2010 NFL Preview: Cincinnati Bengals

2009 Record: 10-6

KEY ADDITIONS:
Matt Jones, WR, None
Pacman Jones, CB, None
Mike Nugent, K, Tampa Bay, Arizona
Dave Rayner, K, None
Gibril Wilson, S, Miami
Terrell Owens, WR, Buffalo

KEY LOSSES:
Laveranues Coles, WR, Free agent
J.P. Foschi, TE, Free agent
Shayne Graham, K, Baltimore
Jeremi Johnson, FB, Free agent
Larry Johnson, RB, Washington
Shaun Smith, DT, Kansas City

Offense:
The combination of Ochocinco and Owens will be more then just entertaining, I think together they give this team some great offensive passing power. Owens may have lost a step or two, but he is still better then 90% of the WRs out there, and if he can keep his drops under control he should have a very good year. Palmer is a big fan of Owens, so that should only help. Palmer is a good QB, but kind of overrated. His production seems to be trending down every year, and although I think he will stop the slide this year with the talent around him, he is not as good as everyone ranks him. Cedric Benson was a beast last season, but I really don't see him being as good this year. Yet, with a very good offensive line there is no reason why he should be rushing for over 1,100 yards this season.

Defense:
Antwan Odom is back healthy and he was a beast at the beginning of last year (eight sacks through the first six games) before an Achilles tendon tear last season, so if he can return to how he was before the injury that should be a big bonus. That could prove to be huge as this unit was very good last season, and they are going to need to be with the Ravens offense getting so much better. Second-round draft pick Carlos Dunlap gives the defensive line some much needed versatility. They have great linebackers with Rey Maualuga, and Dhani Jones. The key to this defense is their conerbacks. If Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph can once against cover the #1 and #2 receivers in man coverage it makes the whole defense better by allowing them to bring more guys in the box and get pressure on the QB.

Overall:
I just sang their praises on both sides of the ball, but I actually think they will only have 9 wins this year...Why? No, it's not because of Owens it's because this entire team has way too many troublemakers (PacMan, Owens, Tank Johnson, Rey Maualuga, Matt Jones, and Ochocinco) and something is bound to happen. I'm not saying all of it will be legal, but something will explode.

2010 Record: 9-7