Other NFL teams may begin accepting the Cincinnati Bengals are a legit team

Adam on 11 20, 2009

Ok, maybe I’m a little late to the bandwagon, but the Cincinnati Bengals are for real.  I was hesitant to put them in any type of elite category until I saw them compete against the Steelers for a second time.  Not only did they compete, but they were the tougher, more poised, and the better team on Sunday.

The Steelers hardly ever get out game planned or physically dominated, but the Bengals have beaten them soundly twice this year.  Any time you beat the defending champs twice, you have as good a shot as anyone at playing in the Super Bowl.

The thing that makes the Bengals more than just a nice story that will make the playoffs and then get demolished is their balance.  Although Carson Palmer has never regained his form from the 2005 season (where the Steelers injured him in the playoffs) in which he looked like the next NFL super-star, he is playing at a high level, still has a huge arm, and has been smart with the football.  Teams have to respect the Bengals vertical passing game because Palmer throws as good of a deep ball as any quarterback in the league.

CinLeapTiger

Palmer aside the Bengals have also gotten huge production from the reborn Cedric Benson.  Benson is a bona-fide MVP candidate.  He has been carrying the load for the Bengals, punishing defenses, and opening up the passing game for Palmer and company.

What tells me even more about this Bengals team though, is the fact that Benson got injured early in Sunday’s clash with the Steelers, and yet the Bengals didn’t miss a beat.  Their all-pro running back goes down in a huge division clash on the road against the defending Super Bowl champions, and still they persevered.

The defense however is perhaps the biggest reason the Bengals sit in such a prime position.  In terms of yards allowed the Bengals rank 11th in the league however they are second in the league in points allowed (on average they allow just over 16 points per game).  They are young, fast, and aggressive.  They sacked Roethlisberger numerous times Sunday and made the Steelers uncomfortable for the entire game.

This game against the Steelers answered a lot of questions about the Bengals, and they now have the inside track in the division.  Their next three games are against the Raiders, Browns, and Lions.  If they keep their heads on straight that should be 10-2 easily.  The Bengals should get to 12 wins or perhaps more, which would nearly assure the division title if not a first round bye in the playoffs.

I never thought I’d say this but, is there anything the Bengals don’t have?  A franchise quarterback, and MVP level running back, great talent at the receiver position, and a top tier playmaking defense.  You may not be sold yet, but I am.  Beware Colts, Patriots, and Steelers, There’s a new elite team in town.  A team that has a real shot a going all the way to the Super Bowl.

Other awesome content to check out: