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I would like to apologize for not having Two-A-Days yesterday, I was having some computer problems. Today I will preview the Bengals and the Seahawks and to make up for yesterday I will preview the the Cowboys and the Panthers tomorrow.
This idea originated from ESPN’s Mike & Mike, right now I will preview the Cincinnati Bengals.
1.) Is Carson Palmer still one of the premiere QB’s in the NFL?
It’s closer than I thought at first. In 2009, Palmer led the Bengals to seven fourth-quarter comebacks. He still has the following guys ahead him: Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Phillip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, and Eli Manning. Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco could also end up ahead of him. According to my current list, I have Palmer eighth, is that premiere? Not quite, just outside of that category.
2.) Can RB Cedric Benson put together another career season?
He finally broke out in 2009, with 1,251 yards in 301 attempts. You would have to expect his number of carries to decrease, thanks to the Bengals bolstering the passing attack. The offensive line is strong enough for an 1,000-yard rushing season also. Benson’s number will go down, but still break the 1,000-yard mark.
3.) Who will be the wideout who puts the big play back in Cincinatti’s passing game?
No matter what the duo says, Chad Ochocinco is batman to Terrell Owens’ robin. Last season, Chris Henry led the team in average yards per catch, before his tragic death. Jordan Shipley had this role at Texas, but may not have enough playing time to be established as the playmaker. Antonio Bryant is more of a physical presence although he has been clutch. Terrell Owens may be this guy if he hasn’t slowed down too much. Chad Ochocinco can also be the big-play man, depending on what offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski wants to do. The Bengals have several players who are capable of filling this role, but it is not clear who will.
4.) Will the defense take a step foward or backward in 2010?
The key here is Antwan Odom, who had eight sacks in four games before a season-ending injury. If Odom is healthy, the defense should improve. The rest of the defensive line is also solid, with Robert Geathers, Domato Peko, and Tank Johnson as the other three starters.
Dhani Jones is the heart of the defense and the veteran of the linebacking core. Keith Rivers has proved to be very steady and consistent as a player. Rey Maualuga made progress in 2009 considering he had never played at strongside linebacker before.
The cornerback combo of Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall is one of the elite pairings in the league. Roy Williams and Chris Crocker are past there prime, but still get the job done at both safety spots.
The answer is step forward because of Antwan Odom’s return.
5.) The Cincinatti Bengals’ record will be…
10-6 and finish second in the AFC North.
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The Bucs retained general manager Mark Dominik and head coach Raheem Morris, despite a rather underwhelming first year. The rookie duo made many poor decisions in 2009, from firing offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski prior to the season, to relieving defensive coordinator Jim Bates ten games into the season. However, the Bucs salvaged a bit of respectability by winning two of their final three games to finish 3-13 on the season.
In 2010, the rebuilding project continues. Gone are veterans Antonio Bryant, Byron Leftwich, Will Allen, and Arron Sears. The most significant veteran acquisition has been wide receiver Reggie Brown, picked up in a trade with the Eagles. However, Brown was benched in Philadelphia and is coming off the worst year of his career.
Clearly, the Bucs are relying heavily on the draft. It remains to be seen whether the club will risk the future of second-year quarterback Josh Freeman by not providing him with a veteran, top-tier wide receiver to work with.
Tight end Kellen Winslow is a solid receiver, but his long-term future is a question mark given the numerous knee surgeries he has undergone. The depth chart at wide receiver features a pair of talented rookies in Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams, veteran underachievers in Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall, and Reggie Brown, as well as Sammie Stroughter, whose future may be in the slot.
Given the questions marks in the passing game, look for offensive coordinator Greg Olson to run a ball-control offense featuring a heavy dose of running plays. Cadillac Williams had a compelling comeback season in 2009, but he lacked explosiveness, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. Derrick Ward was a bust in his first season in Tampa Bay but will be given an opportunity to earn more playing time in 2010.
While the Bucs have added some talented youngsters on the offensive side of the ball, they lack proven play-makers on offense and will struggle to move the ball on a consistent basis. Unless they get some major contributions from Williams and Ward, look for them to be among the league’s worst offensive teams in 2010.
