Cincinnati Bengals

HISTORY
Founded in 1968 as an AFL expansion franchise. Joined the NFL in 1970 as part of the AFL/NFL merger, and has never relocated.

CHAMPIONSHIP SUMMARY
League Championships: None

Conference Championships: 2 – 1981 (AFC), 1988 (AFC)

Division Championships: 6 – 1970 (AFC Central), 1973 (AFC Central), 1981 (AFC Central), 1988 (AFC Central), 1990 (AFC Central), 2005 (AFC North)

Playoff Appearances: 8 – 1970, 1973, 1975, 1981, 1982, 1988, 1990, 2005, 2009

2005 Finish: 11-5, 1 st Place AFC North

Recent Records:

2004: 8-8 2005: 11-5 2006: 8-8 2007: 7-9 2008: 4-11-1
2009: 6-10 2010: 4-12

2011 Draft Grade

Cincinnati Bengals (D)
4: A.J. Green (3, 4 = 4) +0
35: Andy Dalton (40, 44 = 42) -7
66: Dontay Moch (108, 67 = 88) -22
101: Clint Boling (50, 101 = 76) +25
134: Robert Sands (173, 141 = 157) -23
167: Ryan Whalen (215, 203 = 209) -42
207: Kore Lindsey (222, 255 = 239) -32
246: Jay Finley (255, 255 = 255) -9

The Bengals resisted the temptation to trade down and acquire most of the Falcons’ top picks over the next two seasons (word is, Cincinnati was offered the same treasure Cleveland accepted for their 6th overall selection) and drafted the most impressive playmaker in the draft. For an offense that really struggled this last season, the pick makes sense, even if picking a WR in the Top 5 is crazy. In Green’s case, it’s the right move – he’s a special player. The only “value” pick in the Bengals draft was Clint Boling, a guard ranked in many circles as a top 5 player at his position. Other than that, AJ Green and Andy Dalton were the closest things to positive players – hopefully, for the Bengals’ sake, they picked right on both those guys.

Draft Pick Total: 960 – Player Rankings Total: 1070—- TOTAL RANKING: -110

2011 Mock Draft

Cincinnati Bengals 4-12 – Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn: He had some passes sail on him during the throwing portion of the combine. Shoot, he’s not the first guy that’s had that happen. He missed by a step on three of his long throws – passes I’m sure he completes during his pro day. All that being said, I don’t think Newton is ready to role as an NFL starter – but that shouldn’t stop the Bengals from picking him. Here’s a kid that works hard, is a physical freak, works HARD, cares about winning, stepped up in big games and big moments all year long, and isn’t JaMarcus Russell. The comparisons should stop, because while Russell was sipping purple stuff, Newton is working on his drops, and keeping his aggressiveness in full view for everyone to see. I think this is a kid a team can get behind, there’s something to that. He’s a bit of a risk, sure, any QB is this early – but the Bengals have been known to take a risk or two.

2009 Fantasy Football Notes

Carson Palmer, Cedric Benson, Kenny Watson, Laveranues Coles, Chris Henry, Chad Ochocinco, Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell, Chase Coffman

Carson Palmer was “the next big thing” a couple seasons ago before a nasty knee injury, questionable team chemistry, and a shoulder/elbow problem sidelined him and knocked him around for the better portion of a couple seasons. Plus he looked lost at times when healthy. But he still has all the tools, and he’s got a power running game to lean on a bit, and a few receivers with lots of talent. Could be a nice low risk high reward player on draft day. Cedric Benson was a bust – was – now he is trying to make a name for himself as the starting back in Cincinnati. He proved last season that he is ready to work hard and run harder – and could be a steal on draft day. Kenny Watson was out all of last season, but I see him as the 2nd most talented back in Cincinnati if Benson gets hurt. Coles moved from the Jets to the Bengals, and while his toughness is always something I’ll question, his ability to run, catch, and get himself open are not. Without Housh in Cinci, Coles could become a favorite of Palmer. Chad Johnson, err, Ochocinco, is one of the more talented receivers in the league, and his hands are very good. If he’d stop jumping and diving for every pass that would be better. That being said, he’s easily the top option in Bengal-land, and he’s talented enough to produce like a Top 10 receiver for a much cheaper price. Apparently Chris Henry has turned it around. His coaches think so, his teammates think so, and Carson Palmer is proud of him. He’s always had the tools. Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell were early draft picks last season, and while I don’t see them getting too many looks right off the bat, injuries might make them relevant. The key is, they have the talent to do something with a chance. Chase Coffman might be starting by opening day, and that’s a good thing for the Bengal’s passing attack. Coffman has skills and is a nice late sleeper if he becomes that starter.

