NFL 2007: Cincinnati Bengals

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2007 season. Today we look at the Cincinnati Bengals).

The Cincinnati Bengals stumbled last season, thanks to numerous offseason arrests and a defense that gave up too many yards and points. All that led to an 8-8 record and a playoff no-show. Head coach Marvin Lewis is looking for a bounce-back season from his club. In order to have that the defense must step up in 2007.

Offense: Palmer is the best quarterback in the league not named Peyton Manning. He came back from a knee injury during the 2005 playoffs to throw for 4,035 yards and 28 TDs last season. He's one of the best in the game and his health is of the utmost importance to Lewis, because Doug Johnson and rookie Jeff Rowe are the backups.

Rudi Johnson had another solid season in the high-powered Bengal offense. The Auburn product ran for 1,309 yards and 12 touchdowns. Capable Kenny Watson and rookie Kenny Irons will spell Johnson. Jeremi Johnson is a solid, rough blocking fullback.

Cincinnati is blessed with two top tier wideouts in Chad Johnson (87-1,369-7), who outruns horses for fun, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (90-1,081-9). After that, things get dicey. Reggie McNeal, Skyler Green and Glenn Holt will have to pick up the slack until oft-troubled Chris Henry (36-605-9) returns from his eight game suspension. Reggie Kelly starts at tight end, but he's mainly a blocker.

The offensive line must protect Palmer and luckily for Lewis, the Bengals have a nice group in the trenches. Eric Ghiaciuc is at center, Andrew Whitworth and Bobbie Williams man the guard spots, while Willie Anderson and Levi Jones are top-flight bookends. Stacey Andrews, Alex Stepanovich and Scott Kooistra provide quality depth.

Defense: Cincinnati's Achilles' Heel has been on the defensive side of the ball. If the coaching staff can shore it up, another playoff berth is in the cards.

The biggest problem for the Bengal defense was stopping the run and to that end Lewis brought in DT Michael Myers from Denver and drafted Matt Toeaina. Myers will pair with Domata Peko, an impressive second-year pro, to shore up the interior. John Thornton and Toeaina will be part of the tackle rotation. Justin Smith (81 tackles, 7.5 sacks) and Bryan Robinson start at defensive end with Robert Geathers (10.5 sacks) coming in on passing downs.

Selecting middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks in last years supplemental draft is looking more smarter every day for the Cincinnati brass. With David Pollack's career over and Odell Thurman gone for the year, Brooks will start and be factor in the success or failure of the defense. Landon Johnson and Caleb Miller will start on the outside with Rashad Jeanty coming in on passing situations.

The secondary was strengthened in the draft with CB Leon Hall and safeties Nedu Ndukwe and Marvin White. Deltha O'Neal and Johnathan Joseph start at corner and Madieu Williams and Dexter Jackson at safety. CB Keiwan Ratliff and S Ethan Kilmer will see time as well.

Special Teams: No problem here. Shayne Graham (25-of-30 FG, 115 points) is one of the top five kickers in the league. He's almost automatic from 49 yards in (he was 23-of-25 in 2006). Kyle Larson has a big leg as evidenced by his 44.5 yard per punt last season. Watson is back to handle kickoff returns, while Houshmandzadeh returns punts.

Outlook: The Bengals have one of the most potent offenses in the National Football League and show no signs of slowing down. The key to Cincinnati's success will come down to the effectiveness of the defense. Ironically, the defense has been the weak link in Marvin Lewis' tenure with the Bengals. If Cincy can buck up against the run, a Super Bowl appearance is possible.

Prediction: The Bengals will score big-time points and the defense, thanks to the new additions, will be more stout against the run. Look for Cincinnati to battle Baltimore for the AFC North title. Record: 12-4.