The Bucs love Freeman’s potential and he is coming off a reasonably solid rookie season that was marked by some inconsistent play. Over his nine starts, he had three multi-touchdown games that were offset by five games with multiple interceptions, including a game in which he threw five picks against Carolina.
He showed he has a strong arm, an ability to escape the rush, and the resourcefulness to take off running when plays break down. In 2010, he gains a pair of rookie wide receivers in Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams but loses Antonio Bryant.
Quarterbacks generally need reliable receivers to be productive, and that’s not likely to happen for Freeman this year. He has the potential to be a fantasy starter in 2011. This year, not so much. Consider him as a prospect for dynasty leagues, but he isn’t worth drafting in most re-draft leagues
Williams was surprisingly healthy in 2009, displaying a solid burst in many games. However, the Bucs were not able to generate much rushing offense against the league’s better run defenses.
While Williams’ comeback story was a compelling one, there is likely little hope of him reaching the potential he showed early in his career given his injury issues. Despite his lengthy injury history, he managed to rank 28th among running backs last year, which is a solid accomplishment given the Bucs struggles on offense.
However, while the Bucs offense can’t be as bad as it was last year and the young offensive line should improve, it is doubtful the improvement will be strong enough to propel Williams into fantasy starter status. Consider him as a potential low-end RB2, though he really should be drafted as a backup running back considering the Bucs prospects on offense.
Ward was a big flop last year after coming over from the Giants. In New York, he looked like a solid back with an ability to make tacklers miss and gain tough yards running inside. In Tampa Bay, he looked tentative and was brought down too easily by defenders.
Ward finished the year with 559 total yards and three touchdowns, a far cry from his production in New York as a backup. Ward is now clearly stuck behind Cadillac Williams, although he is only a Williams injury away from significant playing time. And we all know Cadillac’s injury history well.
Unless he gets consistent touches (which didn’t happen last year), he has little fantasy use, and handcuffing Williams may not be worthwhile given the Bucs anemic offense.
The Bucs second round pick has the size, speed, and run-after-the-catch ability to be a number one wide receiver in the league. However, he is a little raw and needs time to refine his game.
In 2010, given the Bucs lack of wide receiver depth, he is virtually guaranteed a spot in the starting lineup on opening day. He’s also virtually guaranteed to be average, with Josh Freeman leading a Bucs offense that relies on young talent.
With Freeman entering his second year, Benn won’t be a starting caliber fantasy receiver this year; but does have upside next year. Check back in 2011.
Stroughter played well as a rookie in 2009, notching 31 receptions for 334 yards and a touchdown before breaking his foot late in the season. He played mostly out of the slot last year but is competing for a starting spot outside in 2010.
Given the Bucs lack of proven play-makers at the position, it’s possible he could start outside and work out of the slot in multiple receiver sets. While he may end up starting, his future will likely be as a slot receiver and a returner.
He’s worth keeping your eye on in the preseason but is likely waiver wire material in 2010.
WR Mike Williams
Talent-wise, the Bucs got a steal in the fourth round of this year’s draft when Williams was on the board when they selected. However, there is a reason first-round talent is available in the fourth round, and it has everything to do with maturity.
If the light goes on for Williams, he could have a solid career in the league. Given his off-the-field problems, the odds of Williams showing the maturity and dedication to produce during his rookie season are pretty low although reports indicate that he is having a very strong preseason.
At 6’1” and 220 pounds, Williams has excellent size to go along with excellent speed, and that makes him worth taking a flier on in dynasty leagues. Barring an excellent preseason, he isn’t worth drafting in re-draft leagues.
Remarkably, the Buccaneers signed Clayton to a five-year, $25 million contract prior to the 2009 season—this for a player coming off a 38-reception, 484-yard, one-touchdown season. In return, Clayton gave the Bucs the worst year of his career, producing 16 receptions for 230 yards and a score.
