The 2008 football season was a disheartening one for the Cincinnati Bengals. A 4-11-1 finish was very disappointing to say the least, and largely resulted from the absence of star quarterback Carson Palmer, who missed virtually the entire year due to injury.
Carson Palmer was out the majority of the year with an injury - with his departure the Bengals sunk fast. Chad Ocho Cinco became an average wide receiver and faded away as the season continued to move forward.
Ryan Fitzpatrick did his best, but his skills were nowhere near that of Palmer's, and the offense struggled greatly for it. This wasn't much of a surprise considering his lack of NFL experience.
Chad Ocho Cinco, previously known as a top three wide receiver in the NFL, turned into the sort of wide receiver that would be commonplace around the league, and his numbers were miserable as compared to seasons past.
The only potential bright spot was the emergence of Cedric Benson over the course of the last few games, but even this was a question mark, as Benson had never really been effective before this.
While a division title may be a stretch, those who watch the NFL know that season to season teams change for the better or worse - what you did a season ago doesn't really matter. For example, take the Miami Dolphins 1-15 in 07', 11-5 in 08' winning the AFC East Division.
The loss of their #2 wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh would be a blow to their offense, but a young and improving Chris Henry would fill his shoes, as would Lavaerneus Coles, acquired during the off season from the Jets.
Carson Palmer and Chad Ocho Cinco make one of the best QB WR combination in the NFL. If they are on the same page the Bengals may be a playoff contender. Chad's antics off the field may be tiresome to most, when the Bengals are winning Ocho Cinco seems to be forgiven. - 30542
Carson Palmer was out the majority of the year with an injury - with his departure the Bengals sunk fast. Chad Ocho Cinco became an average wide receiver and faded away as the season continued to move forward.
Ryan Fitzpatrick did his best, but his skills were nowhere near that of Palmer's, and the offense struggled greatly for it. This wasn't much of a surprise considering his lack of NFL experience.
Chad Ocho Cinco, previously known as a top three wide receiver in the NFL, turned into the sort of wide receiver that would be commonplace around the league, and his numbers were miserable as compared to seasons past.
The only potential bright spot was the emergence of Cedric Benson over the course of the last few games, but even this was a question mark, as Benson had never really been effective before this.
While a division title may be a stretch, those who watch the NFL know that season to season teams change for the better or worse - what you did a season ago doesn't really matter. For example, take the Miami Dolphins 1-15 in 07', 11-5 in 08' winning the AFC East Division.
The loss of their #2 wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh would be a blow to their offense, but a young and improving Chris Henry would fill his shoes, as would Lavaerneus Coles, acquired during the off season from the Jets.
Carson Palmer and Chad Ocho Cinco make one of the best QB WR combination in the NFL. If they are on the same page the Bengals may be a playoff contender. Chad's antics off the field may be tiresome to most, when the Bengals are winning Ocho Cinco seems to be forgiven. - 30542
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