The Cincinnati Bengals will be playing their 39th season for the team, 41st season if you count the pre-NFL days. Their record in 2007 amounted to a dismal 7-9 win-loss score. The Cincinnati Bengals have never won an NFL Championship, though 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 AFC division championship in 2005. Victory is not impossible for the Bengals, though it has eluded them for quite a while. What's the blame for the team's losing streak? It could very well be the result of some intense competition, as the Bengals face one of the toughest playing schedules of all NFL teams. In 2008 they will be facing the Baltimore Ravens, the Cleveland Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Indianapolis Colts, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Redskins and last year's Super Bowl winner the New York Giants.
As far as coaching goes, things are remaining status quo, at least when it comes to the direction of head coach Marvin Lewis. This is Lewis' fifth year with the Bengals. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski has also remained with the team. The only factor that Bengals owner Mike Brown determined was that the defense of the team was weak. Therefore, out goes defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan who is soon replaced by Mike Zimmer. Linebacker coach Ricky Hunley was also replaced by Jeff FitzGerald. What's interesting about the Bengals is that their coach usually plans a theme about the upcoming season. The 2008 theme for the Cincinnati Bengals is "Now." As in, now it's about time for the Bengals to start winning! The theme idea must be very popular and is apparently Coach Marvin Lewis' saving grace.
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What about departures that will affect the team in 2008? The team has 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 on with the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, the team lost David Pollack, who has officially retired due to a major injury. The team also lost two players because of off-the-field controversies. Chris Henry was released after news spread about 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 this past May.
How about some signings that may 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 changed agents and is now represented by Drew Rosenhaus. At the present time it is rumored he may choose to refuse participation in the upcoming training camp with the Bengals or even for the entire upcoming season if he's not traded. Johnson was apparently miffed with some comments made by head coach Marvin Lewis months ago.
What can you say except that the Cincinnati Bengals are facing an uphill battle for the next season?
Cincinnati Bengals Outlook
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