manage those tricks the team might well find itself in mid-season playoff contention, but any late season playoff push will have to be accomplished on the road, and.......(voice trails off)

[ArmyBengal]

For the time being Hair, I will just be happy that I'm not a fan of the Raiders or one of those teams that took players throughout the WHOLE draft that make me come in the next day and start to try and justify the pick and convince myself and others that we really had a good draft when we really didn't. That is what I have come to expect and am very happy I only have to do that with maybe one player this year.

I'll take that and the chances of a bounce going our way here or there. Still not thinking anything more than 9-7 AT BEST...

8-8 was my early on call though...

On a side note, the teams we play this season didn't appear to do that much through the draft, minus a couple...

[fattyjay]

I don't know, in today's NFL it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility for this team to make the playoffs this year. 1-15 Dolphins did it, why not us?

[derekshank]

I don't know, in today's NFL it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility for this team to make the playoffs this year. 1-15 Dolphins did it, why not us?

No... nothing is out of the realm of possibility. The Chargers won their division last year at 8-8, so who knows. It might require less than 10 wins to get in.

That said, those who have already positioned themselves in the camp that expects a playoff appearance because of a decent draft will likely be the first ones to label the draft a bust when the Bengals go 7-9.

Relying on so many rookies very rarely gets you in the playoffs. This was a great step for the 2010 season in my opinion.

[ArmyBengal]

I wouldn't think about calling a playoff run due to the drafting of players that have never taken an NFL snap, but I'm sure someone here will...

Anyone ?? Bueller, Bueller ??

[whizzo]

The Chargers won their division last year at 8-8, so who knows.

they won the AFC West - chiefs, raiders, and broncos. no competition. we've got the ravens and the steelers.

[Bearcat1975]

The bandwagon is starting to heat up

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

BANDWAGON - NOUN

-a party, cause, movement, etc., that by its mass appeal or strength readily attracts many followers: After it became apparent that the incumbent would win, everyone decided to jump on the bandwagon.

I mean I know as Bengal fans, this is the time of year where optimism peaks... but c'mon dude. We are a small market team that has been to the playoffs once, hell, we've only had a winning record once, in the PAST 18 YEARS. And nothing has changed, other than we all THINK we had a really good draft, which we won't know for sure for 3 years.

I like the optimism...but "bandwagon?" Please...

I'll be curious to see if you feel the same way after the lengthy holdout. It means we'll have the same line that got Carson killed, minus two starters and plus a rookie and a holdout. What, they are suddenly going to learn how to block? Carson is suddenly going to stop hearing footsteps? His passes will suddenly stop sailing high on him when he is under pressure?

Actually I take everything back I just wrote. Embrace the Willing Suspension of Disbelief. Super Bowl here we come! Who Dey!!!

[Dadraftnick]

I will say this the National Media have had the nicest words for the Bengals after a draft EVER-

[HAPPYJAQ]

I'll say 7-9 or 8-8, at best. We're banking on a lot of questions (Chad, Carson, Andre Smith, starting C, etc.) working out in favor of the Bengals. Injuries are always an issue, but I think this team is the deepest Bengals team on paper in many years. I'm still believing that 2010 will be the year, but we're definitely moving in the right direction and should be competitive in most games, unlike last season.

[Clackwoods]

The Bengals being a playoff team is a stretch... probably the reason the guy is an "ex-GM."

That said, it is not all that difficult to argue that they could be one of the most improved teams.

The Bengals passing game was ranked 30th in yards, 30th in passer rating (68.0), 30th in sacks allow (51), tied for last in TD's with 11 (compared to 15 ints) and dead last in completions over 20 yards.

The Bengals rushing game was ranked 29th in yards, and dead last in TD's with 6.

Improving the O-Line, and keeping Palmer healthy causes both to improve dramatically.

On defense, Zimmer's scheme performed fairly well... with the exception of a pass rush. Only the Chiefs had fewer sacks. Because it was so poor, I have very little difficulty imagining that rookies like Maualuga and Michael Johnson could improve it exponentially.

I still find a playoff appearance difficult to believe. Not impossible. The Dolphins and the Falcons performed miraculous turnarounds. While it's not difficult to imagine the Bengals rookies making an impact - it is difficult to imagine the impact being so extreme as to turn them from 4-11-1 to 10-6 or better.

We are picking up a franchise QB, a 1st round LB in Keith Rivers, an actual LT that can stay on his feet, and another difference maker in our front 7. That is quite an improvement from last year.

I think the most important thing is our schedule. The dolphins only had a turnaround last season because their schedule was beyond easy. They will come back to earth this season. Last year three of our first four games were against teams that went to the Divisional Championship games in Baltimore, Titans, and Giants. We also played the other divisional championship team and the Superbowl champions twice. We had an extremely difficult schedule. Comparing that to this seasons schedule I whole heartily believe we will be in contention for the playoffs and the divisional crown