Carson Palmer seems to be getting a lot of attention lately. The Bengals 5th year starting QB has some experts picking him over the likes of Payton Manning as the top QB in the league in 2007. And no wonder, Palmer has thrown 60 TD passes and nearly 8000 yards in the last two years. His numbers are up. So why aren’t the Bengals getting any respect? Perhaps blowing their last 3 regular season games and failing to make the playoffs has something to do with it. 2007 gives the team a new chance at redemption. So what are the Boys from the Jungle doing this year to boost their team’s chances?
Cincinnati Bengals 2006 - 8 Wins, 8 Losses.
Expected 2007 finish - 2nd in AFC North
Let’s first take a look at their 2007 draft. The Bengals chose 2 fantasy offensive positions with the drafting of RB Kenny Irons from Auburn in the 2nd round and a QB, Jeff Rowe from Nevada in the 5th round. Cincinnati already has a fine running back Rudi Johnson and one of the best QB’s in the game. So did the Bengals really need to use top picks for these positions? If anything, their offensive line and defensive secondary needed help and they got some. OL Dan Santucci was drafted from Notre Dame, as well as DT Matt Toeaina (Oregon) and two safeties Marvin White (TCU) along with Chindum Ndukwe (Notre Dame). But would any of these players be able to make an immediate difference? Right now, none of these players are on the 1st squad on the depth chart.
The Bengals have one of the best receiving corps in the league. Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh head the 1st string receivers, while Reggie McNeal, Glenn Holt and veteran Chris Henry back them up. Think fantasy football fans are going to pick any of these guys in the top 3 rounds? Bet on it.
The Bengals ability to score big points is in need of a boost and Coach Marvin Lewis wants to improve the offensive line in order to open more holes for their RB’s and give Palmer more time to find his targets. The Bengals are making improving the offensive line a top priority in training camp this year. Time will tell if the Bengals have the right focus to get the job done. They’re going to have to keep Palmer and Rudi Johnson healthy this year and will have to keep from making mistakes late in the game to have a shot at the playoffs.
2007 Depth Chart – 7/30/07
QB – Carson Palmer, Doug Johnson, #5 RND Jeff Rowe (Nevada)
RB – Rudi Johnson, Kenny Watson, # RND 2 Kenny Irons
WR – TJ Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson, Reggie McNeal, Glenn Holt, Chris Henry
TE – Reggie Kelly, Ronnie Ghent, Bobby Blizzard
K – Shayne Graham
Monday, July 30, 2007
Cincinnati Bengals - Focus on Finishing
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08/01/07 Update on Tight Ends: Two of Cincy's TE corp are hurt. Yesterday, Bobby Blizzard suffered a serious lower back injury. Earlier in camp, TE Sean Mulcahy fell victim to a neck and spine injury. This leaves fewer options for the Bengals' TE squad, but with so many good receivers, I doubt Carson Palmer is too worried just yet.
The Bengals have the honor of hosting the season opener for Monday Night Football this season. They will play the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium at 7pm Eastern. A second Monday night game will follow that game as the San Francisco 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals at 10:15pm Eastern. I hope to be in attendance at the Bengals opening night game as I will be traveling to Cincy that week!
The Associated Press reports that the Bengals, after losing three backup tight ends to injury this week, signed Nate Lawrie to a one-year contract on Thursday. Lawrie was drafted in the sixth round by Tampa Bay in 2004 and played in two games as a rookie. He played in seven games for New Orleans last season before he was waived on Nov. 21. Someone better keep the meds handy. At this rate, tight ends will be in short supply around the leage.
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