Cincinnati Bengals
Key Additions: WR Antonio Bryant, WR Terrell Owens, WR Matt Jones, S Gibril Wilson, TE Jermaine Gresham, DE Carlos Dunlap, WR Jordan Shipley
Key Subtractions: WR Levarnues Coles, K Shayne Graham, RB Larry Johnson
The Bengals come into the 2010 season looking to defend their AFC North title from a year ago. The Bengals did a lot in the offseason to improve the passing game which was not a strength a year ago as they ranked near the bottom in the league. They signed both Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens and also drafted Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley. With those additions to go along with Chad OchoCinco, the passing game should be much better in 2010. But that all depends on Carson Palmer. Palmer's numbers were not great last year even though he started all 16 games. His 3,094 yards, 21 TD's, and 83.6 rating were all career lows in which he started all 16 games. The strength of the Bengals was their running game. Cedric Benson resurrected his career and rushed for 1,251 yards despite missing two games to injury. With the additions the Bengals made in the offseason to improve the passing game, this could help the Benson and the backfield tremendously. Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard will back-up Benson, but he is the primary guy. If the offensive line can protect Palmer and the Bengals can become much more balanced and consistent, their offense will improve on their 19.1 points per game average in 2009.
The Bengals defense in 2009 ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense lead by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Antwan Odom missed most of the season with injury but is expected to be ready to start the season. The Begals drafted Carlos Dunlap, a troubled but athletic defensive end from Florida who should see some significant playing time. Robert Geathers and Tank Johnson are veteran players who will show Dunlap what it will take to succeed in the league. Linebackers Dhani Jones and Ray Maualuga along with Keith Rivers make up a strong starting 3 linebacking corps. The Bengals ranked 7th in the NFL in rushing defense in 2009. Corners Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph also are play makers in the secondary and the addition of veteran Gibril Wilson will help make the secondary better in 2010.
Schedule:
1 Sun, Sep 12 at New England
2 Sun, Sep 19 Baltimore
3 Sun, Sep 26 at Carolina
4 Sun, Oct 3 at Cleveland
5 Sun, Oct 10 Tampa Bay
6 BYE
7 Sun, Oct 24 at Atlanta
8 Sun, Oct 31 Miami
9 Mon, Nov 8 Pittsburgh
10 Sun, Nov 14 at Indianapolis
11 Sun, Nov 21 Buffalo
12 Thu, Nov 25 at NY Jets
13 Sun, Dec 5 New Orleans
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Pittsburgh
15 Sun, Dec 19 Cleveland
16 Sun, Dec 26 San Diego
17 Sun, Jan 2 at Baltimore
The Bengals have the 4th hardest schedule in the NFL and opponents were 138-118 last season. The catch the AFC East and NFC South this season. They catch Pittsburgh after the Roethlisburger suspension, but face tough non divisional road games at the Colts and home against the Chargers. Tough schedule any way you look at it, but look for the Bengals to fight hard to retain that AFC North title from a year ago.
New England Patriots
Key Additions: TE Alge Crumpler, WR Torry Holt, OLB Jermaine Cunningham, MLB Brandon Spikes, CB Devin McCourty, TE Aaron Hernandez, TE Rob Gronkowski
Key Subtractions: DE Jarvis Green, LB Junior Seau, CB Shawn Springs, LB Adalius Thomas, TE Benjamin Watson, TE Chris Baker
The Pats come into the 2010 season coming off another division title last season, but they will have a tougher time this year as the Jets and Miami have lowered the gap between them. Tom Brady came back last season after tearing his ACL in the first game of the 2008 season and started all 16 games. He is one of the elite quarterbacks in the league and still has plenty left. Wes Welker tore his MCL and ACL in the finale of the regular season last year and although he is in camp, it is unlikely he will put up the numbers this year he has in the past. More emphasis will be put on Randy Moss and Jullian Edelman will be the primary receivers someone is going to have to step up among the Pats reserves. They brought in a lot of TE's this offseason which will create a lot of options for Brady in the red zone. Expect them to run more double tight end sets with Welker probably out, something they have not done a lot of in the past. The running backs on the team are all over 30 but all produce. Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris probably see an equal amount of carries in order to keep all of them fresh and healthy for the entire season. The Pats have one of the best offensive lines in football that have a good mix of veterans and young players. What it will come down to is when will Welker be back and how will he play.
The Pats began to overhaul their defense last season. Richard Seymour was traded before the season started last year and Jarvis Green is gone. Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork are the leaders of the line and must continue to play at a high level. The Pats drafted 2 Florida linebackers who stood out well in college. Cunningham is a good pass rusher who can be nice in the OLB in a 3-4. Spikes will take more time to develop to get used to the pro game, especially the speed. Jarrod Mayo and Tully Banta-Cain played well last season. With these additions, it just comes down to how well these players pick up the playbook and avoid mistakes. The secondary got some help with the drafting of CB Devin McCourty. Leigh Bodden, Darius Butler, and Brandon Meriweather round out the secondary. The Pats struggled though on third down in passing situations. They were second to last in the league ahead of only Detroit as opponents were 37.7% on third down when passing. By not getting off the field, it wears defenses down the longer the drives go and forces your high powered offense to sit on the bench. The Pats must do a better job of that this season or they will not be playing in Dallas in February.
Schedule:
WK DATE OPPONENT
1 Sun, Sep 12 Cincinnati
2 Sun, Sep 19 at NY Jets
3 Sun, Sep 26 Buffalo
4 Mon, Oct 4 at Miami
5 BYE
6 Sun, Oct 17 Baltimore
7 Sun, Oct 24 at San Diego
8 Sun, Oct 31 Minnesota
9 Sun, Nov 7 at Cleveland
10 Sun, Nov 14 at Pittsburgh
11 Sun, Nov 21 Indianapolis
12 Thu, Nov 25 at Detroit
13 Mon, Dec 6 NY Jets
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Chicago
15 Sun, Dec 19 Green Bay
16 Sun, Dec 26 at Buffalo
17 Sun, Jan 2 Miami
The Pats have the 6th hardest schedule in the league and opponents were 136-120 last season. They catch the AFC North and NFC North this season. They do catch most of their tougher non divisional opponents at home. They also play the Lions on the road on Thanksgiving after they play the Colts just 5 days prior. Tough schedule, but look for the Pats to be in the mix as long as Brady is under center.
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