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2011 Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals Looking Up—But Not Too Far
Few teams in the NFL suffer as much criticism as the Cincinnati Bengals. After winning only 4 games in the 2008 season, they have a lot to prove in a difficult division that houses last years Super bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Let’s look into some pros and cons for this often struggling organization as we near the beginning of the 2011 NFL season.
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An immediate blow to the Bengals offense was a training camp injury to veteran tight end Reggie Kelly. The load left by the injury to Kelly, considered to be one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL, has forced rookie Chase Coffman into a more demanding role. Coffman will be playing and learning alongside 5th year veteran Ben Utecht, who will most likely be the starter, and will offer some learning opportunities for the younger player. It remains to be seen if Utecht is willing and able to offer the level of mentorship Kelly was known for. Daniel Coats is also available as a good blocker, but receiving is not his forte. Kelly’s blocking talents will perhaps be missed most of all in the running game, which is being led by former Bears running back Cedric Benson, who was not much to speak of last season.
Enter Carson Palmer; a Heisman winning college quarterback out of USC who is not lacking in talent, but whose career has been, of his own account, less than impressive. By the numbers, Palmer has shown his value. From 2005‐2007, Palmer maintained a 65 percent completion percentage and threw for 86 touchdowns with only 45 interceptions. By all accounts, his play was consistent and effective. Palmer does seem to be injury prone, however. In the preseason matchup against the New Orleans Saints, Palmer threw for 7 of 11 with 133 yards and said his previously injured throwing elbow “felt fine”. Injury concerns continue, however, as he suffered a minor ankle sprain and left the game in a protective boot. If he can stay healthy under center of an offense with considerable weapons, the Bengals will likely find their offense effective again.
Another major concern for the passing game is the controversy surrounding 1st round draft pick Andre Smith. Smith was picked up by the Bengals in the 6th overall pick of the draft with hopes of putting the Alabama standout at right tackle in his rookie season to shore up the ailing offensive line. Andre Smith as well as San Francisco 49ers hopeful Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech have been holding out on contracts that both franchises consider more than fair. The “slotting rule” in the NFL refers to the perception that higher overall draft picks should be paid higher than those who were picked under them. Oakland Raiders principal owner Al Davis offered receiver Darius Heyward‐Bey a five‐year contract worth $38.25 million dollars. The Bengals then offered Andre Smith a five‐year deal of their own, but for about $5 million less than 7th overall pick Bey’s contract. Had the Bengals front office acted sooner, they may have signed Smith for less. Although this is an unfortunate turn of events for the Bengals’ franchise, they are presented with a dangerous waiting game and risk losing good protection for a valuable quarterback.
Five‐time pro bowler Chad Ochocinco has recently represented another sad retelling of talent on the Bengals offense being less than productive. In the 2008 season, Ochocinco produced only 540 yards and 4 touchdowns. He has been known to skip training camp and has often been considered a distraction to the team. Speaking of his 2008 season, however, Ochocinco said, “Last year was very humbling for me. It was an embarrassment not just for myself but the rest of the team. Before I go back I want to be in just unbelievable form before I touch the green grass.” So far, he has been participating in training camps and has been playing well in the preseason matchups. Most fans would find it much easier to stomach his antics if his dedication continues.
The acquisition of former Cowboys safety Roy Williams along with the good performance of safety Chris Crocker have so far helped to give the secondary a shot in the arm. Cornerbacks Jonathon Joseph and Leon Hall remain concerns for Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. "Those two cornerbacks, they’ve got to play good for us to be good,” said Zimmer regarding the overall play of the secondary. "If they don’t play good, we're probably not going to be very good on defense." In recent preseason games, 38th overall draft pick Linebacker Rey Maualuga has played especially well in Zimmer’s blitz packages, effectively stopping New England’s running game. Surprisingly, Cincinnati’s defense finished last season 12th overall in total defense; a turn of events that shows promise especially when considering the new additions. Mike Brown has been the owner of the Bengals since1991 and has historically been loyal to a fault to the coaching staff. Under the ownership of Mike Brown, the Bengals have been to only one playoff game, in which Carson Palmer was injured on his first play. Under current head coach Marvin Lewis, the Bengals have had some issues with players getting into law troubles.
Wide Receiver Chris Henry is the most obvious example. Prior to the 2011 season, Henry has a rap sheet on par with the worst legal offenders in the NFL. Henry has been released by the Bengals before, Brown stating that Henry had “forfeited his opportunity to pursue a career with the Bengals”, but resigned him for the 2008 season. Regarding his desire to move past his mistakes, Henry noted, “I love to play football and I don’t want to blow it. It’s totally different. I’m not worried about anything negative going on in my life.” Henry seems to have regained the respect of Carson Palmer as well. "He's had an offseason like no other,” said Palmer regarding Henry’s new attitude. “He's worked here every single day. He has a great attitude. I'm just really proud of the guy. I'm happy for him. He's at a good place in his life, a good place for his family. He's showed up to work here and he will all year long. There's not a doubt about that.” Henry has been very productive in the preseason, playing well as Palmer’s main target in the game against the Saints.
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