The Bengals were the AFC North champs of last season, and this year they will be getting a tough test by the Baltimore Ravens to repeat as divisional champs. How did the Bengals win last year? They did it by using a power run game with Cedric Benson, arguably the most improved player of last year, and a vastly improved offensive line. Palmer also helped things out, despite not having stellar games as he is usually known for. The Bengals return almost everyone from last year, plus a few additions on offense such as Jermaine Gresham, TE out of OU, and brought in FA Antonio Bryant to replace Coles. The WR core consists of Mr. OchoCinco, who should return to form this year as he did last year, Antonio Bryant, Andre Caldwell, and possibly Jerome Simpson stepping up in the role of deceased Chris Henry (R.I.P). Cedric Benson should continue his power running style this season, so the Bengals should have no problems on offense, and may even be better this year if Bryant returns to his 2008 Bucs season form and Gresham provides the much-needed lifeline for Palmer.
Another main reason the Bengals were so tough last year was due to their top 10 defense last year. Coached by defensive guru Mike Zimmer, the defense was stifling in both the run and the pass defense. Led by one of the top CB tandems in the NFL, Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall, the Bengals defense stopped plently of pass happy offenses, in particular the Steelers last year. They will have a huge test versus the revamped offense of the Ravens with their addition of Boldin, but I can see the Bengals continue to stifle opposing passing offense. The LB corps is led by Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga, and should continue to be a stinging run defense, as Roy Williams will continue to play his role as the box safety and the occasional hybrid at LB. The defensive line is going to be nasty though, as they drafted a mean pass rusher in Carlos Dunlap to go along with Peko, Odom, and Micheal Johnson. Geathers can be included in the D-line talks as well as Pat Sims and Tank Johnson. Should be a great defense once again for the Bengals in 2010-2011.
Prediction – They can easily repeat as divisional champs, but that all comes down to Bengals vs Ravens, and I think Ravens have the upper hand in this matchup.
11-5 2nd place in AFC North
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