2009 Recap: Cincinnati Bengals

For years they have been known as the Cincinnati “Bungles”, a team that annually underachieved with low-character players who had run-ins with the law. Coming off a terrible 4-11-1 season in 2008, in which the team lost former number one overall pick, quarterback Carson Palmer to a serious elbow injury and 2008 first round linebacker Keith Rivers to a broken jaw, head coach Marvin Lewis was clearly on the hot seat. Since taking over in 2003, Lewis’ only winning season was in 2005 when the team won the AFC North title.

Unsurprisingly, the Bengals made headlines by signing a player who had character issues – running back Cedric Benson, the fourth overall pick in 2005. After averaging a dismal 585 yards per season during his time as a Chicago Bear, Benson joined the Bengals hoping to resurrect his career.

In addition the team added a veteran wide receiver in Laveranues Coles albeit with a large four-year, $27.5 million contract. Coles caught 70 passes for 850 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008 as a New York Jet.

As the NFL Draft approached, the team needed to upgrade along the offensive line after losing Stacy Andrews via free agency. With the sixth overall pick, the team selected mammoth offensive tackle Andre Smith of Alabama. A consensus First-Team All American and winner of the 2008 Outland Trophy, Smith was under a lot of scrutiny when he left the combine and later ran his 40-yard dash shirtless.

Besides Smith, the Bengals were able to grab USC linebacker Rey Maualuga in the second round and talented, but inconsistent Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson in the third.

Armed with young and talented defense, a returning Palmer, and an upgraded offense, hopes were high in Ohio. However, after a prolonged holdout, Smith fractured his left foot on his first day of non-contact practice and did not start until Week 13.

After losing in week one versus the Denver Broncos, the Bengals reeled off an impressive four game winning streak including victories against all three of their division opponents.

The team lost in week six to the Houston Texans, but they rebounded in a big way against the Chicago Bears with a 45-10 rout that featured five Palmer touchdown passes and 189 rushing yards by Benson.

Once again, the Bengals stunned everyone when they beat the AFC North’s two powerhouses – the Steelers and Ravens in weeks nine and 10. Unfortunately Benson was injured and missed the next two games including a 20-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Once Benson returned against Detroit, the team finished the season with a final record of 10-6, capturing the AFC North division title.

Come playoff time, the team squared off with the New York Jets who had beaten the Bengals in week 16 to clinch a playoff spot. In the end, the Bengals’ offense simply couldn’t put up enough points and the team was eliminated following a 24-14 loss.

A year removed from his injury, Palmer threw for 3,095 yards along with 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Palmer was certainly above average, but he failed to come close to the Pro Bowl numbers he put up back in 2005-2007.

Benson did a complete turnaround, establishing himself as a tough, between the tackles, runner. If not for his injury, Benson probably would have made the Pro Bowl after finishing the season ranked eighth with 1,251 yards in only 13 games. He also set a Bengals postseason record with 169 rushing yards in the playoff loss to the Jets. The team also got good production from rookie Bernard Scott (74 carries/321 yards) and mid-season free agent signee Larry Johnson (46 carries/404 yards). Johnson was signed after he was released by the Chiefs when they could not put up with his attitude and comments about the coaching staff and organization.

After his worst season since his rookie year, Chad Ochocinco devoted himself to getting into the best shape of his life in preparation for 2009. The training worked wonders for Ochocinco as he returned to form, catching 72 passes for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns. He also was named to his sixth Pro Bowl.

Coles’ age seemed to have robbed him of his ability to separate as he posted a disappointing line of 43/514/5. Andre Caldwell, the team’s third-round pick in 2008 also had a pedestrian line of 51/432/3.

Sadly, Chris Henry, a talented, but often troubled player who seemed to have been turning his life around, died on December 17, 2009 after falling off the back of a truck during a domestic dispute. Henry was the team’s best deep threat and had a knack for finding the end zone.

Surprisingly, the offensive line played well. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth and Bobbie Williams were the leaders of a group that blocked for the league’s ninth-ranked rushing attack. They also ranked ninth with only 29 sacks allowed.

Much of the Bengals’ success can be attributed to their defense. Up front, Antwan Odom started out hot, recording eight sacks in the first four games before injuring his Achilles. The rest of the defensive line did not post great numbers, but they did play well against the run.

At the second level, the linebackers played very well. Ten-year veteran middle linebacker Dhani Jones led the team with 113 tackles. At the outside positions, former USC teammates Maualuga and Rivers flashed the talent that made them high profile players in college. Rivers played in 13 games and posted 72 tackles, a sack and an interception. Maualuga started 15 games on the strong-side, making 63 tackles, including six for loss, three forced fumbles and a sack.

The group finished the year ranked seventh in rush defense.

In the secondary, the opposing quarterbacks couldn’t muster much against the Bengals’ talented cornerback duo of Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall. A Michigan alum, Hall made second team All Pro after recording 71 tackles, two forced fumbles, and six interceptions. Joseph was no slouch either, making 69 tackles and picking off six passes including one he returned for a touchdown.

Safety Chinedum Nkudkwe finished second on the team with 89 tackles, however, the team could certainly use a playmaker at the position.

Led by their two corners, the team ranked sixth in passing yards allowed, ninth with 19 interceptions, and seventh in opposing quarterback rating.

After a tumultuous 2008, the Bengals made a statement by sweeping their division games in 2009. In order to make a return to the playoffs, the defense will have to continue to develop its young players while the offense must become more explosive.

Off-season Issues to address:

1. Receiver: Ochocinco recorded 1,047 yards. The Bengals’ second and third receivers combined? 946. The team needs someone to draw attention away from Ochocinco. After missing on second rounder Jerome Simpson and with Caldwell only averaging 8.5 yards per catch, the team needs an explosive playmaker at the receiver position.

2. Safety: The Bengals’ top three safeties combined for two sacks, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. With two Pro Bowl caliber corners, a talented safety could potentially make this an elite unit. Earl Thomas and Taylor Mays are options that could be available via the draft.

3. Pass Rush: Outside of Odom, the Bengals posted only 26 sacks which would have ranked 29th with the DETROIT LIONS. This year’s draft is loaded with defensive linemen including ends Derrick Morgan, Carlos Dunlap, Everson Griffin, and Jason Pierre-Paul. Outside of Morgan, all could be available when the Bengals pick at 21.