Reasons to hope:

1. No questions about Palmer
A year ago, Carson Palmer appeared ready to bounce back from a knee injury, but there was no way to know whether he could make it through the season. He did, and had a Pro Bowl season. Now, he should be even better.

2. Palmer's supporting cast
Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh form one of the best 1-2 receiver combinations in the league. Rudi Johnson is one of the better runners in the NFL.

3. Learning curve
The Bengals won the AFC North in 2005 after a 15-year wait. Success took a toll. The Bengals vow to heed the lessons.

4. Improved defense?
Cincinnati ranked 30th in yards allowed last season and didn't do much beyond drafting cornerback Leon Hall. But they did some addition by subtraction. Sam Adams, Brian Simmons and Tory James were past their primes. Domata Peko, Ahmad Brooks (eventually) and Johnathan Joseph (or Hall) should provide upgrades.

5. Easier schedule
The Bengals have a less-menacing schedule this season than last. Even the AFC North could be less daunting. The aging Ravens might not be all they're cracked up to be, and the Steelers have a new coach for the first time since 1992.

Reasons to mope:

1. Improved defense?
In his third year, defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan said he welcomes being on the hot seat, which is good. In the preseason, Cincinnati looked too passive, though. Fans have to hope Bresnahan saved his goodies for the regular season.

2. Uncertainty on the offensive line
Has right tackle Willie Anderson's foot healed enough? How is left tackle Levi Jones' knee? If Andrew Whitworth plays left tackle, can he handle speed rushers?

3. Ahmad Brooks
On paper, Brooks is everything one would want in a middle linebacker: big, fast, likes to hit. But he has a history of immaturity and didn't impress in preseason.

4. Special teams
The Bengals lost several key special teams players in free agency, and some of the expected replacements are hurt. Special teams coach Darrin Simmons will have to do a lot of mixing and matching and hope it all comes together.

5. Seat-warmer for Marvin Lewis
Lewis is not in danger of being fired unless the Bengals completely tank, which is highly unlikely. But the magic touch he had early in his tenure might be slipping. There are some players who have expressed unhappiness with their roles and how certain things are handled (medical matters, for example).

Columbus Disptach

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