Cincinnati Bengals Self-Destruct in Back to Back Losses to Jets
Despite having one of the most successful seasons in franchise history, the year ended in disappointment for a Bengals team looking to make some noise in the playoffs. Consecutive losses to the New York Jets to end the season left players shocked and dismayed heading into the off-season.
While the end of the season was hard to handle, looking back, the Bengals certainly had a successful campaign in 2009. For the first time in over twenty years, there is true optimism heading into the off-season. The only other time Cincinnati made in playoffs in the last twenty years was 2005; the year Carson Palmer tore up his knee. This off-season, there is no worrying about Palmer's knee, but instead looking ahead to the future and realizing how bright it really is.
This past week the Bengals resigned defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and offensive line coach Paul Alexander. Zimmer proved to be a defensive genius and the players want to play and win for him. Despite numerous injuries, the defense finished in the top six in the league and is certainly capable of improving on that next year. After losing sack leader Antwan Odom and safety Roy Williams for the year, the defense suffered injuries to tackle Domato Peko and safety Chris Crocker, and then lost star rookie linebacker Ray Maualuga to a broken foot. Linebacker Keith Rivers also missed considerable action as did tackle Pat Sims. Tank Johnson and Robert Gathers also missed games due to injuries.
The defense overcame all of this and led by the best cornerback combination in the NFL of Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall, they excelled. Middle linebacker Dhani Jones also had another solid season. With another year of experience under their belt, the defense will be even better next year. Joseph and Hall are just entering their prime, as is the pass rushing Gathers. Maualuga is developing into a Pro Bowl linebacker and Rivers is not far behind his USC teammate. Up front Peko is one of the most underrated defensive lineman in the league and second year player Sims is a consistent performer.
On offense, things are certain to improve from last seasons team who finished 24th in the NFL. Pro Bowl receiver Chad Ochocinco is poised to have another good season and the Bengals have found a star in running back Cedric Benson. The passing of Chris Henry leaves a void at the wide receiver position and Cincinnati could certainly use that first round pick on a top tier wideout or a pass catching tight end. The offensive line surprised everyone by outperforming even the highest of expectations this season and with the development of last year's first round pick Andre Smith, Cincinnati should have no problem up front in 2010.
Even though the Bengals ended the 2009 season on a losing note, a lot of positives can be taken from it. For the second time in the past five years, Cincinnati won the AFC North Division and hosted a home playoff game. They also saw young stars emerge all over the field and savvy veterans return to old form as well. Looking ahead, there is a great deal to be excited about for Bengals fans, and I believe 2010 will have much of the same success the 2009 season did, next year however, it is time for the Bengals to get over that hump and take it to the next level by advancing in the playoffs.