Why The '11 Bengals Are Better Than The '10 Bengals

5-2... Who would have thought? During the summer I heard everything from "The Bengals will go 0-16" to "The Bungles suck" ,  they were 32nd ranked by the so-called ESPN experts. What makes the '11 Bengals better than '10 can be pointed to by all the chips falling in place... (sorry Mike Brown) *Kanye shrug*



1. Carson Palmer tells Bengals he's done
While I wanted the Bengals to consider cutting Carson, (due to his Brady-like contract & Un-Brady-like play) . Carson did the Bengals his biggest favor since taking them to the 09 post season..he quit


2. Bob Bratkowski is fired as OC
Bob Bratkowski makes Brad Childress look like Andy Reid after a bye week. Brat was supposed to be fired years ago but due to his relationship with Mike Brown it gave him and extended termination. With Carson requesting changes to be made Mike Brown as a desperation move to keep Palmer in Cincy,  fired Bob Bratkowski. Palmer stated the Brat firing  would not change  his status with he Bengals.


3. Jay Gruden hired as OC
Marvin Lewis began his search for a fresh young mind creative coordinator to run his Carson Palmer-less team. The hiring of Jay Gruden was an intricate part in the development of the '11 Bengals offense. Gruden began to implement his West Coast offense and needed a QB to run if for him. The entire  Bengals coaching staff coached as has coached  the Senior Bowl which gives them an advantage to scout prospects early on. It was at the '11 Senior Bowl where Jay Gruden became infatuated with Andy Dalton.

4. AJ Green is picked at no.4
The TOcho show looked more like the TO show in 2010. Owens was very solid besides clutch 3rd down open drops. Ochocinco was noticeably on the decline,and TO wasn't even considered a resigning after he took a shot at upper management. Everyone knew if Marvin got his say-so that Ocho would be gone. Marvin and Ocho had been taking shots at each other almost every interview after the 2010 season. After Jay Gruden got Marvin to buy into Dalton this cleared the path for the bengals to pick Adriel Jeremiah Green viewed as arguably the best player in the draft. On the field he has delivered since game one and is on pace to have the best rookie season as a wide receiver ever...with a rookie QB #sheesh. Ochocino was traded to New England and has returned to his 2010 form (How does the clam chowder taste?)

5.Andy Dalton falls to the 2nd round
What I believe caused Andy to fall was the early selection of Jake Locker by the Titans. Before the draft there were rumors that said that a team could draft Dalton in the top 15 of round 1. Jake Locker comes off the board early and pushes Gabbert back to the Jags. Then the Vikes jump for Ponder meanwhile Bengals are blowing up the Packers to trade back into the 1st round. The first round comes to an end  with Dalton stil on the board. Jim Harbaugh decides Alex Smith was his guy for the season and passes on Dalton while the Seahawks opt for a lineman. Bengals are in the clock.. There was a divide on the decision to take Dalton. Mike Brown wanted Ryan Mallet and was somehow convinced by Gruden & Marvin to pick Dalton. Dalton is the pick Jay Gruden gets his guy.


6. Rey Maualuga moves to MLB
Watching Maualuga play out of place at OLB hurt to watch in 2010. In 2011 Marvin Lewis decided to dump Dhani Jones "Around the Globe" and plug Rey in at his natural position. Rey became the leader of Mike Zimmer's defense


7. Bengals let Johnathan Joseph walk
Bengals were expected to lock up at least one if their young tandem of shut down corners. The Bengals decide to keep the more durable Leon Hall and let Joseph sign with the Texans. The move infuriated DC Mike Zimmer.The Bengals then made key plays in free agency,they quickly signed the former 49ers no. 1 corner Nate Clements, signed OLB Thomas Howard & former 49er Manny Lawson. The Bengals defense had been on the rise in recent years under DC Mike Zimmer
and value draft picks like Carlos Dunlap (who had 9 sacks in '10 in only 6 games) and Michael Johnson began to emerge. Nicknamed the "Fischer Price Package" the tandem of Geno Atkins , Michael Johnson & Carlos Dunlap have emerged and developed the Bengals D- line into one of the best in football.


8.Bengals Defensive Identity takes over
The once ranked no.1 defense in the league has been very impressive thanks to the stellar d-line play. The Bengals smothered the Bills offense that torched the patriots the week prior. The Bengals are top tier in the league at forcing 3 and outs. The rookie offense can lean on the play of the defense. In 2010 the Bengals offense could never capitalize on the opportunities given by the defense.


9. Andy Dalton's Demeanor
It didn't take long to see how much poise Dalton had, during his first preseason game against the Lions Dalton's helmet was ripped of by Suh as he was trampled by the Lions defense. Dalton's first throw ended up being an interception. It looked like the Bengals would be in for a long season,but unlike Palmer Dalton did not fold. He then went 5-7 on the next drive and kept his teammates hopes high (something Carson barely did). Dalton has shown poise and the ability to make veteran QB moves and has even lead the Bengals back in big games on the road.

10. Carson Palmer is traded to OAK for a 2012 1st rd pick & a condinal 2013 2nd rd pick
Although the Bengals players had already tuned Carson out and had moved on with Andy Dalton Palmer  was still on the roster. Former Bengals coach Hugh Jackson doesn't realize this isn't CP9 from '06 and overpays for him. This rids the Bengals of their main off-season distraction and sets he future up to be bright. Palmer's first throw for the Raiders was a replay of his 2010 highlights... A pick 6.


With Carson Palmer out of the way and 2 1st round picks on the way these '11 Bengals are putting the '10 Bengals to shame. Also the 27th ranked strength of schedule doesn't hurt either. #whodey