2008 NFL DRAFT GRADES

Cincinnati Bengals: A

It looks as though the Bengals are actually trying to turn the page on the distractions that have plagued them over the past few seasons. Not only did they take high character players throughout their entire draft, but they drafted two receivers in the first 3 rounds and basically put up their middle finger to Chad “NUMERO UNO” Johnson. Needs met, good value, nice upside. Nothing wrong with this draft.

Keith Rivers went a little high for a linebacker (based on linebacker selections in the past), but considering his football smarts, elite athleticism, and leader mentality – I can definitely fall in love with this pick. Also, linebackers play a very significant role in a defenses success. For a team that hasn’t had a great one since Takeo Spikes, this was a great start.

Jerome Simpson has big play ability and has a knack for finding the end-zone (41 touchdowns for Coastal Carolina). Simpson isn’t as well known as their 3rd round receiver (Andre Caldwell) but he looks like a very good player in his highlights. Caldwell also did good things at Florida, grabbing 185 receptions, and being a #1 receiver for a solid offense. He ran better than expected on the combine, and his size is decent.

Between Simpson and Caldwell, the big DT from Auburn (Pat Sims) was plucked. Sims may be the only guy with questionable work ethic in the Bengals’ bunch, but his upside is there (and I’m not so sure his rap is fair – he overcame some difficult family issues and lost his sister, only to eventually come back and at least partially fulfill his potential). In the 3rd round, to get a 300lb game changer at the defensive tackle slot is amazing.

Anthony Collins has good measurables and athleticism for a big guy, and has only been playing football for 5 years. His upside was worth the risk, especially considering the success he had this past season. He could play guard or tackle for the Bengals.

In round 5 the Bengals took Jason Shirley, an athletic defensive tackle from a struggling Florida State team. Shirley isn’t the strongest or fastest, but could play the outside tackle in a 4-3, and has enough size to be considered a nose guard. At 6’5″, 330lbs, he’s huge.

Corey Lynch did a lot of things for Appalachian State to be as successful as they were. Lynch measures out like a super-hero, with great times and power for his size. He’ll do little things for the Bengals, and believe me, they need help in that area.

Matt Sherry is a TE prospect that could pan out, but honestly I don’t know much about the kid having never seen him play. I know that the Bengals rarely use a TE, and maybe he’ll give them that chance or just be another TE that Palmer ignores.

Angelo Craig is a smallish defensive end, not in height (6’5″) but in weight (235lbs). Many questioned his size, but he made some big plays for one of the nation’s top rated defenses at Cincinnati’s University.

Mario Urrutia flashed some talent while catching balls from Brian Brohm at Louisvilled. At 6’6″ he’s a jump ball dynamic waiting to happen. Urrutia probably didn’t make the best decision leaving early, but it could be a blessing for the Bengals. With 3 able-bodied rookies at WR after the draft, they could be okay at receiver, even if Numero Uno does hold out.


2007 Cincinnati Bengals

2006 was definitely a disappointing year for the Bengals and their fans. With all the player arrests, the 8-8 record, losing the last game of the season against the Steelers, when a win would have had them in the playoffs. It was all brutal. Obviously, I expect the Bengals to bounce back next season, because this Cinci team is just to good to struggle. On the bright side of ’06, Carson Palmer looked like he got his game back after an up and down opening, Chad Johnson led the league in receiving, and Rudi Johnson had yet another 1300+ yard 12 touchdown season, his 3rd in as many years. TJ Houshmandzadeh also had his best season as a pro, catching 90 balls in 14 games, for 1081 yards and 9 scores, leading the Bengals. It will be interesting to see how the Bengals build, as you’d have to imagine that they have to start sacrificing the prospect of talent for a little bit of intelligence and common sense.

2007 Off-Season Plans:

The Bengals have remained pretty quiet in free agency, but have made some small resignings to people like Kenny Watson, but they’ve definitely lost more than they’ve taken on, dropping star lineman Eric Steinbach (browns) and defensive linebacker Marcus Wilkins (falcons). The Bengals need to find a way to replace Eric, but defensively, the Bengals have much to do if they want to become a championship caliber team. Missing out on signing a guy like Joey Porter hurt the Bengals defense, but I have to be honest, as much as I love Joey’s game, I don’t think breaking your bankroll on a 30 year old linebacker has turned out to be a very good move very often. I also think the Bengals, if they could’ve signed Steinbach, should have, because the market has shown that the salaries of the big athletic guards is only going up. Overall, I haven’t seen the Bengals improve yet this off season. But, there’s still time. The Bengals have to build defensively through the draft, something they’ve been able to show the capability to do. The only problem is, they need to stop signing problem children. Look for the Bengals to make all their first day picks on the defensive side of the ball, as they have to improve there. A young stud linebacker like Paul Posluszny or Lawrence Timmons would be a great selection for the Bengals, as would a guy like Patrick Willis, or possible a defensive lineman like Carriker or Demarcus Tyler. Just don’t expect many young fantasy studs going to Cinci on draft day.

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