2006 NFL Preview: The Cincinnati Bengals

Quarterback- Carson Palmer had an abrupt to his 2005 postseason when the Steelers Kimo von Oelhoffen knocked Palmer out with a torn knee muscle on his first postseason throw. Palmer will return to form by the beginning of the 2006 NFL regular season but look for the Bengals offensive staff to use the running game more early on to get Palmer back into a comfort zone. Palmer had a great season in 2005 and will continue to develop into one of the league’s best quarterbacks in 2006. Behind Palmer are veterans Doug Johnson and Anthony Wright, who will provide steady play in case of long term injury. Both are capable backups and an injury to Palmer is not the end of the world for the Bengals.
2006 NFL Grade: B+

Running back/ Full back- Cincinnati has two solid running backs in Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry, with Johnson providing some punishing runs and Perry providing a change of pace in relief of Johnson. Johnson will have another big season in 2006, with 1300 to 1500 yards rushing and a significant amount of receptions out of the backfield. Full back Jeremi Johnson is a dominating blocker and runner and the Johnson/Perry running tandem will cruise through big holes in 2006.
2006 NFL Grade: A-

Wide Receiver/Tight End- Easily one of the best receiving groups in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals have several deadly weapons who can make a play at any time. Chad Johnson is an impressive athlete and he has backed up all of his boasts, though eventually he will either calm down on his own or will be unable to back up the talk. Johnson is aided by receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry, and Kelley Washington, who all are capable of going deep and getting the big ball. Houshmandzadeh in particular is looking to have another big year in order to improve his credibility as a big play receiver. Even with an injury to one piece, the rest of the receivers are good enough to give Palmer several targets in the passing game.
2006 NFL Grade: A+