In a very sloppy win against Baltimore this week the Bengals did not look like the fully functional offense we expected to see. They did not score a single touchdown, and relied completely on their kicking game.
It is true that the Bengals have a very dangerous receiving core, but as of right now it is quarterback Carson Palmer that needs to step it up. He was completely off target in numerous passes this week, and it wasn't with just one receiver.
He consistently overthrew Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens in a couple situations where six would be put on the board. They are exactly where they were at this point last season, but they didn't have as much talent last season.
Cedric Benson has not had the carries that he did last season, which was the biggest part of their success last year. He had 15 carries in his first week against New England for a mere 43 yards, because the team was trying to play catch-up. Last week against Baltimore he had 23 carries for 78 yards, but its still not enough.
Cedric Benson is the teams biggest offensive threat right now because when he's productive the whole team will be productive. If he's busting out 15 yards runs left in right it is going to draw the defenses attention. When you have the defense on their heels and they're loading the box to stop the run, thats when you throw it deep to T.O or Chad.
The offensive coordinator for the Bengals sucks there is no doubt about that. He calls running plays three straight times, and you can tell when the Bengals are going to run it.
I've picked up on the tendencies of the offensive line so you know the defense on the other team has. When the line is three point stance digging in their cleats, it's a running play. When they are standing up the whole time then you know its a pass.
This has been a sloppy unit so far this season and not looking like a contender to make the playoffs. The defense can only get you so far when there are three phases of football. The Bengals have lagged in offense and special teams in the last two weeks.
This week the Bengals will be playing the Carolina Panthers. The question is what do they do? Do they start giving Benson the 40 carries he wants, or do they spend this time to get in rhythm with the passing game?
I say you have to give Benson the ball, and watch how affective it is. Then you run your play action plays throwing deep down the field getting Chad and T.O the catches they deserve.
The formula that the current offense has is not working. They need a new strategy in both offense and special teams in order to keep competing with Pittsburgh and Baltimore for the AFC North title.
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