2010 Cincinnati Bengals

[HAPPYJAQ]

Been away for a while and economic situations have forced my wife to work from home, in the midst of a new baby girl, so needless to say my time on the net has been more than limited. That said, I'll offer my opinions on the Bengals as to what we should/could expect for the upcoming regular season. I'd love for the best DIEHARD Bengals board on the net to evaluate and respond on my opions:

QB - I think we've misled ourselves to believe that we're set here. I'm a huge Carson fan, and have always believed that we've had the best QB in the game, as far as measurables go. The truth is, there is as much pressure on the QB position this year as there has been since the year before we selected Akili in the Top 5 when he came out. Optimistically, I'd like to see Carson return to his pre-2008 form, but realistically, he's probably closer to last year's form than of his glory days/years. If he doesn't throw for at least 60% completions and over 25 TDs, we could be looking at grooming his eventual successor soon. Behind him, there is nothing that could get us past the first round of the playoffs. We need a quality backup in the worst way.

RB- Benson is a stud. He's by far that second best RB to play in Cincy since Corey Dillon. I think the injury to Leonard will be a blessing in disguise as it'll force the Bengals to use B-Scott on more than just an occassional series. I see him as being a more explosive Eric Bieniemy, who did well here in his limited role. We still need another back that can tote the rock for about 15-18 carries a game, though.

WR - Three years ago, I would think you'd consider a WR set consisting of Ochocinco and TO on the same team to be as good as it gets. Luckily for the Bengals, both of these guys are ageless, so they'll should still be effective in advancing years for a WR. If Chad, TO, Bryant, Shipley and Gresham can chip in another 2900-3200 yards in the air combined, this should be a team that plays in the AFC Championship, at minimum.

OL - Part of my rationale with the previous number, is that I expect the RBs to account for 1300-1600 on the ground. That would make us an offense that gains 4200-4800 yards on offense, at a mimimum. Combined with the D, this should be pretty formidable. The offensive line being as consistent as last year, would be essential. Call me crazy, but I'm expecting a breakout year from Anthony Collins. He should expect to play a lot this year, with the Andre/Roland situation at RT.

DL - We are the deepest here. Peko, Tank, Geathers, Odom, Fanene, Atkins, Rucker and the rookie Dunlap are as about the best it'll get on an NFL roster, in terms of talent, depth and versatility. Keep in mind that one of those guys might get cut (depending on how the roster shakes out), and all but Dunlap have made numerous plays for the Bengals on defense. Should be pretty interesting, but Atkins looks to be a tremendous steal, by all reports. I didn't even consider the fact that Mike Johnson might be playing some snaps at DE on passing downs. Any comination of Odom, MJ, Dunlap on the field at the same time should be hard to match up against. Add in an Atkins or Fanene, and it becomes almost unblockable on passing downs.

LB - Rey, Rivers, Dhani, BJ, and Muck. The sacking LBs get the numbers and accolades, but remember that Zim likes to get pressure out of his front four, and maybe one LB/S on a blitz. I didn't evem mention MJ, who could be the next Adalius Thomas or Terrell Suggs for Marvin. Mike Johnson is my pick to have a breakout season this year, of all players on the Bengals.

DB - Hall and J-Jo are the best tandem out there. Mix in a healthier Roy, along with a Crocker, Ndukwe and Wilson (who Carson is enamored with) and this is the deepest Bengals secondary in at least 20 years. Adam Jones also looks like a player, IMO. Trent and Ghee look to be in a battle for the 4th CB spot. Throw in David Jones, and it least one of those guys will be on an opening day roster for another team come September, and it's an awesome situation to have, especially at CB.

K- Simmons will find one, just as he did in Shayne, who was cut a bunch of times before he landed in Cincy.

I really, really believe that this team will repeat as AFC North champions. How far they go will depend on the offense, and in particular, the passing game. I love Carson Palmer, but this is them most important year of his career.

Kinda like what Ocho said, if not now, then when?? We're more of a veteran team than a young, untested team, at this point.

[Stripes]

I'm on board aside from your projections for the offensive line. I'd love to see Collins play as well as you expect, but I've not seen much evidence of blooming ability yet. I expect more of last year from them, good and bad.

Carson is going to have a great year regardless of that though. I've not been so confident in him since the 2005 preseason.