ESPN released their 2010 NFL Power Rankings for the offseason with the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 11. With an already stellar defense, the defending AFC North champions received a high ranking after adding key members on offense through free agency and the draft to improve last year’s 26th ranked passing game.
Last season, the Bengals were ranked No. 24 before the start of the regular season. There were many questions surrounding a Cincinnati team coming off of a 4-11-1 season and a quarterback in Carson Palmer returning from a serious elbow injury that allowed him to play in just four games in 2008.
Instead, the Bengals shocked the NFL world by winning their first division title since 2005 thanks to a powerful running game (ranked 8th overall) led by Cedric Benson and a strong defensive unit (ranked 4th overall) that surrendered just 18.2 points per game. Unfortunately, the passing game was still a major issue, averaging just 180.6 yards per game through the air with their only consistent wideout being Chad Ochocinco.
Head coach Marvin Lewis knew for his team to not only compete for their second-straight division title, but their first back-to-back winning seasons in 28 years, the Bengals would need to add a few more targets for Carson Palmer to throw to. They started the 2010 offseason on the right path by signing Antonio Bryant after Laveranues Coles’ release and continued to head in the right direction in this year’s draft. Not only did they add a dangerous pass-catching tight end by selecting Jermaine Gresham with the 21st pick, but third-round pick Jordan Shipley may see some early action during his rookie season as an effective slot wideout.
The Bengals have been making all the right moves during the 2010 offseason and will not only be considered contenders within their division, but playoffs as well. However, defending their division title won’t come easy with the fourth toughest schedule with eight games against teams who made the playoffs a year ago. Not to mention their six games within the division against the Steelers, Browns, and Ravens—who are currently No. 7 on ESPN’s list after adding key members to their passing game as well.
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