Expert: Michael Beaudoin - 10/31/2005

Question
Can you give me an analysis of the team and basically tell me their stregnths and weaknesses, in a sorta overall team way, and also in a star position by position way.  Im trying to get into football, cause alot of my classmates make fun of me because i dont know anything about football. Write as much as you want.

I'd really appreciate it!!!

Answer
I was able to get you some Info sorry it took so long.


Bengals Team Report
10/30/2005

By Chick Ludwig
Dayton Daily News


Sound check: The team faces major challenges in the areas of run defense, third-down efficiency and red-zone offense. The defense is doing a great job generating turnovers because of the ball-hawking secondary. But if the line doesn't improve its gap control, and the linebackers and safeties don't improve their tackling technique, the defense could be in trouble. The offense, led by QB Carson Palmer, RB Rudi Johnson and WR Chad Johnson, is explosive between the 20-yard lines. But penalties, dropped passes and inconsistent blocking have hindered the red zone offense. The only cure is discipline and concentration--the talent is there. The team also wants to run more in the red zone and ease the pressure on Palmer.

Fast forward: Off to their best start since 1988, when they reached the Super Bowl, the Bengals should be able to ride the momentum to their first winning season and playoff berth since 1990. They've bludgeoned the NFC North, piling up 15 INTs (5 each against Minnesota, Chicago and Green Bay), but have yet to prove they can handle the physical style Baltimore and Pittsburgh play. and unless they beat the Steelers, the Bengals won't be taken considered a threat in the postseason. Palmer needs to continue spreading the ball around and not gamble as much when he has a lead. LCB Deltha O'Neal, with six interceptions, should shatter the club's single-single record (9). His technique is better, and he has always had good ball skills. The Bengals only need to go .500 the rest of the way to finish 10-6, but that won't be satisfactory for a team with higher aspirations.

MIDSEASON GRADES: Offense: B+. Defense: B+. Special Teams: C. Coaching: A-. Overall: B+.




Info on this weeks game

Why To Watch
The Bengals lead the AFC North and figure to be in position to earn a wild-card berth even if Pittsburgh passes them. The Bengals, already with one loss to Pittsburgh, cannot afford another division loss to win a tiebreaker with the Steelers down the road.

The Ravens' season is on the brink of extinction; Baltimore must win this precious division game to keep alive its slim playoff hopes. It's unlikely that injured linebacker Ray Lewis (thigh) and safety Ed Reed (ankle) will be ready to play this week, so the rest of the Ravens' talented defense must show improved play without the team leaders.

The Ravens once had the NFL's most feared defense, but the Bengals' unit now causes offensive coordinators to lose sleep because of their ability to force turnovers. Cincinnati has intercepted 20 passes and recovered eight fumbles to lead the NFL with 28 takeaways. The Bengals' 20 interceptions in eight games is only one fewer than the fearsome Ravens racked up in '04. And the 28 forced turnovers is only six fewer than Baltimore recorded last season in 16 games.