With the team having used its first and fourth round draft picks on Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams, and having acquired former Eagle Reggie Brown in a trade, there are clear signs that the Bucs plan on revamping their wide receiver corps.
Holdovers Sammie Stroughter and Maurice Stovall also remain on the roster. With Benn, Williams, and Stroughter guaranteed roster spots, and Stovall showing some promise last year as a receiver and also as a strong special teams contributor, Clayton’s roster spot is clearly in jeopardy.
Winslow had a solid season in 2009, maintaining his status as a starting tight end for his fantasy owners. However, his off-season has been hit-and-miss with the departure of Antonio Bryant to the Bengals and another knee surgery, the fifth of his six-year career.
Bryant’s loss means Winslow is clearly at the top of the pecking order among the team’s wide receivers, but that advantage may be offset by the extra attention he will receive from opposing defenses, given the Bucs’ weak group of wide receivers.
Winslow racks up the yardage totals when healthy but has never topped five touchdown receptions in a year. Which begs the question: Why should anyone bank on that happening in 2010, considering the team’s young, raw talent on offense? They shouldn’t, and neither should you.
Winslow will remain a starting caliber tight end, but it would be a total shock if he were to somehow sneak into the top five.
Dave Stringer is a staff writer at FFToday.com, home of the popular Cheatsheet Compiler & Draft Buddy custom cheatsheet and draft tracking software.
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The Philadelphia Eagles led by Kevin Kolb, travel to the jungle in Cincinnati to take on the Bengals.
BetMania posted the odds for this game and have the home town Bengals as three point favorites. Sign up at Bet Mania and contact customer service with the NFL preseason promo code REGAW and get a free $50 bet on the game.
Here are some key issues for the game, to include a pick for the game:
Banged Up Birds and Bengals
The Eagles come into the game a bit banged up and have a laundry list of birds that will not participate. Offensive lineman Todd Herremans (foot), Jamaal Jackson (knee), and Nick Cole (knee) will not suit up. Cornerback Asante Samuel (hamstring) and running back Mike Bell (calf) are questionable, and will see limited playing time if any at all.
The Bengals have their share of injuries as well. Bengal’s coach Marvin Lewis has already ruled out WR Antonio Bryant (knee), FB Fui Vakapuna (shoulder), WR Robert Geathers (foot), LB Rashad Jeanty (leg), S Tom Nelson (knee) and OT Andrew Mitchell. RB Brian Leonard (foot) was not listed by Lewis but should probably be ruled out as well.
Defensives are down
The Bengals will be playing on a short week, after the Sunday night tilt against the Broncos. They will have the advantage of playing two preseason games prior to this one.
Even though it’s the third game, the Bengals’ starting defense still has work to do. In the first two games, the first string committed three penalties that led to 17 points by the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. All three penalties came on a turnover or on third down to keep drives alive.
The Bengals defense will have their hands full with Kevin Kolb, wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin and tight end Brent Celek, who played for the University of Cincinnati.
Playing Time
Both coaches talked about playing time for their starting unit on Thursday. Eagle’s head coach Andy Reid expects to have his starters play the entire first half of Friday’s game.
When Lewis was asked on how much the first team might play on Friday: “They’ll play a little more than they did last week (OK, maybe a half). Some guys, some guys won’t play as much as they did last week.”
Prediction and Pick
The Bengals come into this game off a short week and with defensive problems, which means that they did not have much time to try and fix the communication issues. The offense looked great for the Bengals as they were able to drive the field on numerous occasions and spread the ball all over the field, but they will get a challenge from the young Eagles defense.
The Eagles offense looked impressive against Jacksonville and both Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick ran the offense well.
The Eagles second-string defense allowed Jacksonville backup quarterback Luke McCown to pass for 244 yards and three touchdowns. Expect a better effort from the Eagles, as they focused on defense in several areas this week leading up to the game. The Eagles have better depth at the quarterback position and this will lead to an upset win by the Birds.
Play on the Philadelphia Eagles +3
Final: Philadelphia 28 Cincinnati 24
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The Philadelphia Eagles head to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals in their second preseason game of the year.
