The Bengals’ whole 2009 season hinges on Carson Palmer’s health.  When he got hurt last season it ended any hopes of the Bengals competing in 2008.  With J.T. O’Sullivan as the new backup instead of Ryan Fitzgerald the Bengals would be only a tad better than last season if Palmer were to get injured again in 2009.  The Bengals do have some players in place on offense that Palmer should have another solid season if he can just stay healthy.  He has a very quick release and a strong arm which really suits this offense just right.  J.T. O’Sullivan won the starting job at the start of last season for the 49ers but he quickly lost it by putting the football on the ground or in opposing DBs hands.  Still, O’Sullivan is a upgrade over Fitzgerald.  Carson Palmer’s younger brother Jordan will be the #3 QB for the Bengals again this season.  But, the Bengals don’t have much faith in him because they had nothing to lose by giving him a chance to play over Fitzgerald last season but didn’t.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON:  B-

The Bengals have acquired 25-year old running back Brian Leonard from the Rams for DT Orien Harris.  Leonard can handle both tailback or fullback because of his skill set.  Leonard only played in 2 games for the Rams last season carrying the ball 2 times for 7 yards (3.5 ypc).  He has now played in 18 games in his NFL career (2 years) and he carried the ball 88 times for 310 yards (3.5 ypc).  Leonard has also caught 30 passes for 183 yards (6.1 avg) in his NFL career.  Orien Harris played in 14 games for the Bengals last season and he made 14 tackles.  Here’s to hoping that the Rams answer the phone the next time the Bengals call them to trade.

The Bengals have signed 28-year old strong safety Roy Williams.  Williams is a big guy at 6′0″, 221 pounds and he’s a strong run defender.  But, he’s not too good against the passing game anymore.  Still, in the AFC North you have to be able to stop the running game so Williams should be able to help the Bengals’ defense.  Williams only played in 3 games for the Cowboys last season making 6 tackles due to injuries.  He has now played in 7 seasons in his NFL career and he has made 506 tackles, defensed 55 passes, had 6.5 sacks, forced 9 fumbles and he intercepted 19 passes (3 of which he returned for TDs).  This was a good signing for the Bengals.

The Bengals have released 29-year old offensive tackle Levi Jones.  Jones played in 10 games (all starts) for the Bengals last season.  In his 7 years with the Bengals, Jones has played in 94 games (89 starts).  The Bengals shouldn’t miss Jones too much as they selected Andre Smith in the first round of the NFL Draft to replace him in the starting lineup. 

The Bengals have cut punter Kyle Larson deciding to go with rookie Kevin Huber in 2009.  Larson played in all 16 games for the Bengals last season punting the ball 100 times for 3,946 yards (39.5 avg).  He only had 3 touchbacks (3%) while pinning the opposing teams inside the 20-yard line 28 times (28%).  In his 5-year career with the Bengals, Larson played in 80 games in which he punted the ball 379 times for 15,901 yards (42.0 avg).  He only had 32 touchbacks (8.4%) with the Bengals while pinning opposing teams inside the 20-yard line 109 times (28.8%).  This should be a improved area for the Bengals in 2009.