With Bengals camp set to open on July 28 and with all quiet on the CJ front, it is time to predict the starting lineup. This has the potential to be one of the top offensive teams in the NFL. If the dressing room clean up works and Marvin Lewis can motivate the club, the following line up will be back in the playoffs…
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The Obvious
Carson Palmer – Quarterback – One of the top five QB’s in the game. He should lead the team in a rebound year. With all of the weapons available, and if the defence plays up to par, Palmer will do his part on the offensive side of the ball.
Chad Johnson – Wide Receiver – Another top five talent. Unfortunately his bottom five attitude may see him disrupt this year for the Bengals.  If he can keep his disparaging comments to himself and just be ‘colorful’, he can really help this club.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh – Wide Receiver – First time Pro Bowler who was tied for the league lead in receptions. He along with Ocho Sinco, make up arguably the best wide receiver tandem in the NFL.
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The Incumbents
Rudi Johnson – Running Back – Looking to get back to his 2005 form this year. Johnson will likely flourish without dealing with the hamstring injury that bothered him most of last year. Additionally, Perry is back to provide the ‘two’ of the one-two punch. The running game should be solid.
Eric Ghiaciuc – Center – Started all but three games last year. He only missed three games due to a neck injury. There is no-one on the roster that is a real threat to his starting job.
Jeremi Johnson – Fullback – At 270 this 5 year pro is a true blocking back who has been the starter here for 5 years. He’s not going anywhere.
Bobbie Williams – Right Guard – Started every game last year. Was a big reason for the excellent pass protection last year. No chance that he will be out of his spot.
Andrew Whitworth – Left Guard – Monster who moved into the starting lineup last year and has most likely found a home at left guard.
Levi Jones – Left Tackle – Jones was third alternate for the Pro Bowl who had a solid year last year despite some injuries. Rounds out a nice O-line.
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The Surprises
Stacy Andrews – Right Tackle – Stacey will find a home as a starter this year. Although Willie Anderson and his Pro Bowl resume is ready to come back this year. His injury was significant enough at this late stage in his career that he may be relegated to a back-up role. Also it should be noted Andrews was tagged as the Bengal’s franchise player and will earn $7.5M this year. (BTW checkout this nice article on Andrews, projected to be the ‘#1 Breakout player of the year’ by CBS Sportsline’s Pete Prisco… http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10882613)
Ben Utecht – Tight End – Will likely displace Kelly as the starter. While he may not be as good a blocker, he has better hands and provides a nice weapon for Palmer with soft hands.
Can’t wait for the first snap! I am confident that this is one of the top offensive clubs in the NFL. Hopefully they can put it all together like in the ’05 season. Any thought Bengal’s fans?…
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Last post (s) by Chris Tait
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Tags: 2008 Season, Bengals, Bengals Preview, Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, TJ Houshmandzadeh
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4 Responses to “Who’s Starting on Offense? Here are my predictions. Bengals Camp Opening July 28”
Posted: 07/13/08 at 6:24 pm
Do see this season as a make or break year for Marvin Lewis ?
Posted: 07/13/08 at 7:40 pm
James, absolutely!
Last year was a failure given the talent on this club. The public troubles some players had with the law,.. that was his mulligan. I think he will be done without at least 1 post season win, much less a playoff spot.
Posted: 07/14/08 at 5:22 am
Anybody your expecting alot from on the offensive side of the ball ?
Posted: 07/14/08 at 6:34 am
Look for Rudi Johnson to have a huge year. For fantasy players this would be a nice guy to have. I believe his injuries of last year are behind him, Chris Perry is back to spell him and to provide a 3rd down threat and the passing game will setup the run nicely. The only concern I have is a somewhat strange one. Cincy has a monster offensive line who were terrific at pass blocking last year (only 17 sacks allowed) my concern is that they are a bit slow getting to the point of attack in running situations. They are adequate and as I said earlier the pass should setup the run. I just worry when push comes to shove and they have to make third down short yardage plays.
I hope they prove me wrong, wouldn’t be the first time. ;o)