Despite winning the AFC North Division last season, few prognasticators give them a chance of repeating in 2010. That could serve as motivation in Cincinnati.
View full sizeThere is some evidence that quarterback Carson Palmer (9) is in a decline after injuries in 2005 and 2008, but he'll get a chance to prove doubters wrong this season with a new group of receivers that includes former Brown Antonio Bryant.As NFL training camps prepare to open next week, Plain Dealer pro football and Browns beat reporter Tony Grossi takes a closer look at Cleveland's rivals in the AFC North division.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cincinnati Bengals head to training camp on July 28 in an enviable position.
They're the defending champions of the Browns' division and are not the favorites to repeat. Most preseason prognosticators have greater respect for Baltimore. That sentiment removes a small burden from the team and replaces it with a convenient motivating chip.
Why do few believe in the Bengals?
The previous time the Bengals won the division in 2005, they followed with an 8-8 season and missed the playoffs. In fact, the Bengals have not made playoff appearances in back-to-back seasons in 28 years. Somehow, they will self-destruct, goes the thinking.
There's also the perception that quarterback Carson Palmer, 30, is on a decline that began with his knee injury in the 2005 playoffs and worsened with an elbow injury in 2008. The statistics support the contention.
View full sizeAntonio Bryant, who played for the Browns in 2004 and 2005, is the new go-to receiver for the Bengals.But even if Palmer has seen his better days, here are some reasons not to count out the Bengals:
• The additions of free agent Antonio Bryant, and rookies Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham, give Palmer more receiving weapons than he's had in his career in Cincinnati.
• The defense under coordinator Mike Zimmer rose to fourth in overall yards, seventh against the rush and sixth against the pass -- a top-10 hat trick it hadn't accomplished since 1983.
• They're getting back pass-rush specialist Antwan Odom, who had eight sacks in three games last year before suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury.
The Bengals play in the first NFL preseason game Aug. 8 in Canton. It would not surprise themselves, at least, if they're also playing in the last postseason game, Feb. 6, in Dallas.
Cincinnati Bengals
Full camp opens: July 28, Georgetown College, Georgetown, Ky.
2009 result: 10-7, lost to Jets in wildcard.
2009 vs. Browns: 2-0; 23-20 in Cleveland, 16-7 in Cincinnati.
2010 outlook: Playoff contender.
2010 uncommon opponents: San Diego and Indianapolis.
Rookie to watch: WR Jordan Shipley, third round. Colt McCoy's favorite receiver at Texas will battle Andre Caldwell for the team's key slot receiver role. Coaches envision him as a Wes Welker type.
Veteran to watch: WR Antonio Bryant. The one-time Brown hit the jackpot in free agency with a four-year contract for $28 million. He's the new go-to guy for Carson Palmer.
Training camp issues: Is Adam (nee Pac Man) Jones ready to put his troubles aside and contribute as a nickel cornerback and return specialist? Will defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer assimilate 2009 draft picks Michael Johnson and Rey Maualuga into a 3-4 look? Will former Ohio State standout Mike Nugent or Dave Rayner replace kicker Shayne Graham, who gagged twice in a playoff loss against the Jets?
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670