About the Cincinnati Bengals

Dubbed the Bungles no more, for the first time in nearly a decade the Cincinnati Bengals come into 2004 as a respectable team with a legitimate shot at getting into the palyoffs. After an 8-8 season that went right down to the wire, coach Marv Lewis has handed over the emerging Bengals high powered offense to 2003 first round draft pick Carson Palmer. With prototypical size, arm strength and intelligence, people are already calling Palmer robo-back which is great news for big play receiver Chad Johnson. When hes not showing off for the camera Chad is gaining separation from defensive backs like few other receivers in the league can do. Helping the passing game is solid and sturdy running back Rudi Johnson, who came in to relieve an injured and disgrunteled Corey Dillon in 03 and proved to be an adequate replacement. Bengals ticket holders should look for Rudi to prove that 03 wasnt a fluke, and that dealing away Corey Dillon wasnt a mistake.

The steal of the 2004 draft might have been a five year veteran that the Bengals snagged, trading down in the draft to acquire Deltha ONeal from the Broncos. Paired with the acquisition of Raiders pro-bowler Tory James, on paper the Bengals have one of the best secondaries in the league With Kevin Hardy rounding out the linebacker core, the Bengals will be a tough team to score on in 2004.

Paul Brown Stadium - Cincinnati, OH

Paul Brown Stadium opened in August of 200 and has ben an excellent place for the Bengals to turn their fortunes around. 65,000 fands surround the field on game day, giving the Bengals the home field advantage they have craved for years. With over 7000 club seats and 144 luxury suites, Paul Brown stadium attracts hard core fans and corporate clients alike. The new Field Turf surface should solve the grass problems that plagued Cinergy Field, the Bengals former home. Ticket holders should race to the gates when 2004 opens to see their new look defense and their young stud quarterback.