To help us get a better understanding of what we can expect out of the Bengals, I was able to interview Josh Kirkendall over at CincyJungle.com.
I’d like to thank Josh for taking the time out to answer some questions for me. Now, let’s get down to it:
BirdsFan.com: I’m sure you knew this was coming, so let’s just get it out of the way right off the bat. What are your feelings on Batman and Robin (T.O and Ochocinco for those who may be confused)? Will it work? Do you see them being successful together?
CincyJungle.com: Many of us believe it will. Owens, from what we’ve heard, is more mature now than he was with Philadelphia. But from my understanding, he’s usually on his best behavior during his first year; it’s the second year when things start blowing up.
He came to Cincinnati because he believed that we’re going to the Super Bowl. And Ochocinco is perfectly fine with having a secondary role, because he believes that the addition of Owens makes this a better squad and Chad, contrary to popular belief because he doesn’t act it at times, is a team-first type of player.
If the team goes below expectations and loses out of the gate, then I’m sure the stuff we’ve heard about Owens will surface. But for now, everyone is happy.
BF: How would you rate the Bengals’ 2010 draft? Which rookies look good in camp? Who will make the team, and who will see significant playing time this season?
CJ: This is one of the team’s best draft classes in some time that could contribute immediately. Tight End Jermaine Gresham is as advertised.
He catches difficult passes in traffic and oftentimes, the Bengals lined him up in the slot against Denver last week. His blocking still needs work, especially against quick outside linebackers on outside runs.
Second-round pick Carlos Dunlap played his first preseason game last week and knocked the quarterback down a couple of times.
In the seventh round, the Bengals drafted Iowa State offensive lineman Reggie Stephens, who could be a very strong center if Kyle Cook goes down to injury; strong enough, at least, to waive the incumbent backup center Jonathan Luigs on Tuesday.
But the best of this draft class, at least this early, have been defensive tackle Geno Atkins and wide receiver Jordan Shipley. Shipley is often compared to guys like Wes Welker because of his size as a slot receiver.
However, most Bengals fans are claiming him to be the next T.J. Houshmandzadeh; a great possession receiver in the slot who takes advantage underneath, finding holes in the zone. And Atkins is proving to be a high-motor interior pass rusher, which will help with our limited pass rush.
BF: Cedric Benson was a very pleasant surprise in 2009. How has he looked so far this year, and should we expect more of the same out of him in 2010?
CJ: So far, so good. He hasn’t been featured much in the preseason with the team limiting the wear on him. Last year, he missed three games to injury and still carried the football over 300 times.
We wouldn’t be surprised if the Bengals elect to use the pass more this year than last while using getting the football in Bernard Scott’s hands as much as possible, to limit the wear on Benson.
However, that’s not to say he won’t be critical. The Bengals still figure on using Benson as the core of their offense.
BF: What’s the deal with Andre Smith? Is he ever going to come around or are you stamping him as a bust?
CJ: It’s probably still early to call him a bust, but even those who preach patience are leaning that way. After a prolonged holdout last year that hurt his chances to start when the regular season kicked off, two days after signing his contract, Smith suffered a fracture in his foot during a non-contact drill.
He eventually played late in the season and showed signs of being the guy we expected him to be when he was drafted. However, during the offseason, he had a procedure done in February that was designed to strengthen his foot and to prevent future breaks.
The procedure was only expected to keep him out 10 weeks, returning by minicamp in May. He was medically cleared on Tuesday and finally practiced. He should be expected to play the regular season opener.
BF: In 2009, what would you say was the Bengals’ biggest offensive weakness and what have they done to improve that area? Defensively?
CJ: The team’s passing game was a wreck, especially towards the end of the season. Including the playoff loss to the Jets, Palmer failed to reach 150 yards passing in four of his past five games.
The loss of Chris Henry was big, because aside from Chad Ochocinco, the Bengals had no threat in the passing game.
During the offseason, they signed Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens while drafting Jordan Shipley, Dezmon Briscoe, and tight end Jermaine Gresham.
