What a Difference a Year Makes
(October 24, 2009 - Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
By Travis Pulver
Last year the Cincinnati Bengals were simply awful; there is really no better way to put it. At dead last in total offense (30th passing and 29th rushing) and 12th in total defense (15th in passing and 21st in rushing) it’s a minor miracle that they managed to win the four games they did. However, with the return of Carson Palmer and the addition of key personnel, the Bengals have shocked the football world with their improbable win of the Northern Division of the AFC.
The addition and re-emergence of Cedric Benson has had a lot to do with the Bengals rushing attack being brought out of the cellar (29th in 2008) to the upper third of the league(9th in 2009). After being dumped in 2008 by the Bears, the former Texas Longhorn was added to the roster as the back up to Chris Perry. Benson took over the starting job in game seven last year and has not looked back. In 2009, he has been one of the most efficient and reliable backs in the NFL averaging close to 100 yards a game (96.2; 2rd only to Tennessee’s Chris Johnson with 125.4) with a 4.2 yard average per carry and 1251 yards (8th in the NFL).
Without the defense taking it up an extra notch or two to become the fourth best unit in the NFL, the improvement by the offense this season would have gone unnoticed. Points were hard to come by for anyone playing the Bengals this season as the team only allowed 18.2 points a game (6th) and 291 for the season (also 6th). Prior to the week 17 matchup against the Jets (who gained 257 yards on the ground) the rush defense was ranked 2nd in the league allowing less than 90 yards a game (87.7). After the Jets game that saw many key personnel not playing they moved down to 7th with 98.3 yards per game.
For the season, the passing defense improved from 15th in 2008 to 6th in 2009, thanks in large part to the stellar play of the Bengal secondary. As a unit, they combined for 16 interceptions on the year (19 for the defense as a whole) while only giving up 18 touchdown receptions. The duo of Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph became a dangerous tandem at cornerback for the Bengals tying for the team lead in interception with 6 a piece with Joseph returning one for a touchdown as well. Hall and Joseph were also among the team leaders in tackles with 70 a piece. Not to be outdone by the corner backs was strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe who notched the second most on the team with 88. Free safety Chris Crocker chimed in 51 tackles for the secondary (8th on the team).
If these guys stick together they will be even better in the years to come. Chris Crocker is the most experienced of the four having been in the league for seven years. Ndukwe and Hall are both three year players and Joseph is in his fourth year.
Even though the Cincinnati Bengals were ushered out of the playoffs rather early one thing is for sure, these guys will be a force in the years to come.
Tags: Carlson Palmer, Cedric Benson, Chinedum Ndukwe, Chris Perry, Cincinnati Bengals, Jonathan Joseph, Leon Hall
Very insightfull Mr Pulver, the ground game has obviously improved with the addition of Benson, but did they do so at the expense of thier dynamic passing game that was near the top of the league in years past?
Jason,
I say give up the passing game for the running game. This year they made the playoffs with a dominant running game, where they haven’t with that dynamic passing game in years past.
No TJ no passing! Who would have thought Beson had legs after leaving Da Bears. I question if Palmer has had enough though? Do you think being on HBO caused a gut check?
I don’t know if being on HBO caused a gut check, but it was definitely a cool show, can’t wait till next year. Hopefully they’ll have someone interesting like the Raiders….I would love to see coaches fighting eachother