Much of last year’s on-field success stems from the career year put together by veteran Jon Kitna, but the future of this franchise is now in the hands of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, Carson Palmer. So while Cincinnati truly looks like a team that is getting its act together, they could take a step backwards before becoming a real threat for the division championship.
Quarterback
Much of the Bengals success this season will depend on how quickly Palmer adjusts to the NFL. He spent the entire 2003 season observing from the sidelines, but now he is expected to come in and earn his keep. So far he has shown a good command of the offense and his development will be aided by a solid offensive line and a nice arsenal of weapons. He certainly has the arm, talent, and all the tools to get the job done.
Kitna, who would be an improvement as a starter for several NFL teams, will be on the bench and is a nice alternative if the second-year QB completely flops, but the question is, how long should head coach Marvin Lewis wait to make a move should Palmer prove he’s not ready? Do they live and die with the youngster by allowing him to play through potential growing pains? Or, should they stumble out of the gate, do they turn to the veteran while there is still a legitimate chance of making the playoffs? Early-season success by the youngster would be the best-case scenario for Cincinnati and will nip a QB controversy in the bud, but I fully expect some bumps in the road somewhere along the line as the season progresses. And I expect Lewis to show a lot of patience with his franchise QB. After all, the team has a lot invested in his development.
Running Backs
Rudi Johnson is the starter now with Corey Dillon in New England, and he will likely share time with first-round draft pick Chris Perry. Johnson is a tough runner between the tackles, but he lacks the speed to bounce outside and he must prove that last season was not a fluke. Perry is a shifty runner, but he can also run with power. He has good size, quickness, and speed, and he picks up yards after contact. He has good vision and instincts for finding the hole, he possesses good cut-back ability, and catches the ball well in the flat.
Kenny Watson will fill the No. 3 role, but he is little more than a special teams player. Jeremi Johnson will start at fullback, but the Bengals plan to open up the offense this year so he may not get a lot of playing time.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
If the Bengals can take advantage of Palmer’s big arm, this receiving corps could be explosive and among the best in the league this year. Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick will return as the starters with second-year wideout Kelley Washington coming in as the third receiver. Johnson is the top receiver on this squad and one of the elite receivers in the league. Warrick, who is a great fit at No. 2, can play on the outside in two-receiver sets and move inside to the slot in three-receiver formations.
Washington, who will play on the outside in the No. 3 role, has a ton of talent, but he slipped to the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft because of health concerns. He is a big physical receiver with good speed and soft hands, and he should benefit from the offense’s desire to stretch the field vertically. He could emerge as one of the more dangerous third receivers in the league.
