The preseason is over, and the Bengals (2-2) have won some, and lost some. There were some encouraging sign, especially in the convincing wins over the Lions and Falcons. But it is also clear Marvin Lewis faces some serious challenges in what many feel is a make-or-break season for him and his coaching staff.
The good
· The passing game is the strength of this team, and it showed in the preseason. Carson Palmer was solid, and TE Ben Utecht (12 catches for 152 yards, 1 TD) has the potential to be a nice complement to Cincinnati’s dynamic duo of receivers. Chris Henry (10 receptions) and Antonio Chatman (11 receptions, including an 81 yard TD) also showed they can make a contribution when called upon. A particularly pleasant surprise was the play of Carson’s kid brother, Jordan, who threw for 6 TDs and a passer rating of 113 (albeit against mostly second and third-string competition).
· Cincinnati’s rookies showed promise. First round pick Keith Rivers (6 tackles, 1 forced fumble) should have the starting ROLB spot locked up. WRs Jerome Simpson (7 receptions for 92 yards, 3 TDs) and Andre Caldwell add depth to an already strong receiving corps, and Pat Sims (1 fumble recovery) and Jason Shirley (1 sack) should see some playing time in the DT rotation.
· Maybe most importantly, the Bengals suffered no injuries, meaning the squad is at full strength for the season opener.
The bad
· The Bengals running game was pedestrian, posting only 3.1 yards per run. Cincinnati was hoping Cedric Benson could come in and replace Rudi Johnson as their bellcow RB, but his performance in the preseason (31 runs for 100 yards, 1 TD) raises some doubts as to whether he really is the answer. The other backs on the roster fared no better, meaning that the Bengals might well have to take to the air more often than is good for Carson Palmer’s health.
· Should anything happen to Palmer, many in Cincinnati have doubts about Ryan Fitzpatrick’s ability to lead the team. His decision making in the preseason was often poor, as evidenced by his 5 INTs and the fact he was sacked 12 times.
· The Bengals’ defense was stout throughout long periods of at least three of the four preseason games. But although they did register 13 sacks and forced 7 turnovers, their inability to put consistent pressure on the QB when it really counts has got to have Lewis worried.
The ugly
· Cincinnati’s pass defense gave up far too many huge gains; it was ripped to shreds by Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, and also had several breakdowns in the other games. Unless the Bengals can get their act together and fix the tendency to give up big plays, the offense will be hard pressed to score enough points to keep the Bengals in games.
· The Bengals have to consider themselves extremely lucky to be able to start the season with three healthy quarterbacks, considering the beating they all took in the preseason. The offensive line needs to do a much better job of protecting the passer. LT Levi Jones alone gave up 5 sacks; Cincinnati’s best lineman in theory, he frequently looked overwhelmed when facing speed rushers such as John Abraham or Dwight Freeney.
· Marvin Lewis would like to give speedy HB Chris Perry a more prominent role in the offense. When he is on top of his game he can be a great complement to the more straight-ahead running style of Cedric Benson, but after Perry fumbled four times in the preseason, the Bengals are wondering whether he can be trusted with the ball.
Bottom line: The Bengals must get better play from their offensive line to get the running game on track and give Carson Palmer enough time to connect with his many weapons. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bengals have to become more aggressive, while avoiding mental errors and breakdowns in coverage. If the defense can keep Cincinnati in games, a return to the playoffs is not out of the question. Much will depend on the development of young talents such as Rivers, CBs Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph, and FS Marvin White.
