The Cincinnati Bengals will be playing their 39th season for the team, their 41st season if you count the days leading up to the NFL. Their record in 2007 amounted to a dismal 7-9 win-loss score. The Cincinnati Bengals have never won an NFL championship, although they did score conference championships in 1981 and 1988. Additionally, the team won division titles for the AFC Central in 1970, 1973, 1981, 1988, and 1990, while winning the championship. of the AFC division in 2005. Victory is not impossible for the Bengals, although it has eluded them for quite some time. What is the fault of the bad run of the team? It could well be the result of some intense competition, as the Bengals face one of the toughest game schedules of any NFL team. In 2008 they will face the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and last year’s Super Bowl winner New York. Giants.
When it comes to coaching, things remain the status quo, at least as far as the direction of head coach Marvin Lewis is concerned. This is Lewis’s fifth year with the Bengals. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski has also stayed with the team. The only determining factor for Bengals owner Mike Brown was that the team’s defense was weak. Thus, defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan leaves, who is soon replaced by Mike Zimmer. Linebackers coach Ricky Hunley was also replaced by Jeff FitzGerald. The interesting thing about the Bengals is that their coach usually plans a theme about the upcoming season. The 2008 theme for the Cincinnati Bengals is “Now.” It’s about time the Bengals start winning! The theme idea must be very popular and is apparently the saving grace of trainer Marvin Lewis.
What about the departures that will affect the team in 2008? The team lost safety Madieu Williams to the Minnesota Vikings, along with defensive end Justin Smith, who found greener pastures with the San Francisco 49ers, and linebacker Landon Johnson, who signed with the Carolina Panthers. Also, the team lost David Pollack who officially retired due to a major injury. The team also lost two players to off-field controversies. Chris Henry was released after news spread of his alleged involvement in an assault case in the city of Cincinnati. Odell Thurman was also suspended for two consecutive years after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, though he was reinstated last May.
How about some signings that could bring good news to the Bengals in 2008? The team has acquired the talents of Ben Utecht, a tight end with the Indianapolis Colts, Antwan Odom, a defensive end with the Tennessee Titans, and Doug Gabriel, a wide receiver with the Oakland Raiders.
What about Chad Johnson? Chad Johnson has enjoyed better stats than a typical wide receiver and is a force to be reckoned with. This may explain why he switched agents and is now represented by Drew Rosenhaus. Currently, it is rumored that he may opt out of the Bengals’ upcoming training camp or even the entire upcoming season if he is not traded. Johnson was apparently upset with some comments made by head coach Marvin Lewis months ago.
What can you say except that the Cincinnati Bengals face an uphill battle next season?
