Filed under: Bengals, AFC NorthAt least for one season, the Cincinnati Bengals won't be considered the "Bungles," but perhaps the "Bang-els" after their 2010 season is over. Quarterback Carson Palmer finally has the weapons he has been ravening for around him. The Bengals' defense will hold up their bargain because they are loaded with talent, and have veteran linebacker Dhani Jones leading the way.
Most of the elite quarterbacks would love to have the firepower Palmer has at his disposal, pass catchers such as Chad Ochocinco, the ageless Terrell Owens and rookies Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham. After an up and down career because of injuries and disappointments, Palmer is healthy and has the best of both worlds with a stingy defense and balanced offense. Can Palmer finally put the Bengals over the hill and become a champion or be labeled as another talented quarterback that couldn't deliver?
The reigning AFC North champion Bengals made headline news when they signed Owens, but their hype was short lived because of the excitement over the New York Jets and the signing of T.J. Houshmandzadeh by the Baltimore Ravens. The fate of the Bengals is in the hands of Palmer and without a doubt, he can deliver. Unlike Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco who isn't familiar with having talented players in the passing game around him, Palmer is comfortable in that setting. In fact, Palmer was at his best when he had Ochocinco, Houshmandzadeh and the late Chris Henry as his threesome.
Other than defensive tackle Shaun Smith, the entire Bengals' defense is still intact, which will bring familiarity amongst the defensive core. The Bengals' secondary may be a little banged up, but led by cornerbacks Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph and a core young studs, they will be fine and they will not consistently give up the big plays. Besides, with head coach Marvin Lewis -- who has a brilliant defensive mind -- in control, this unit will roll.
Perhaps the best component of the 2010 Bengals is their running game. Running back Cedric Benson is at the top of his game and is probably in the best mental and physical shape his life. With his power added to the speed, power and catching ability of running back Bernard Scott, the Bengals will be explosive from the backfield (especially these days when the pass is used to help set up the run).
Palmer struggled during the preseason while trying to please his pass catchers, but he had settled toward the end of the exhibition contests. He has a big talent in the middle in Gresham and a slot receiver in Shipley. Quietly, this could be the "Bang-els" that football fans have been waiting to see.
Cincinnati Bengals 2010 Record: 11-5.
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