Cincy Jungle says the Bengals are trying a more balanced attack and Cedric Benson has been the key.
One has to wonder if it’s becoming less likely that Carson Palmer will be an elite quarterback with any consistency that he was once known for. For one thing, the Bengals offense is balancing itself out, trying to rush the football as much as they can when the game is close. While Palmer might put up serviceable touchdown numbers, such as five straight games with at least a touchdown pass, Palmer is on pace to record his lowest numbers during a season in which he didn’t miss any games due to injury; he’s on pace for 21 touchdowns and 3,666 yards. The last time Palmer played the Chicago Bears, he recorded three touchdown passes in a 24-7 win on September 25, 2005.
Fantasy Scouting Report: Cincinnati Bengals
Where there might be hesitation with starting Palmer, there shouldn’t be with starting Cedric Benson in a game the local media is calling “Benson Bowl 2009”. While he struggled against the Houston Texans for 44 yards rushing, in large part because the Bengals had to abandon the run in the second half, he’s ranked third with 531 yards rushing and in the top ten with attempts per game, touchdowns and first downs. But it’s the motivation that’s clearly the spirit in which Benson could tap into for a great game against a former team. While he’s not calling it a revenge game, he’s very open in telling anyone who’ll listen about his time in Chicago being less than welcoming.
As for the defense, the Bengals struggled last week against the Houston Texans, allowing 472 yards of total offense. It was the first time this year the Bengals allowed more than 24 points, allowed more than 400 yards total and more than 350 yards passing. Matt Schaub threw for 392 yards passing and four touchdowns. The Bengals did force two turnovers, which is the third straight game the defense forced multiple turnovers.
Thanks to Cincy Jungle, the home of all things Bengals.
