Midseason Report

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Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
Grade: A-minus

What they’ve done well: Carson Palmer has started to look like the Carson Palmer of old. He's led the Bengals to three come-from-behind wins, and four drives in the last two minutes have either tied the game or given the Bengals the lead. Cincinnati's getting consistent production from former running back washout Cedric Benson and Chad Ochocinco is back to form. The Bengals are rolling to 20.1 first downs per game, good for 9th in the league. That may be due to a powerful and aggressive offensive line that has given up only 11 sacks through seven games. By this time last year the Bengals had given up 27.

Needs improvement: The Bengals' defense needs work, particularly against the pass. They're 31st in the league with 253.3 passing yards allowed per game, ahead of only Tennessee. The Bengals are aggressive in going after the ball having been credited with 38 passes defensed (tied for 7th) but they have to do a better job of holding their opponents’ passing game in check.


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