On defense, the pass rush was middle-of-the-road. However, their best pass rusher last year Antwan Odom, who recorded seven sacks during the season’s first two games and tore an Achilles early in the season. He’s back.
The team also moved defensive end Michael Johnson to outside linebacker to give the Bengals an additional, and great, pass rush from the outside.
They drafted Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap and defensive tackle Geno Atkins, who’s expected to give the team an interior pass rush. A lot of it is unproven so far, but we’re expecting big things from this core defense.
BF: From an outsider’s perspective, what are your thoughts on the Donovan McNabb trade and how do you think Kevin Kolb will perform in 2010?
CJ: I’m by no means an authoritative voice about the Eagles, but it seems like the McNabb trade works out for everyone.
McNabb continues his career as a starting quarterback and the Eagles can finally promote Kolb, who seemed more than capable doing the job last year with his two 300-yard games.
BF: Which Bengals player would you say had a sub-par season last year that you expect to bounce back in 2010?
CJ: Carson Palmer. After throwing for nearly 4,000 yards in three straight seasons between 2005 and 2007, with an injury plagued season in 2008, Palmer was forced to be more of a game manager than one of the game’s elite quarterbacks, as many once titled him.
This was merely by circumstance with the lack of receivers around him and the offensive line’s overall strength as being massive maulers who are best as run blockers.
He wasn’t terrible, but he wasn’t great. We’re expecting more than one 300-yard passing game this year.
BF: The Bengals finished on top of the division in 2009. Where do you see them finishing this year and who poses the biggest threat to them?
CJ: In the division, I’d say Baltimore. Their passing game has improved with added help at receiver and tight end, and Joe Flacco continuing to develop. Their defense is suffering not only with age, but also with injuries in the secondary.
It might seem as if I’m a homer if I believed that the Bengals finished in first place in the division. However, the Bengals are returning mostly all of their starters with much improved depth across the board. And I’m a homer.
Our biggest road block, however, is definitely the schedule. Along with four total games against the Steelers and Ravens, we play the Colts, Saints, Chargers, Patriots, Jets and Falcons.
BF: Give me a score prediction.
CJ: I’m kind of a coward with such things, only because it’s the preseason so who knows how these things end up with our backups, third stringers and bubble players having the biggest contribution.
The only thing I hope for is continued improvement across the board and no major injuries from either side.
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1) Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is my pick to win the Super Bowl. Their defense is excellent and hard-hitting (even with the loss of Ed Reed and the aging of Ray Lewis), but now Baltimore has a new and improved offense that will finally put up points and take some of the work away from the D.
I have to admit, I knew pretty much nothing about Joe Flacco when the Ravens took him in the first round a couple of years ago. It seemed like an odd pick to take a QB out of the University of Delaware so high in the draft. Flacco has played very well over his past two years. He’s 3-2 in the playoffs (wins at Miami and Tennessee in ’08; New England in ’09) and that’s pretty good considering the players around him. His first year in the league was sort of a mess. Baltimore had Willis McGahee carrying the ball for most of the year, and their wide outs were reduced to the talents of Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason. Not a lot to work with.
This year, Baltimore is pretty loaded offensively. Flacco is improving with every snap, and RB Ray Rice is one of the better runners in the game. He’s the rare runner who can hurt you equally catching the ball as he can running the ball. That’s valuable especially since NFL offenses revolve so much around hurry-up offenses and the passing game.
I personally don’t think their new receiver Anquan Boldin (originally from Arizona) is going to be the talent that they are looking for. Boldin is a fine receiver, and I admire his toughness and his skill, but he has durability questions. It’s always a little scary when teams willingly give away a good player from their team – as Arizona did with Boldin.
However, Boldin will be enough to carry this team to the top of the AFC. Last year they were close (they just ran into the brick wall known as the Indianapolis Colts). This year I expect them to win their division and to be the top ranked team in the AFC.
