(Sports Network) - The Cincinnati Bengals appear to have solved one image
problem. In 2012, they'll be striving to put another one finally to rest.
For years, the Bengals had an infamous reputation of being the NFL's poster
children for bad behavior, gaining more notoriety for their players' off-the-
field conduct and outlandish antics than their accomplishments on it. An
extensive house-cleaning prior to the 2011 season rid the team of many of its
malcontents and locker-room corrupters, with the new blood helping to forge an
attitude adjustment that paid dividends even faster than the organization
could have ever imagined.
With a pair of character-conscious rookies, quarterback Andy Dalton and wide
receiver A.J. Green, leading the way, Cincinnati orchestrated one of the NFL's
largest and most surprising turnarounds of last season. The Bengals
transformed a four-win flop in 2010 into a 9-7 record and playoff appearance,
instantly stamping themselves as one of the league's up-and-coming clubs.
While the Bengals were able to change their stripes from a public relations
perspective, there's still one ignominious label the franchise just hasn't
been able to shake. Cincinnati hasn't reached the playoffs in back-to-back
seasons since the 1981 and '82 campaigns, and hasn't produced a winning mark
in the last five years that followed a postseason trip.
This latest edition may have a chance to buck that dubious trend, however. A
league-best four players -- Dalton, Green, tight end Jermaine Gresham and
defensive tackle Geno Atkins -- from Cincinnati's last two draft classes
were voted to the Pro Bowl last season, while a defense that ranked seventh
overall in yards allowed returns all but two starters.
But although the future appears very bright, there are still areas that the
Bengals must improve upon to take that long-awaited next step. Last year's
squad often came up well short when matched up against a heavyweight, winning
just one of eight tests (including the playoffs) against opponents that
finished above .500. While Dalton's debut was considered an unqualified
success, the red-headed quarterback threw 10 interceptions against just five
touchdown passes in those seven losses.
Dalton was picked off three times and sacked on four occasions in Cincinnati's
31-10 setback to fellow upstart Houston in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
"To make the playoffs last year was good, but you don't want to end it the way
we did," he stated. "Our goal is to get back to the playoffs. Once you get to
the playoffs, it doesn't matter what happened during the regular season --
it's one game at a time. Our goal is to get back there."
The remaining members from Cincinnati's 2010 debacle can point to that season
as further motivation. The Bengals also came into that year with elevated
expectations after producing 10 victories and an AFC North title the previous
year, only to crumble under a rash of injuries and numerous chemistry
problems.
This year's group insists it isn't fixated on exorcising previous demons,
however, instead keeping the focus squarely on the present.
"2010 is gone and we've moved on, and now we're in '12," said head coach
Marvin Lewis. "What's in the past is in the past, and let's keep it there."
Below we take a capsule look at the 2012 edition of the Cincinnati Bengals,
with a personnel evaluation and prognosis included therein:
2011 RECORD: 9-7 (3rd, AFC North)
LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2011, lost to Houston in AFC Wild Card
COACH (RECORD): Marvin Lewis (69-74-1 in nine seasons)
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jay Gruden (second season)
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Mike Zimmer (fifth season with Bengals)
OFFENSIVE STAR: A.J. Green, WR (65 receptions, 1057 yards, 7 TD)
DEFENSIVE STAR: Leon Hall, CB (32 tackles, 2 INT)
2011 OFFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 20th overall (19th rushing, 20th passing), 18th
scoring (21.5 ppg)
2011 DEFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 7th overall (10th rushing, 9th passing), 9th
scoring (20.2 ppg)
KEY ADDITIONS: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (from Patriots), RG Kevin Zeitler (1st
Round, Wisconsin), WR Mohamed Sanu (3rd Round, Rutgers), DT Brandon Thompson
(3rd Round, Clemson), DT Devon Still (2nd Round, Penn State), DE Jamaal
