Nobody really expected the Cincinnati Bengals to do that much going into the 2009 season.
Maybe if their defensive draft picks panned out and the Carson-to-Ocho combo found wings again,
they'd be good enough to separate themselves from the terminally awful Browns and wind up 8-8 or so
behind the inevitable Ravens-Steelers AFC North championship brawl.
Dude, the Bengals season has been unreal thus far. Cedric Benson, as many Chicago fans may know, was a laughing stock of a running back for more than two years as a starter; next, he lands in Cincy last year, does nothing but look awful gaining 3 yards per carry; but with an improved O-line, he has turned heads with his tough, grind-it-out running style, and perhaps changed minds, as he is now the top rusher in the league after a quarter of the season. It may not seem like much after 5 weeks into this early season, but again, this is Cedric Benson! And also to ponder: he gained 120 yards on the ground against the Ravens today, and wore down Pittsburgh's vaunted defense weeks earlier. These are two consensus top-5 defenses returning from last year, and yet he, still is productive against them. He is like a focused lawnmower or something.
Also, Carson Palmer may not be putting up huge stats, but he has executed and delivered in all 4 victories thus far with successive game-winning drives. That is the quality and trait of an elite quarterback in which each game you are in, you always have a chance to capitilize with a comeback win. He is making the most of what he has, and it shows; he has rejuvenated his rapport with Chad Ochocinco, and he is making great strides with fellow team receivers in Caldwell and Henry.
Here's his take: Bengals QB Carson Palmer said Wednesday he isn't playing up to his capabilities. He's completing 57.7 percent of his attempts for six TDs and five INTs.
"Not good enough," he said.
"Not good enough to win a championship. I can't give myself a letter grade, but I haven't played up to my own expectations." Coach Marvin Lewis had a different take on Palmer's subpar performance against the Browns (23 of 44 for two TDs and an INT while the offense didn't gain a first down for 37 minutes). "I think he's playing better and better each week. His decision-making was as good as it's been this year."
Setting aside the Broncos undefeated streak for a moment, this outcome for Cincinnati and within the league is the real feel-good team of the year. Also, they are truly just one "immaculate deflection" away from being an undefeated team. Besides winning close, all 5 games that the Bengals have participated in have been decided within the last 25 seconds of the game, both wins and losses. This is an incredible team. In my opinion, this is perhaps one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NFL this season, hands-down.
Here's the article, via CBSSports:
In a duel for first place in the AFC North, the Bengals found another way to win a close game. Carson Palmer threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Andre Caldwell with 22 seconds left to cap an 80-yard drive, and the Bengals escaped with a 17-14 victory over the Ravens on Sunday. All five of Cincinnati's games this season have been decided by seven points for fewer. It appeared as if the Bengals (4-1) were destined to come out on the short end of this one until Palmer masterfully directed the final drive -- with the help of three yellow flags. An illegal contact penalty against the Ravens' Chris Carr and an unnecessary roughness call against Ray Lewis preceded the topper, a pass interference penalty against Frank Walker on third and 16 from the Baltimore 30. On the next play, Palmer found Caldwell over the middle for the winning score. Palmer finished the game going 18 for 31 passing for 271 yards. The Caldwell score was Palmer's lone TD pass of the game. He was also interecepted by Ed Reed who took the pick to the house.
And yet another:
First-place Bengals pull upset special in Baltimore