The Future of the Cincinnati Bengals
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As the lockout brewed out over this past summer, the Cincinnati Bengals were in a state of flux. After their playoff appearance in 2009, many assumed they would return even stronger with the addition of Terrell Owens. However, the complete opposite occurred. After going 10-6 in 2009, the Bengals only won 4 games in 2010. Not only was the offense in complete confusion, but the defense was a big disappointment after a top 5 finish in 2009.
After the 2010 season, the problems with the Bengals continued to spill over into the off-season. Most notably Carson Palmer, the savior of the franchise, number 1 pick in 2003, and golden boy for the franchise, wanted out of town. He sold his house and promised that he would never wear a Cincinnati Bengals jersey ever again. Furthermore, the T.Ocho show was over. T.O is still unsigned and Chad Ochocinco was traded over to the New England Patriots for a late draft picks. The defense also lost some familiar faces. Antwan Odom, the starting defensive end for 2 seasons, was cut. More devastating was the loss of cornerback Jonathan Joseph. Joseph bolted to free agency for the same reasons Palmer wanted out and is not currently playing football for the Houston Texans. To say the least, the outlook for the 2011 season was bleak.
Most pundits had the Bengals being the worst team in the league, maybe even going 0-16. However, through week 5, we see a completely different team than most expected. Currently, the Bengals stand at 3-2 and have the number 1 ranked defense in the NFL. Not only is this a testament to the players themselves, but it also reflects on the great coaching. Prior to the 2011 season, Marvin Lewis’s only demand in signing his new contract was to gain more control over the team and it seems that that time has come. Brand new offense coordinator Jay Gruden has done a great job in mixing up the play calling from the old “run 1st down, 2nd down, pass 3rd down” playbook of previous offensive coordinator Brat Bratkowski. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who is the mastermind behind the number 1 ranked defense, has taught a defense full of unknown names how to play good, fundamental defense and more importantly, how to play to their strengths.
The Bengals front office should also get some credit to their recent success. Historically known for giving out bad contracts and making bonehead decisions, their recent draft success has been tremendous. The current roster has most of its key positions filled from players from the 2008 draft and beyond. This also makes the Bengals one of the youngest teams in the league. Recent draft steals like LB Rey Maulaluga, DE Carlos Dunlap, DE Michael Johnson, and DT Geno Atkins make up a terrifying front 7 on defense. Offensively, the addition of TE Gresham from last year’s draft, and rookie WR AJ Green give the Bengals two legitimate playmakers that can change the game on any given play. All in all, the Bengals have not had any major draft busts recently (which they are very famous for) and nearly all of their high draft picks from the past few drafts are contributing to their success this season.
Last but certainly not least, the success of the Bengals has really depended on rookie quarterback Andy Dalton, who at this point is on track to shatter all records for Bengals rookie QB’s. He has made rookie mistakes, but when the stakes are high, he seems to go into another mode that has him managing a team as well as possible. This poise and maturity that Dalton shows has not only brought about 2 come-from-behind wins, but has also earned the confidence of the coaching staff, teammates, and in himself.
The Cincinnati Bengals are here to stay. They have a very solid foundation in their defense and have the key positions on the offense to grow and compete. They have a leader in Andy Dalton and have a team filled with motivated and extremely talented players. Don’t expect the Bengals to win the Super Bowl this year, but do not be surprised if after another round of the NFL draft and free agency puts the Bengals on top of the AFC North for a long time.
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