The 2008 football season was a disheartening one for the Cincinnati Bengals. A 4-11-1 finish was very disappointing to say the least, and largely resulted from the absence of star quarterback Carson Palmer, who missed virtually the entire year due to injury.
Carson Palmer was out the majority of the year with an injury - with his departure the Bengals sunk fast. Chad Ocho Cinco became an average wide receiver and faded away as the season continued to move forward.
Ryan Fitzpatrick did his best, but his skills were nowhere near that of Palmer's, and the offense struggled greatly for it. This wasn't much of a surprise considering his lack of NFL experience.
Chad Johnson was practically invisible on offense, and TJ Houshmandzadeh was nowhere near his usual output level. Rudi Johnson was all but done, but luckily there was another RB who was able to prove himself once again.
The Bengals play in a very tough, grind it out type division, AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers (defending champs) and Baltimore Ravens. Playing these two teams twice a year is no easy task.
Entering the 2009 season, the Bengals were more hopeful than they had been the year before. While the team had lost TJ Houshmandzadeh in the off season, the acquisition of veteran receiver LaVaerneus Coles, combined with the emergence of Chris Henry as a newly reliable option, made it seem as if the Bengals might be a halfway decent team again this season.
If the Bengals defense can stay in the middle of the league and not give up too many points - with the Bengals offense - they can compete in every game during the season.
The Bengals lost their first game of the season to the Broncos, but came back with a vengeance during week two, as they visited the Packers at Lambeau field and came away with a win. The passing game was on point, as was their running game, and a new sense of hope was born in Bengals nation. - 31493
Carson Palmer was out the majority of the year with an injury - with his departure the Bengals sunk fast. Chad Ocho Cinco became an average wide receiver and faded away as the season continued to move forward.
Ryan Fitzpatrick did his best, but his skills were nowhere near that of Palmer's, and the offense struggled greatly for it. This wasn't much of a surprise considering his lack of NFL experience.
Chad Johnson was practically invisible on offense, and TJ Houshmandzadeh was nowhere near his usual output level. Rudi Johnson was all but done, but luckily there was another RB who was able to prove himself once again.
The Bengals play in a very tough, grind it out type division, AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers (defending champs) and Baltimore Ravens. Playing these two teams twice a year is no easy task.
Entering the 2009 season, the Bengals were more hopeful than they had been the year before. While the team had lost TJ Houshmandzadeh in the off season, the acquisition of veteran receiver LaVaerneus Coles, combined with the emergence of Chris Henry as a newly reliable option, made it seem as if the Bengals might be a halfway decent team again this season.
If the Bengals defense can stay in the middle of the league and not give up too many points - with the Bengals offense - they can compete in every game during the season.
The Bengals lost their first game of the season to the Broncos, but came back with a vengeance during week two, as they visited the Packers at Lambeau field and came away with a win. The passing game was on point, as was their running game, and a new sense of hope was born in Bengals nation. - 31493
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