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Season Outlook
Posted 09-05-2008 at 10:49 PM by Miller
What better way to start the Who Dey Blog then to look at the 2008 season. First, a little bit about what this blog will be. I'm going to give you my take on what in going on in Cincy, and try to bring some of the major stories to you, so you don't have to search everywhere for them. I'll also try to bring some local rumors from the local radio. With that said, expect some homer views and crazy rants. It should be fun and informative at the same time. Never hesitate to chime in with a comment.
So what does 2008 hold for the Cincinnati Bengals? This team has often been called a team in turmoil. Chadgate dominated the offseason, and now has come to the forefront again with a name change to Ocho Cinco. First the cut Chris Henry, then they brought him back. Willie and Rudi are gone. So turmoil, yeah, this is a team in turmoil! Add in the fact that 85, Housh, and Palmer have all dealt with injuries this preseason and it's hard for one to be optimistic. However, it's not all doom and gloom. This is still a very talented team that has the talent to surprise. The question remains do they have the discipline to take advantage of the talent?
Offense:
The offense is trying to become more unpredictible this offseason and I feel that is one of the main reasons for the move to Chris Perry. Marvin values versatility, and that is something that power back Rudi Johnson was not. Perry brings another dimension to the running back position that have lacked. The offense has also added a receiving threat at TE in Ben Utect. He will stretch the middle of the field and should open up some more room on the outside for the star WR's (85 & Housh) to shine.
Carson Palmer struggled with consistency last season and has failed to get into a solid rhythem in the preseason. Week one should be the first time he has had both 85 and Housh on the field at the same time. if they can stay there, this should once again be the strength of this team. These 3 have the ability to take over games when they are on and with their defense, they may have to once again.
Up front, the line has struggled to live up to the promise they showed in 2005, and due to this so has the team. The talent is there, but for a variety of reasons they have failed to gel as a unit. it is my belief that the key to 2008 lies right here! If this line can gel and get back to being a top 5 offensive line liek they were in 2008 they will shock everyone this year and take the division. if they continue to allow teams to harrass Palmer and fail to open up the running game this team will crumble around them. I belive games are won and lost upfront, and for the Bengals in 2008, those words will ring true.
Defense:
New defensive cordinator Mike Zimmer brings with him an attacking sytle and an in your face attitude. I have been impressed with him this offseason, but now it comes down to performance. Can this unit improve from one of the league worst? If they can just get to the middle of the pack, this team may make some noise. But can they make the jump?
Up front on the defensive line there is a lot to prove. I love Peko at DT, but he's not a game changer and needs help. Help that I'm not sure is there. Thorton at the other DT is a great locker room guy, but not someone I want starting in the NFL any longer. The real key though is can the DE's create a pass rush this seaosn? Geathers has shown flashes, but has disapeared at times as well. FA Odom has been sidelined this preseason with a foot injury, but should be back for week one. Can he handle a full workload, and can he florish without other pro bowl talent around him? This unit will set the tone for the defense this season and my fear is that it won't be a tone you will want to hear.
Kieth Rivers is a breath of fresh air on this defense and the star LB this team needs. He has a nose for the football and was all over the field this preseason. The other LB's are nothing special, but Rivers will being an attitude to this defense and is a rising star. This unit was wrecked by injury and suspension last season, with the addition of Rivers and some additional healthy backers, this unit should be vastly improved from last year.
The secondary is always an adventure in Cincy, but the talent level is better then it has been in the past, one problem: They are all babies!! OK, except Dexter Jackson, but this is a young unit! Former first round picks, Jon Joseph and Leon hall have to play like it this year and be able to play on the island. if they can, Zimmer will bering the heat and this defense may start to look like one. If Zimmer has to continue to give them help the defense will once again struggle to provide and true pressure. One name to learn back here will be Marvin White, if for no other reason, he's going to be in a lot of highlights! He's either going to make a knock you out hit, or give up a huge play that will end up in a highlight for the other team. He will be the cause of many ulcers for me.
Bottom line is this defnse will force some turnovers, but I think they will still give up too many easy yards and points. Teh defensive line will nto be able to apply the pressure that is needed to be a good defense in this league. They will be better then last year, but that is not setting the bar very high. I don't think they will make a large enough jump to bring the Bengals to the next level.
Special Teams: Returners are still nothing to write hom about and our coverage team scares me everytime we kick a ball in the air. Graham shoudl once again be golden and be the highlight of this unit.
