2006 Cincinnati Bengals Predictions
Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl last year, the
Cincinnati Bengals are actually the defending AFC North champions. The
Bengals are coming off their best season (11-5) in more than a decade and look
to build on last season's success.
The biggest offseason addition for the Bengals will be the healthy return of
All-Pro quarterback Carson Palmer, who suffered a torn ACL on the second play
from scrimmage in the team's 31-17 playoff loss to the Steelers in January.
Palmer has looked good in training camp and has made tremendous progress, but
he's not yet ready to guarantee that he'll be ready for opening day.
"I'm still not completely healthy," Palmer said. "I'm still not back as far as
timing and rhythm are concerned. The more reps I get, the better I feel. I need
to be more athletic in the pocket and get back to the technique I've always had
and always relied on. It will take time, but I'll get there."
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Key Additions: DBs Dexter Jackson and Jonathan Joseph (rookie), QBs Anthony
Wright and Doug Johnson, WR Antonio Chatman, DT Sam Adams.
Key Subtractions: QB Jon Kitna, TE Matt Schobel, WR Kevin Walter, LB Nate
Webster.
Sportsbook Odds: With Palmer's status still up in the air, bettors aren't sure
what to think of the Cincinnati's chances. The Bengals could be a good value bet
if Palmer can return to form. WagerWeb.com has Cincinnati as +$275 to win the
AFC North, +$1000 to win the AFC championship and +$2500 to win Super Bowl XLI.
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Watch: Palmer is as important to the Bengals as any player in the league is to
his team. With the loss of experienced backup Kitna, the quarterback job will
fall to whomever wins the training camp battle between Wright and Johnson if
Palmer isn't ready to start the season. Either one of those options isn't
something anybody in Cincinnati is looking forward to. RB Rudi Johnson, who has
taken a pounding over the past couple of seasons, will be counted on even more
to take the pressure off the passing game.
Outlook: Cincinnati is on the cusp of being a Super Bowl contender. A healthy
Palmer gives the team a balanced attack as Johnson has posted back-to-back
seasons of 1,450 yards rushing and 12 TDs, and WR Chad Johnson has three
straight seasons of at least 90 catches, 1,270 yards and 9 TDs. The defense is a
solid unit that added a run stopper in Adams to clog the middle, and Coach
Marvin Lewis thinks rookie CB Joseph will be a big-play corner. Look for the
Bengals to again contend for the division title as long as Palmer can return by
the end of September and stay healthy.
By Mike Brody of
WagerWeb |