Anderson (from Colts), CB Dre Kirkpatrick (1st Round, Alabama), CB Terence
Newman (from Cowboys), CB Jason Allen (from Texans)
KEY DEPARTURES: RB Cedric Benson (to Packers), WR Jerome Simpson (to Vikings),
LG Nate Livings (to Cowboys), RG Bobbie Williams (to Ravens), DE Frostee
Rucker (to Browns), SS Chris Crocker (released), WR Jordan Shipley (to
Buccaneers), WR Andre Caldwell (to Broncos), TE Bo Scaife (free agent), C Mike
McGlynn (to Colts), DT Jonathan Fanene (to Patriots), OLB Brandon Johnson (to
Steelers), CB Kelly Jennings (free agent), S Gibril Wilson (free agent)
QB: The Bengals knew they were getting a quarterback with smarts and a winning
pedigree in Dalton (3398 passing yards, 20 TD, 13 INT in 2011), who compiled a
stellar 34-3 record over his final three collegiate seasons at TCU, when they
tabbed him as the immediate successor to the disgruntled Carson Palmer. The
24-year-old's ascension into a competent director of offensive coordinator Jay
Gruden's West Coast system was quicker and more seamless than the team
initially envisioned, however. There's still room for improvement, though, as
he often struggled when facing top-level defenses as a rookie, throwing 10 of
his 16 total interceptions in Cincinnati's seven games against Pittsburgh,
Baltimore, Houston and San Francisco. The Bengals are also pleased with backup
Bruce Gradkowski (109 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), a gamer who compensates for
a limited set of physical tools with lots of moxie and a fiery demeanor. With
a career 53 percent completion percentage and a 6-14 lifetime record as a
starter, Cincinnati could be in some trouble if Dalton went down for an
extended period, however.
RB: Cincinnati got plenty of mileage out of scrap-heap pickup Cedric Benson,
with the Chicago castoff delivering three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from
2009-11, but his heavy workload over that time frame prompted the club to go
in another direction when he hit free agency this offseason. The Bengals
instead signed BenJarvus Green-Ellis (667 rushing yards, 11 TD, 9 receptions)
to be the new lead back, and the ex-Patriot brings a similar hard-driving
style and similar skill set as his predecessor. Though lacking a game-breaking
burst, he's an excellent short-yardage runner with outstanding ball security,
having never fumbled in 510 career carries. Green-Ellis will be paired with
returnee Bernard Scott (380 rushing yards, 3 TD, 13 receptions), a better
outside threat and change-of-pace option but who's had a mostly
undistinguished three-year tenure as a pro. Also back is Brian Leonard (22
receptions), the best receiver of the Bengals' stable who's utilized mostly on
third downs, while fellow holdover Cedric Peerman is used sparingly on offense
but is one of the team's top special teams performers. Fullback Chris Pressley
also holds a key role in the running game as a strong lead blocker.
WR: While Dalton proved to be a great value pick in the second round,
Cincinnati hit a home run with its selection of Green (65 receptions, 1057
yards, 7 TD) with the fourth overall choice of last year's draft. The former
Georgia star immediately established himself as an upper-echelon receiver by
displaying terrific hands and separation skills along with the deep speed to
stretch a defense, and he's yet to even reach his ceiling. After letting
Jerome Simpson walk in free agency, finding a capable secondary target to
prevent Green from drawing constant double-teams became a primary focus of
training camp, with a host of intriguing but largely unproven candidates vying
for the position. Armon Binns, who spent nearly all his rookie year on the
practice squad last season, and return whiz Brandon Tate emerged as the
leading contenders in the preseason, but neither caught a pass in 2011 and may
just be a place-holder until Rutgers product Mohamed Sanu, a third-round pick
in April's draft who set the Big East record for career receptions, is deemed
ready. The Bengals nabbed another rookie with some size and upside with its
fifth-round selection of Cal's Marvin Jones, though he'll have some depth-
chart climbing to do at first. Andrew Hawkins (23 receptions) did a credible
job out of the slot after making the team as an undrafted college free agent
last year, and he'll serve in that capacity this season after beating out
injury-risk Jordan Shipley.
