Bengals Season Preview

Here's the Cincinnati Bengals 2010 season preview. Yes, I know what the score of today's game but I shouldn't make evaluations based on the first game or should I?

1. The Defense

a. Defensive Line- Solid. No stars at the defensive tackle position but Domata Peko and Tank Johnson are solid. Defensive ends could be playmakers. If Antwan Odom recovers from his Achilles injury and Robert Geathers shows the talent that got him that big contract, the Bengals should be able to pressure the quarterback.

b. Linebackers- MLB Dhani Jones is beginning to show his age. But Rey Maualuga is going to be a star. Look for a great year from an experienced Keith Rivers. Michael Johnson is a physical freak who can play both linebacker and end.

c. Secondary- The starting corners Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall are excellent. And backing them up are Adam "Pacman" Jones and Morgan Trent. Safeties Chris Crocker and Roy Williams are solid.

d. Defense conclusion- This unit finished fourth in defense last year. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is a great coach who gets the most out of his men. I'm not that worried about this unit though the Bengals must get more pressure from the front four.

2. The Special Teams- Local product Kevin Huber is a good punter. Last season the punt unit was first in net yards. Mike Nugent was the New York Jets second round pick in the 2005 draft. He has a strong leg and hopefully he wont' choke in the clutch. See Shayne Graham.

The return crew is probably the strongest that the Bengals have ever had. Adam "Pacman" Jones is still the threat to bust one wide open. Quan Cosby, Jordan Shipley and Bernard Scott can each return kicks.

Special Teams Conclusion- Look for run backs for touchdowns from this squad.

3. The Offense

a. The Offensive Line - This line will continue to gel after a solid year. The Bengals are solid with left tackle Andrew Whitworth, right guard Bobbie Williams and center Kyle Cook. But one worries about left guard, Nate Livings and right guard Dennis Roland persist. And drafting Andre Smith looks to be a disaster since he's so out of shape, he can't get on the field. The Bengals are good at run blocking but pass blocking is a concern.

b. Quarterback- Carson Palmer should be back to his 2005 form after an operation repairing ligaments in his left hand. Little brother Jordan Palmer is the Bengals number two. Rookie Dan LeFevour is number three. Okay, let's face it. I don't know if Jordan is up to the task if he needs to take over the team. That means Carson must not get injured for the Bengals to succeed.

c. Running Back- Cedric Benson is nice blend of power and speed. He sees the field well and bursts through the hole. Bernard Scott can make cuts that are the envy of many other backs in the NFL.

d. Wide Receivers/Tight Ends- Terrell Owens is physical freak at thirty six. With Owens in the fold, teams will be forced to cover him and free up Chad Ochocinco. Jordan Shipley and Andre Caldwell will be good possession guys.

The Bengals drafted well in the first round by getting Jermaine Gresham He's a big target for tight end who will exploit the seams. Plus he can catch the ball and block. Reggie Kelly is solid veteran. Dan Coats needs to hold onto the ball to be effective.

e. Offense Conclusion- QB Carson Palmer has all the weapons. This sill be a team that should be able to score at will.

4. Conclusion- I'm going to cop out and give two answers as to how many games the Bengals will win. It really comes down to one unit and one group of players. It's the offensive line. If they can run and pass block, the Bengals will win. If they don't, the Bengals finish 7-9. If the offensive line blocks, the Bengals will go 11-5 and win the Super Bowl.