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The Bengals have enough talent to reach the playoffs for the second time in three years. But do they have the brains, heart and chemistry to get the job done? Starting Monday night against Baltimore, the Bengals — celebrating their 40th season — get a chance to prove themselves worthy of endorsements from Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News. Both publications pick Cincinnati to win the AFC North Division. That's quite a tribute, considering last season's 8-8 record was marred by an 0-3 end-of-the-year meltdown. Players insist the selfishness that crept into the locker room has been banished. Well, the fans, just like the coaches, see better than they hear. "I have no reservations, no doubts whatsoever, that we can put it together," safety Madieu Williams said. "Yet it's going to come down to the guys in the locker room jelling and executing. "Last year was unacceptable. We're looking to take major leaps and bounds this year." The offense is led by the "Big Four" — quarterback Carson Palmer, wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and tailback Rudi Johnson. But the defense has big questions and little star power. "We're on the brink of doing something special," defensive end Bryan Robinson said. "We just need to get our butts in gear. It's just a mind-set. Let's do it. I feel like we're the best team in this league. Let's go prove it." If they don't, the 2007 Bengals will be remembered as nothing more than paper tigers.
Three storylines to follow A lot to prove: Left tackle Levi Jones, who has endured two arthroscopic left-knee surgeries since October, must prove he can stay healthy or he'll lose his starting job to Andrew Whitworth, the club's second-round draft pick from LSU in 2006. Oh, Henry: It'll take a group effort to make up for the loss of wide receiver Chris Henry, who is serving an eight-game suspension. Tab Perry holds a slight lead over Glenn Holt, Skyler Green and Antonio Chatman for the No. 3 receiver role. Cashing in: The defense lacks an identity because it doesn't have star power. But there's reason to believe the unit will be improved. Ten players are in the final year of their contracts, and they'll play hard for new deals Three players who need to excel Wide receiver Tab Perry is Mr. Versatility. He's being counted on to return kickoffs, be the No. 3 wide receiver and be a gunner in kick coverage. That's a lot to ask of Perry, who missed 14 games last season with a right hip injury. But he's healthy now and eagerly accepts the challenge. Left guard Stacy Andrews will be making his first career start at left guard after winning the position previously occupied by Eric Steinbach, who bolted to the Browns. Andrews is a massive road-grader who started three games at right guard in 2006 in place of injured Bobbie Williams. Defensive tackle Domata Peko is a gentle giant from American Samoa and Michigan State, easily recognizable because of his long hair. But the team needs him to be a tiger in the trenches. He'll clog the middle and push the pile, allowing the ends to increase the pressure on the quarterback. Most improved Center Eric Ghiaciuc has seized the starting job in the wake of Rich Braham's retirement. Nobody worked harder in the offseason on the field, in the weight room and film room than Ghiaciuc. He improved his strength and quickness and is a leader on the offensive line. Possible bust Ahmad Brooks is a gifted athlete who plays the most important position on defense — middle linebacker. But he's struggling to grasp the scheme. He's over-pursuing and getting washed out of plays. His strength will be as a third-down pass rusher. The coach Marvin Lewis, who begins his fifth season with a 35-30 record (0-1 in the playoffs), underwent surgery to repair torn tendons in his left ankle in August. Like some of his injured players, Lewis is on the mend and will be calling the shots from the sidelines Monday night. Telling stat The Bengals are 19-13 (.594) at Paul Brown Stadium since Marvin Lewis became head coach in 2003. They must do a better job of protecting their house. The Jungle can't be occupied by Queen City kitties if the Bengals want to reach the postseason. By the numbers 4.0 Bengals' average margin of defeat in six of eight losses in 2006. 30 Club's defensive rank in 2006, yielding 355.1 yards a game. 4,035 Carson Palmer's passing yards in 2006, a club record. Dayton Dal News http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/bengals/2007/09/07/ddn090707bengalsweb.html |
