Bengals Reportedly Set For Changes In 2011: ‘Very Unlikely’ Marvin Lewis Returns, Carson Palmer Could Be Out

After starting the season 2-1, the Bengals have now dropped eight straight games, including a 26-10 loss at the New York Jets Thanksgiving night that had it all -- questionable coaching decisions (Marvin Lewis not challenging a close call on a punt late in the third quarter), an anemic offense (just 163 total yards), turnovers (three) and more poor quarterback play (Carson Palmer was just 17-for-38 with two interceptions).

As you can imagine, after all of that, changes may be coming in Cincinnati.

According to a segment on Wednesday from NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora, it is “very, very unlikely” that Lewis will return for the 2011 season. Additionally, “Palmer could be gone as well” if there is a “regime change,” along with Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens and Cedric Benson.

Our Bengals blog, Cincy Jungle, says that may not be enough though.

Even if there is a regime change, the fact remains that the regime will be headed by the same egomaniacal front office that stubbornly refuses to upgrade (read, actually build) their scouting department that’s answerable to a new front office executive that judges and signs talent without the overbearing backseat driving from the Brown family.

While I’d hate to see any of those players go (I believe Carson Palmer is the least likely to leave), the fact is that Cincinnati needs fresh blood at any number of places within the organization. The culture of losing has returned and that culture quickly turns into a disease that’s only cured when the team starts from scratch and those players are given the chance to start over elsewhere.

Yet, like a never-ending headache, the Bengals front office making that many changes in one season can be painfully disastrous, much like transitioning out of the Sam Wyche era in the early 90s.