Prediction: 13-3; 1st in NFC North
2) Cincinnati Bengals
This team is old and they’re full of characters, but they should have enough play-makers to make a solid run at the postseason. Obviously injuries have caught up with Carson Palmer. When Palmer first came into the league, his was so advanced that he was immediately ranked with Manning and Brady as an elite QB in the AFC. But his body has gone through the football version of a meat grinder, and now his skill has dropped off.
Palmer is going to have a ton of fun throwing to the weapons around him. It’s not so much the quality of the wide receivers but the quantity of them. He has Ochocinco on one side and Owens on the other. Antonio Bryant will provide support, and TE Jermaine Gresham will also surprise.
Gresham was an outstanding college TE for Oklahoma before he got injured at the start of last season. If he had had a healthy year, he probably would’ve been taken in the top ten of the ’10 draft. Cedric Benson is a good running back, although he has had injuries and issues with the law over the past year. If he can’t play his backup Brian Leonard is a capable replacement.
One of the best things about Cincinnati this year is their improving defense. They are very well rounded in that area. Jonathan Joseph and Leon hall are an outstanding, underrated cornerback duo. It’s unfair that Leon Hall doesn’t get more credit for his work.
Rey Maualuga was so effective at linebacker at USC that one has to only assume that he will improve. The one player I’ve been disappointed with so far is Keith Rivers. He was drafted 7th in the ’08 draft out of USC, and has been very underwhelming as a pro. Isn’t it crazy though: there have been four linebackers that have come out of USC in the past three years – Rivers, Maualuga, Houston’s Brian Cushing, and Green Bay’s Clay Mathews – and Cincinnati has the worst two of the four.
Prediction: 11-5; 2nd in AFC North, Wild Card
3) Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh will be a good team this year with Ben Roethlisberger behind center. Unfortunately, he doesn’t step onto the field until week 8 (six games suspended, week 5 is a bye).
Pittsburgh does benefit from an easy schedule. They get to play Cleveland, Oakland, Buffalo and Carolina in the final weeks with Roethlisberger at the helm. I don’t think they are better then Cincinnati and they will lose both of their games against them. Ultimately, they will miss the playoffs, but they will make a legitimate drive towards the post season.
It really isn’t so terrible being a Pittsburgh fan. The defense is still good. The problem lies in how they are going to score points. There is a reason why Byron Leftwich is a journeyman in this league: because he’s not very good.
Rashard Mendenhall is a player that could either flop or star. He was bad his first year in the league, and was benched for the first couple games of ’09. On the field, he’s a good runner – but he’s not an elite one. He’s not a runner that can change games.
The best thing about Pittsburgh this year is going to be watching Mike Wallace play. With a good quarterback he would put up terrific stats. If he were the main receiver on New England or Houston, he would be a top ten receiver. Even with Roethlisberger in the game, Wallace won’t be able to show off his true potential. That is not to fault Roethlisberger, because the man does win games, but he doesn’t get full potential out of his receivers.
Prediction: 8-8; 3rd in AFC North
4) Cleveland Browns
I guess they’re getting better.
There isn’t a whole lot to like. Hopefully Mike Holmgren will pull a Bill Parcells and get this team rolling. I like Eric Mangini as coach and thought he got a bad rap in New York. He got his team to play for him at the end of last season, and they weren’t very talented, so that’s a plus.
I like the Colt McCoy pick. McCoy isn’t playing this year, but I still think he’s a good talent.
Montario Hardesty and Jerome Harrison provide a good running back duo and Josh Cribbs is a very good return man and receiver.
Their 1st round draft pick in 2010 was Joe Haden, and he got good reviews while at Florida. He’s a defensive back and they took him in the top ten, so hopefully it works out for them. I would never take a defensive back in the top ten unless they are shutdown guys. Eric Berry went in the top ten as a can’t-miss prospect. Supposedly, Haden is just “a good player,” and not a great one. Hopefully he proves people wrong.
This team will win a few games. They don’t have much talent and that is their biggest problem. Cribbs is a playmaker but they need a couple more of them. If I were Holmgren I would try to lock up as many draft picks as possible.
Eventually Cleveland will get good, but it won’t be this season.
Prediction: 3-13; 4th in AFC West
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