6. and the Marvin Lewis era ends.

6. and the Marvin Lewis era ends.

 

That would be the best scenario.

Nine.

 

Why?

 

I think the offense returns to it's elite form. The offensive line is very good when healthy, and I think they'll be healthy. I think they can generate an above average ground game with Rudi, Watson and Chris Perry. In addition, the presence of Perry and Watson gives them an added threat in the passing game that they didn't have when Rudi was carrying the load. Chad and T.J. still form one of the very best WR duos in the NFL. Ben Utecht is a significant upgrade at the TE position. And, finally, I think Chris Henry keeps his head on straight for at least the 2008 season, and his presence takes the Bengals offense to a whole new level.

 

Defensively, I don't expect them to be anything special. But, I do expect them to be improved and more competitive. Odom and Geathers together will give them an improved pass rush. Keith Rivers improves the LB's and will give them at least one guy who can make a few plays. I like the secondary and it's potential. I think Hall and Joseph give them a solid starting duo and they have a couple of young safeties who have some playmaking potential. I think the new DC will also improve the defense as a whole. If the offense does its job and plays to its potential, the defense doesn't have to be great. Just better.

 

I think their win total could range from 4 to 10. If the offensive line gets hit with injuries again and the chemistry falls apart, it could be bad. I just don't think it happens that way in 2008.

7, because their defense stinks IMO.

Nine.

 

Why?

 

I think the offense returns to it's elite form. The offensive line is very good when healthy, and I think they'll be healthy. I think they can generate an above average ground game with Rudi, Watson and Chris Perry. In addition, the presence of Perry and Watson gives them an added threat in the passing game that they didn't have when Rudi was carrying the load. Chad and T.J. still form one of the very best WR duos in the NFL. Ben Utecht is a significant upgrade at the TE position. And, finally, I think Chris Henry keeps his head on straight for at least the 2008 season, and his presence takes the Bengals offense to a whole new level.

 

Defensively, I don't expect them to be anything special. But, I do expect them to be improved and more competitive. Odom and Geathers together will give them an improved pass rush. Keith Rivers improves the LB's and will give them at least one guy who can make a few plays. I like the secondary and it's potential. I think Hall and Joseph give them a solid starting duo and they have a couple of young safeties who have some playmaking potential. I think the new DC will also improve the defense as a whole. If the offense does its job and plays to its potential, the defense doesn't have to be great. Just better.

 

I think their win total could range from 4 to 10. If the offensive line gets hit with injuries again and the chemistry falls apart, it could be bad. I just don't think it happens that way in 2008.

 

Disagree about your opinion of the O Line. They are average at best. CP has been getting killed this preseason. Rudi is having health issues as are CJ and TJ. One of the worst D's in the league has done little to improve. Throw in a tough schedule and we have a recipe for disaster. Can't see them anyone near a winning season.

CP was getting killed when Bobbie was under center and Marvin said there will be no more of that. Why did Fitzpatrick have so much time to throw?

CP was getting killed when Bobbie was under center and Marvin said there will be no more of that. Why did Fitzpatrick have so much time to throw?

 

The O Line has struggled against the 1s. The 1s were on the bench when Fitz came in. Ghiachec has also struggled at center. Levi is way overrated, I like Whit. Williams is OK at guard. Willie is old and Andrews is a ? I'm telling you this line is not that good. Why can't we just be realistic when discussing our pro sports teams?

I was being optomistic in picking 8, imo the offense will be able to score well enough but the Bengals "matador" defense can't stop anyone.

That coupled with the Bengals front office incompetence will no doubt cause a controversey or two, or three or four, etc.,etc..... The Bengals will win when there is mass exit/changes with all of the empty suits upstairs. JMO

Went with 7...Their D is still going to be pretty bad I think, and the O has me pretty worried at this time.

I was being optomistic in picking 8, imo the offense will be able to score well enough but the Bengals "matador" defense can't stop anyone.

That coupled with the Bengals front office incompetence will no doubt cause a controversey or two, or three or four, etc.,etc..... The Bengals will win when there is mass exit/changes with all of the empty suits upstairs. JMO

 

In other words, never ...

7-9

8 wins.

I started thinking about the players they had on offense and I voted for nine games, and as I was clicking the mouse I started thinking about their D.....and it was too late, I hae already clicked on the 9. They obviously have great talent but they are just not a very good football team.

Disagree about your opinion of the O Line. They are average at best. CP has been getting killed this preseason. Rudi is having health issues as are CJ and TJ. One of the worst D's in the league has done little to improve. Throw in a tough schedule and we have a recipe for disaster. Can't see them anyone near a winning season.

 

That's fine. It's allowable to disagree. :thumb:

 

Pre-season is the key word. Let's wait and see what happens when the games actually count. The city of Dallas has been up in arms because the Cowboys started the pre-season 0-2. Should we change their status from NFC frontrunner to a team that can't compete?

Edited August 23, 200818 yr by 5wide

The O Line has struggled against the 1s. The 1s were on the bench when Fitz came in. Ghiachec has also struggled at center. Levi is way overrated, I like Whit. Williams is OK at guard. Willie is old and Andrews is a ? I'm telling you this line is not that good. Why can't we just be realistic when discussing our pro sports teams?

 

There's nothing unrealistic about thinking the Bengals are capable of winning 9 games. Nor is it unrealistic to expect their offensive line to be good...they have talent and potential.

 

Why can't we accept differing opinions when discussing our pro sports teams?