New season draws close; Bengals in the playoffs?

Published July 15, 2009 at 1:36 p.m.

Two weeks from this Friday, the Cincinnati Bengals will be in Georgetown with the start of the 2009 Training Camp. For some bloke like me, there's a mixture of excitement, anxiety, anticipation, nervousness and, within a small part of me, dread. God of the Golden Arms returns. New personnel on the offensive line. Defensive changes. More blitzes. Refined offensive playbook, which still holds an aura of mystery as to what that actually means. There's within this dynamic an uncertainty. Reports suggest that this is the best team, on paper, that Marvin Lewis has put together. Great draft. Solid free agent signings to, at most, fill in gaps and strengthen the depth chart. Return of USC alumni players in Palmer and Keith Rivers and the introduction of another in Rey Maualuga.

Where this team is four to five months from now, is something that's unforeseen. But that's the excitement, isn't it? The total unknown of it all. Each day building to a climax that could arrive early in the season, or really late when the sun departs during rush hour. You can smell it, can't you. The football season draws ever closer.

Note: If the Bengals are to sign Shayne Graham to a long-term deal, they must do so before 4 p.m. today.

Pete Prisco says the Bengals are in the playoffs because Carson Palmer was back. Concern remains on the running game (why does no one see Bernard Scott?), while writing that the defense keeps improving. Prisco even calls our playoff chances good. So here's to you, mainstream media guy giving the Bengals a chance at making the playoffs. You are a real man of genius.

One suite owner asks the front office that they'll renew only if there's a defining moment with Mike Brown.

Chick Ludwig makes the argument that NFL players aren't as "rich as some would think." Therefore, stay in school.

I'm starting to think that others are making a bigger deal about signing franchise player Shayne Graham to a long-term deal.

Chris Steuber ranks the Bengals' Top Ten prospects -- prospect meaning players under 25 years old, or entering their third season in the NFL.

The Bengals have a site in which fans can buy and sell Charter Ownership Agreements. (thanks Mickey)

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