Ginger Snaps: Cincinnati Bengals Season Preview

2011 Season: 9-7


2011 Ranks
Total Offense: 20
Rush Offense: 19
Pass Offense: 20
Scoring Offense: 18
Total Defense: 7
Run Defense: 10
Pass Defense: 9
Scoring Defense: 9

Offense

The Bengals finally got rid of all their headaches and actually had something resembling a competent offense last year. Rookies Andy Dalton and AJ Green are in the midst of becoming one of the better QB-WR tandems in the league. Dalton isn't a flashy or fantastic quarterback, but he doesn't make mistakes. Green has the athleticism and size to go up and get the ball in any situation. The Bengals added BenJarvis Green-Ellis in free agency to replace Cedric Benson as their workhorse between-the-tackles back. Outside of AJ Green, this offense still doesn't have a lot of play-makers, but they have enough on offense to keep themselves competitive.

Defense

This was a decent unit that has two good corners in Leon Hall and Nate Clements and two safeties that are downright awful in pass coverage in Taylor Mays and Reggie Nelson. Their front seven isn't great but isn't awful. They're fairly middle-of-the-road in everything.

Intangibles

The Bengals made the playoffs last year, but were 0-8 (counting their first round loss to Houston) against teams with winning records. They benefited from a last place schedule and went 9-0 against sub-.500 teams last season. This year, they will have to play a bit of a tougher schedule.

Prediction

I just don't see this team as one ready to take the next step. They should still be around .500 though. 7-9.