After a disappointing 2007 campaign for the Cincinnati Bengals, who went 7-9 despite having two Pro Bowl receivers on the roster, all eyes were focused on the defensive side of the ball for 2008. After all, that’s where the problems were — and in fact, the improvement from a very young unit was quite significant. Cincinnati jumped from 27th in the league in yards allowed to 12th, and yet, the team finished with only four wins.

So what went wrong?

Well, Carson Palmer missed 12 games due to a partially torn ligament in his passing elbow. While Ryan Fitzpatrick filled in admirably, he was no Carson Palmer, topping 200 yards in passing only twice all season. Meanwhile, the running attack never materialized with Rudi Johnson released right after the preseason and the underwhelming combination of Kenny Watson and Chris Perry getting outrushed by the quarterback position during the regular season. It speaks volumes that “fantasy hemlock” Cedric Benson was able to come in and take over the lead back role. In fact, shockingly, the team was 4-0-1 when Benson carried the ball 20 times or more.

In 2009, Palmer is back, and although T.J. Houshmandzadeh has taken his receiving talents to Seattle, the Bengals QB still has two Pro Bowl-caliber options in a rededicated Chad Ochocinco and newly acquired Laveranues Coles. They spent their top draft pick on Andre Smith, a run-blocking specialist who should help Benson continue his surprising success of last season, as well as keep Palmer from a return to the injured list. With the offense back to its high level of success, and Marvin Lewis’ defense getting a boost from veterans Tank Johnson and Roy L. Williams, along with Rey Maualuga (drafted out of USC), the Bengals are primed and ready for a trip to the postseason for only the second time since 1991.

Article via ESPN, written by A.J. Mass – http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k9bengalscamppreview