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2009 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Season Predictions

Written June 15, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Cincinnati Bengals 2009 Predictions Its hard to imagine that just four years ago the Cincinnati Bengals were the AFC North division winners. Since going 11-5 in 2005 the Bengals have not finished above .500 and hit near rock bottom last year. The Bengals started the season 0-8 and starting quarterback Carson Palmer played just 4 games. The Bengals finished the season with some life, winning their final 3 games to finish 4-11-1, but a lot will have to go right if this team wants to return to a powerhouse in the NFL this season.

The Bengals were unable to resign Pro Bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh this offseason, but quickly found a replacement in free agent Laveranues Coles. The Bengals also added defensive tackle Tank Johnson, running back Brian Leonard, quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan, and hard hitting safety Roy Williams. Besides these key acquisitions the Bengals were also able to resign running back Cedric Benson and fullback Jeremi Johnson. The Bengals did have some setbacks in free agency, as offensive tackles Stacy Andrews and Levi Jones along with center Eric Ghiaciuc are no longer part of the team. In the 2009 draft the Bengals looked to fix some of those offensive line problems with the 6th overall pick of Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith. In the 2nd round the Bengals might of found the face of their defense in USC linebacker Ray Maualuga. Other notable selections were 3rd round selections of defensive end Michael Johnson and tight end Chase Coffman and their 4th round pick of center Jonathan Luigs. The Bengals look to be headed in the right direction, but a lot depends on how the offense can rebound in 2009.

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The biggest concern this team faces is how well the offensive line is going to be with three new starters. The team is hoping that rookie Andre Smith can step in and take over at right tackle, while Andrew Whitworth takes over at left tackle. The team also has Anthony Collins as a solid backup at the two tackle spots. Inside the team should be fine with guards Nate Livings and Bobbie Williams, but there has to be a huge concern at who is going to play center. It looks like a 3-way battle between Kyle Cook, Dan Santucci, and rookie Jonathan Luigs. Last year the offensive line gave up 51 sacks, and the last thing you want if you are a Bengal’s fan is to see Palmer getting sent to the ground after coming back from an injury. With a healthy Carson Palmer on the field in 2009, don’t be surprised to see another big year from wide receiver Chad Johnson, who looks to be taking things seriously after one of the worst seasons of his career. I also look for Coles to step in and have a very good season with Palmer throwing him the football, but keep a close eye on Chris Henry, as this guy can be a great receiver if he can just keep his head straight. The running game looks to be set with Benson running the football, but the big back had just 2 rushing touchdowns in 10 starts last season. Overall this unit has a ton of potential and if everything clicks together just right, this could be the surprise team of the AFC in 2009. Bet the Bengals +900 to win the AFC North at Sportsbook.com.

The Bengals defense seems to be heading in the right direction, but this unit has to find a way to get more pressure on the quarterback in 2009. Last year the Bengals had just 17 sacks as a team, and that just won’t get it done in the NFL. It starts up front on the defensive line. The team needs defensive end Robert Gathers to return somewhere close to the form that landed him 10.5 sacks in 2006, and fellow end Antwan Odom to live up to the huge contract he got last season. At tackle the team looks set on Domata Peko at one of the spots, but don’t be surprised to see a lot of rotating between Pat Sims and Tank Johnson at the other tackle spot, as Johnson will be used more in passing situations to get pressure on the quarterback. At linebacker the Bengals could end up with two former USC Trojans on the field, but as it looks now the rookie Maualuga will be used more as a backup. Keith Rivers is the other former USC linebacker, and really played well in his first 7 games last year before suffering and injury. Dhani Jones and Rashad Jeanty are the other two likely starters at linebacker. The Bengals could end up with one of the better secondaries in football this season, as they are set at corner with starters Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall, and have two of the hardest hitting safeties in the league in Roy Williams and Chris Crocker. With a struggling offense this unit kept the Bengals in a lot of games last season, and with what looks like an improved offense, don’t be surprised if this unit puts up even better numbers in 2009. Bet the Bengals +7500 to win the NFL Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com.

My Prediction: 3rd in AFC North (8-8) I don’t think this team has what it takes to overtake the Steelers and Ravens in the AFC North, but I expect this to be a much more competitive team in 2009. The Bengals are still pretty weak on both the offense and defensive lines, and you just can’t win a lot of football games without being strong in the trenches.

For those of you looking to do some NFL betting this season, be sure to check back for our expert NFL picks and make sure you have the very latest NFL odds from Betfirms. Find who I have winning it all this season in my 2009 NFL predictions article.

Tags: cincinnati bengals

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2 Comments

Comments

2 Responses to “2009 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Season Predictions”

tim gonzolaes on June 30th, 2009 4:40 AM

the BENGALS ARE GOING TO RUN SHIT NIGGAAAS
Jason on June 30th, 2009 11:37 AM

The high character players that Mike Brown selects means the Bengals will be 4-12.

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