TE: With the uncertainty at wide receiver, the Bengals will be counting on
Gresham (56 receptions, 6 TD) to further build on a solid second season in
which the 2010 first-rounder placed second on the team in touchdown catches
and was chosen as a Pro Bowl alternate. He's the headliner of a pretty deep
pool of players at the position that also includes reliable vet Donald Lee (11
receptions) and talented rookie Orson Charles, Green's former college teammate
at Georgia. The 21-year-old comes to the pros with some off-field baggage, but
is a quality receiver and a competitive blocker who could prove to be a
fourth-round steal. If he develops quickly, he could push either Lee or
blocking specialist Colin Cochart (5 receptions, 1 TD) off the roster.
OL: The Bengals are undergoing a changing of the guards in 2012, with the team
using both free agency and the draft to find intended replacements for
erstwhile starters Bobbie Williams and Nate Livings after each wasn't
retained. Ex-Panther Travelle Wharton was signed in March to take over at left
guard, but the experienced veteran unfortunately tore his ACL in the preseason
opener and was forced to injured reserve, elevating the lightly tested Clint
Boling into the regular lineup. Although the 2011 fourth-round choice had a
baptism by fire in three early-season starts at right guard as a rookie, he's
got the agility and intelligence to become an asset in time. The time is
already now for new right guard Kevin Zeitler, one of Cincinnati's two first-
round selections in this past draft who was immediately installed into
Williams' old post. The Wisconsin alum is big, tough and a sound technician
who should provide instant benefits in the run game. Center Kyle Cook has
provided stability and durability in the middle, having started every game
over the past three years, but he's in jeopardy of missing a significant chunk
of the season after hurting his foot in late August. With undrafted rookie
Trevor Robinson next on the camp depth chart, the Bengals clearly hope that
isn't the case. There are far fewer concerns outside, where the underrated
Andrew Whitworth has quietly emerged as one of the league's better left
tackles and former top 10 pick Andre Smith can be a dominating mauler on the
right side with his massive frame and rare athleticism. They'll both be backed
up again by swingman Anthony Collins and Dennis Roland, with the latter
occasionally deployed as an extra tight end in jumbo packages.
DL: The strength of a front four that was responsible for Cincinnati ranking
near the top of the NFL in run defense for a portion of last season lies in
its depth, with coordinator Mike Zimmer routinely rotating as many as eight
players over the course of the year. The group isn't littered with big names,
though Atkins (47 tackles) and third-year end Carlos Dunlap (23 tackles, 4.5
sacks) are beginning to make one for themselves with their all-around play.
Atkins' exceptionally quick first step and high motor enabled the first-year
starter to notch a team-best 7 1/2 sacks, tied for the league lead among
interior players, while the 6-foot-6, 280-pound Dunlap is a physical freak who
amassed 9 1/2 quarterback takedowns as a rookie in 2010 before having his
production curtailed by injuries in his follow-up season. He'll again share
snaps with seasoned run-stopper Robert Geathers (29 tackles, 2.5 sacks) at
left end, with the also-athletic Michael Johnson (42 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 INT)
the main man on the opposite side who's also coming off the best year of his
relatively young career. Nose tackle Domata Peko (66 tackles, 2.5 sacks) also
returns as one of the team's anchors in the middle and most valued leaders,
with capable sub Pat Sims (20 tackles, 1 sack) back to chip in as well once
he's over an ankle problem that's kept him out of the majority of camp. The
Bengals also brought in former first-round pick Jamaal Anderson (24 tackles, 3
sacks with Colts) to spell Johnson and plucked tackle prospects Devon Still
(2nd Round, Penn State) and Brandon Thompson (3rd Round, Clemson) in the draft
to offset the offseason departures of Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker.
LB: Cincinnati brings back all three starters from a linebacking crew that put
forth a very respectable overall performance in 2011. Weakside regular Thomas
Howard (99 tackles, 1 sack), cut loose by Oakland prior to last season, is a
blazer who led the team in tackles while also displaying good coverage
ability, while the tandem of Rey Maualuga (88 tackles, 1 INT) in the middle
and Manny Lawson (52 tackles, 1.5 sacks) on the strong side gives the team a
pair of physical tacklers that are strong in run support. Maualuga also lived
up to his reputation as an intimidating presence by forcing a club-best three
fumbles, and the former USC All-American exhibited improved discipline after
being exploited for his aggressiveness earlier in his career. The reserve
corps is headed by overachiever Dan Skuta (31 tackles, 0.5 sacks), a core
special-teams player who did an adequate job in three stand-in starts for an
injured Maualuga last season, and Roddrick Muckelroy, back from an Achilles
tear that sidelined him for all of 2011. The Bengals also may find a spot for
rookie gamble Vontaze Burfict, considered a possible first-round talent
heading into his final year at Arizona State but who went undrafted entirely
due to makeup and commitment concerns.
