Founded in 1968 by Legendary coach Paul Brown the Cincinnati Bengals have a long a story history producing some of the game finest players. The list of Bengals all time greats is long with players including HoF’er OT Anthony Munoz, QB’s Ken Anderson, Boomer Esiaison, RB’s Rudi Johnson, Pete Johnson, WR’s Issac Curtis and Eddie Brown.

The Bengals have been to the Superbowl on two different occasions, 1981 & 1988 losing both games to the San Francisco 49ers 26-21 & 20-16. The 1988 contest is considered by many NFL experts as the best game in Super Bowl history. Only a remarkable late game drive by Montana & company kept the Bengals from winning the title.

In recent seasons the Bengals have had very good in the draft selecting several Pro-Bowl caliber NFL players like Chad Johnson, Rudi Johnson (2001), Carson Palmer (2003).

2009 Team Preview:

The Bengals are looking to rebound from a 4-11-1 season in 2008. In 2009 a healthy Carson Palmer, a refocused Chad Johnson, and free agent signee Laveraneus Coles should help an offense that struggled to move the ball at times. Last season the Bengals averaged a NFL worst 12.8 points per game, almost 2 points per game less than the nearest team (St. Louis Rams at 14.5). RB Cedric Benson was a pleasant surprise to last season as he run for 747 yards and scored two rushing td’s and now looks to be the opening day starter. Draft pick Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard will compete for the back up spot in camp. 2009 early round draft picks OT Andre Smith and C Jonathan Luigs should also help protect Palmer and open holes for Benson. Free Agent WR Laveraneus Coles was signed to replace the lost of T.J Houshmandzadeh who left for Seattle. Coles is a big play target and should help keep double coverage to minimum for WR Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson has been less than stellar since his trade demands began last summer. When focused, Johnson is an elite Wide receiver, who has soft hands and is not afraid to use his body to sheild himself against defenders over the middle. Fans should expect more for him this season than the 540 yards and 4 touchdown he registered last. Rookie TE Chase Coffman has a big body and nice hands and could develop into a red zone threat. But this season Chad Johnson and QB Palmer both have alot to prove this season and should help the improve the leagues worst offense improve dramaticly.
Defensively the Bengals look to improve on last seasons solid effort. The injury to rookie LB Keith Rivers really hurt the Bengals pass rush last season and stopping opposing teams from converting on third down. The addition of second round draft pick LB Rey Maualuga should help get more pressure on the QB and a solid run stopping safety Roy Williams from Dallas should help solidify this improving unit. Former first round picks cornerbacks Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall are developing into pro bowl caliber players. With a healthy return of Rivers and additions through the draft and free agency the Bengals will be a much improved unit and help return the Bengals to a competitive squad in 2009

Hall of Fame players:

Anthony Munoz - T (1980-1992) 3rd Overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft, elected to 11 straight Pro Bowls. Munoz was named to the NFL’s 75th anniversay team, and was named 4 times the offensive lineman of the year by the NFLPA during the 1980’s. Munoz was a very athletic tackle capable of neutralizing defensive ends with his quick feet and powerful blocking skills. He was atlethic enough to have plays ran for him in short yardage and redzone situations in which he scored 4 TD’s and caught seven passes during his playing career .

Current Bengal Stars:

Carson Palmer
Chad Johnson
Laveraneus Coles
Chris Henry
Cedric Benson
Dhani Jones
Robert Geathers
Keith Rivers
Roy Williams
Johnathan Joseph
Leon Hall

Noted Veterans:

Ken Anderson - QB
Cris Collinsworth - WR
Ickey Woods - RB
Rudi Johnson - RB
Bob Trumpy - TE
Levar Parrish - CB
Isaac Curtis - WR
Coy Bacon - DE
Jim LeClair - LB
Ken Riley - CB
Archie Griffin - RB
Tommy Casanova - S
Pete Johnson - FB
James Brooks - RB
Boomer Esiason - QB
Max Montaya - G
Eddie Brown - WR
Tim Krumrie - NT
Jim Breech - K
David Fulcher - S
Rodney Holman - TE
Tim McGee - WR
Harold Green - RB
Carl Pickens - WR
Jeff Blake - QB
Corey Dillon - RB
Darnay Scott - WR
Peter Warrick - WR
John Kitna - QB
Willie Anderson - T
Deltha O’neal - CB
Shayne Graham - K
T.J. Houshmandzadeh - WR
Dave Lapham - C
Takeo Spikes - LB
Solomon Wilcots - S
Dan Ross - TE

2009 Draft Picks:

The Bengals added depth to critical positons during the Draft, 1st round picks OT Andre Davis and LB Rey Maualuga should see playing time immediately. Defensive end Michael Johnson has the potential to be a nice steal in the 3rd round after many draft experts had him going in the late first round. At 6′6″ TE Chase Coffman is a big target for Palmer, he could develop into a nice red zone option. Fourth round pick center Jonathan Luigs out of Arkansas will add depth to the offensive line to help Cincy’s running game and protecting Carson Palmer.

2009 Bengals Draft Selections

Round (Overall Selection) Player Name Position School

1 (6) Andre Smith OT Alabama
2 (38) Rey Maualuga LB USC
3 (70) Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech
3 (98) Chase Coffman TE Missouri
4 (106) Jonathan Luigs C Arkansas
5 (142) Kevin Huber P Cinncinnati
6 (179) Morgan Trent CB Michigan
6 (209) Bernard Scott RB Abilene Christian
7 (215) Fui Vakapuna FB BYU
7 (249) Clinton McDonald DT Memphis
7 (252) Freddie Brown WR Utah

Collector Outlook:

Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson are definitely collector favorites and all cards of interest (autos, game used, low serial numbered) will receive multiple bids on eBay. Collectors can expect most Johnson auto to finish under 20 dollars and most game used & serial numbered can be won around the 10 dollar mark. Quality Palmer rookies (SP, Playoff Contenders) autos can end well above the 100 dollar mark. But most auto cards hover around 30 dollars delivered.

The poor track record in recent seasons has definitely hurt the overall demand by most casual collectors. If the Bengals can produce more offense and wins in 2009, collector may begin to chase some of the more familar Bengal players. If you are looking to find quality Bengals pieces, this is a great time to find to bargains.

Team Information:
Established: 1968
Super Bowl Appearances: 2