Miller's Bottom line: The potential is still htere, but there are way too many question marks. I just can't see this team flipping the switch and putting it all together. I'd hoping it doesn, but just don't see it. I see a team that will look playoff bound one minute and toilet bowl bound the next. This wild ride will end in another 8-8 season, and will have a lot of people calling for Marvin's job......in the end, Loyal Mike won't pull the trigger though and he'll return for the 09' season.
So what does 2008 hold for the Cincinnati Bengals? This team has often been called a team in turmoil. Chadgate dominated the offseason, and now has come to the forefront again with a name change to Ocho Cinco. First the cut Chris Henry, then they brought him back. Willie and Rudi are gone. So turmoil, yeah, this is a team in turmoil! Add in the fact that 85, Housh, and Palmer have all dealt with injuries this preseason and it's hard for one to be optimistic. However, it's not all doom and gloom. This is still a very talented team that has the talent to surprise. The question remains do they have the discipline to take advantage of the talent?
Offense:
The offense is trying to become more unpredictible this offseason and I feel that is one of the main reasons for the move to Chris Perry. Marvin values versatility, and that is something that power back Rudi Johnson was not. Perry brings another dimension to the running back position that have lacked. The offense has also added a receiving threat at TE in Ben Utect. He will stretch the middle of the field and should open up some more room on the outside for the star WR's (85 & Housh) to shine.
Carson Palmer struggled with consistency last season and has failed to get into a solid rhythem in the preseason. Week one should be the first time he has had both 85 and Housh on the field at the same time. if they can stay there, this should once again be the strength of this team. These 3 have the ability to take over games when they are on and with their defense, they may have to once again.
Up front, the line has struggled to live up to the promise they showed in 2005, and due to this so has the team. The talent is there, but for a variety of reasons they have failed to gel as a unit. it is my belief that the key to 2008 lies right here! If this line can gel and get back to being a top 5 offensive line liek they were in 2008 they will shock everyone this year and take the division. if they continue to allow teams to harrass Palmer and fail to open up the running game this team will crumble around them. I belive games are won and lost upfront, and for the Bengals in 2008, those words will ring true.
Defense:
New defensive cordinator Mike Zimmer brings with him an attacking sytle and an in your face attitude. I have been impressed with him this offseason, but now it comes down to performance. Can this unit improve from one of the league worst? If they can just get to the middle of the pack, this team may make some noise. But can they make the jump?
Up front on the defensive line there is a lot to prove. I love Peko at DT, but he's not a game changer and needs help. Help that I'm not sure is there. Thorton at the other DT is a great locker room guy, but not someone I want starting in the NFL any longer. The real key though is can the DE's create a pass rush this seaosn? Geathers has shown flashes, but has disapeared at times as well. FA Odom has been sidelined this preseason with a foot injury, but should be back for week one. Can he handle a full workload, and can he florish without other pro bowl talent around him? This unit will set the tone for the defense this season and my fear is that it won't be a tone you will want to hear.
Kieth Rivers is a breath of fresh air on this defense and the star LB this team needs. He has a nose for the football and was all over the field this preseason. The other LB's are nothing special, but Rivers will being an attitude to this defense and is a rising star. This unit was wrecked by injury and suspension last season, with the addition of Rivers and some additional healthy backers, this unit should be vastly improved from last year.
The secondary is always an adventure in Cincy, but the talent level is better then it has been in the past, one problem: They are all babies!! OK, except Dexter Jackson, but this is a young unit! Former first round picks, Jon Joseph and Leon hall have to play like it this year and be able to play on the island. if they can, Zimmer will bering the heat and this defense may start to look like one. If Zimmer has to continue to give them help the defense will once again struggle to provide and true pressure. One name to learn back here will be Marvin White, if for no other reason, he's going to be in a lot of highlights! He's either going to make a knock you out hit, or give up a huge play that will end up in a highlight for the other team. He will be the cause of many ulcers for me.
Bottom line is this defnse will force some turnovers, but I think they will still give up too many easy yards and points. Teh defensive line will nto be able to apply the pressure that is needed to be a good defense in this league. They will be better then last year, but that is not setting the bar very high. I don't think they will make a large enough jump to bring the Bengals to the next level.
Special Teams: Returners are still nothing to write hom about and our coverage team scares me everytime we kick a ball in the air. Graham shoudl once again be golden and be the highlight of this unit.
Miller's Bottom line: The potential is still htere, but there are way too many question marks. I just can't see this team flipping the switch and putting it all together. I'd hoping it doesn, but just don't see it. I see a team that will look playoff bound one minute and toilet bowl bound the next. This wild ride will end in another 8-8 season, and will have a lot of people calling for Marvin's job......in the end, Loyal Mike won't pull the trigger though and he'll return for the 09' season.
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