DB: The secondary ranks as the greatest area of uncertainty on Zimmer's
defense, as the Bengals are a bit long in the tooth at some spots and somewhat
green in others. Additionally, the group's best member, cornerback Leon Hall
(32 tackles, 2 INT), missed nearly half of last season with a torn Achilles
that could rob him of some of his previous playmaking ability, though he's
shown very positive signs of regaining his excellent prior form in camp. On
the other side, 12th-year vet Nate Clements (55 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT) is 32
and lost a step, and was thought to be on the roster bubble when the team took
Alabama standout Dre Kirkpatrick with the 17th overall pick of this past
draft. The rookie has been sidelined much of the preseason with a knee injury,
however, and will likely be eased in behind Clements, still a savvy defender
and a top-notch tackler, and the also age-advanced Terence Newman (53 tackles,
4 INT). The soon-to-be 34-year-old ex-Cowboy is coming off a poor and injury-
plagued last season in Dallas, but appears rejuvenated in his new surroundings
and is well-versed in Zimmer's system from the latter's former days with the
Cowboys. The backfield's one constant should be free safety Reggie Nelson (85
tackles, 2 sacks, 4 INT), Cincinnati's leader in interceptions last year whose
above-average range can help compensate for what Clements and Newman may have
lost. There are questions at strong safety, however, after the team released
the declining Chris Crocker in April. Failed 49ers high draft choice Taylor
Mays (10 tackles) and special-teams demon Jeromy Miles (16 tackles) are both
hard hitters who can make contributions stopping the run, but neither offers
much experience or fluidity in coverage. Zimmer has tinkered with the idea of
inserting Clements there on passing downs, and free-agent pickup Jason Allen
(45 tackles, 4 INT, 11 PD with Texans) has played on the back end before and
has the size to handle a switch from his more familiar corner position.
Cincinnati also drafted 6-foot-4 specimen George Iloka in the fifth round, but
the Boise State product may be too raw to be anything more than a work in
progress at this stage.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Kicker Mike Nugent's career had been marked with inconsistency
ever since being a second-round pick of the Jets in 2005, but the Ohio native
put it all together last year and was rewarded with a big pay raise as a
franchise-player designee. He knocked home a personal-best 33 field goals in
38 tries, including a 14-of-16 success rate from 40 yards or beyond. Punter
Kevin Huber also set a new career standard with a 44.2 average in 2011, though
the lefty's hang time and placement could use some fine-tuning to move into
the league's upper echelon at the position. Tate can continually put the
offense in good spots with his prowess in the return game, where he averaged a
very respectable 10.6 yards taking back punts last year and owns a 24.8 career
average along with two touchdowns on kickoffs. He also took a punt back 56
yards for a score in a midseason win at Seattle back in October. The
continuity in this department was further maintained when long snapper Clark
Harris, a steady performer since joining the Bengals in 2009, was brought back
as a restricted free agent in the spring.
PROGNOSIS: The speedy development of players such as Dalton, Green and Atkins
has the Bengals on the right track in the long term, but it still remains to
be seen whether the present will be as bright as the future appears.
Cincinnati handled the cream puffs on last year's schedule but wasn't quite
ready for prime time when matched up against the tougher foes, raising
questions as to whether its 2011 success can be sustained. This is a
competitive club with a solid defense and a smart and efficient quarterback,
but there doesn't seem to be any weapons on offense that can truly strike fear
into opponents other than Green and the injuries the line incurred in the
preseason could be an issue for a team with a lot of untested depth. While
last year's unexpected playoff berth breeds optimism, the reality is the
Bengals were closer to mediocre than elite on the league spectrum. Unless
Dalton can take a big step forward or this draft class can have the impact of
the previous one, the middle of the road appears to be their most reasonable
destination.
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