Season Preview
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 12:33 pm
http://www.realgmfootball.com/src_teamarticle/369/20080724/2008_season_preview_cincinnati_bengals/
In summary:
Bellwether Games: Weeks 4-6 pits the Bengals against in-state rival Cleveland, then at Dallas and at the New York Jets. Winning in Dallas is a real longshot, though the Bengals (with both Johnsons at 100%) do have the ability to exploit the Cowboys’ weaknesses. But the Browns and Jets games are winnable, and if they can win 2 of those 3 or somehow manage a sweep, the Bengals can get much-needed confidence and positive momentum. That could parlay them to challenging for a Wild Card spot. Lose all three of those games and the Bengals might not win more than 3 games all season.
Prediction: This unit is similar to a lot of the Bengals teams of the late 90s--there is enough talent to challenge for a Wild Card if everyone plays well and they embrace the concept of being a team. Those teams chronically disappointed and underachieved, and with the fractious offseason and so many young players in so many key spots, this team is poised for a long, tough year. If the team can rally around itself and put all the years of negativity and character issues behind them, they could be the surprise team of 2008 and taste .500. But barring a major cultural seismic event, I see a 4-12 record and strong contention for the top draft pick in 2009.
And no, I'm not hating simply because I'm from Cleveland. That hate will come in the Pittsburgh and Baltimore previews...![8-)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
In summary:
Bellwether Games: Weeks 4-6 pits the Bengals against in-state rival Cleveland, then at Dallas and at the New York Jets. Winning in Dallas is a real longshot, though the Bengals (with both Johnsons at 100%) do have the ability to exploit the Cowboys’ weaknesses. But the Browns and Jets games are winnable, and if they can win 2 of those 3 or somehow manage a sweep, the Bengals can get much-needed confidence and positive momentum. That could parlay them to challenging for a Wild Card spot. Lose all three of those games and the Bengals might not win more than 3 games all season.
Prediction: This unit is similar to a lot of the Bengals teams of the late 90s--there is enough talent to challenge for a Wild Card if everyone plays well and they embrace the concept of being a team. Those teams chronically disappointed and underachieved, and with the fractious offseason and so many young players in so many key spots, this team is poised for a long, tough year. If the team can rally around itself and put all the years of negativity and character issues behind them, they could be the surprise team of 2008 and taste .500. But barring a major cultural seismic event, I see a 4-12 record and strong contention for the top draft pick in 2009.
And no, I'm not hating simply because I'm from Cleveland. That hate will come in the Pittsburgh and Baltimore previews...
![8-)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)