The Cincinnati Bengals approach the 2009 season with a lot of uncertainties. Since they’re coming off a 4-11-1 record last year and the lowest ranked offense in the league, all of the question marks shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Quarterback is the first area of doubt. Although QB Carson Palmer is the "man" as he has been for the last seven years. His health continues to be a concern for the Bengal faithful. Although appearing to be fully recovered from a bum elbow that kept him out for most of last year, a moderate high ankle sprain is the culprit this year. Suffered August 14^th in the 1^st exhibition game, Carson hasn’t played in exhibition games since then but insists he’ll be ready to "Rock" come opening game when Denver comes to "The Jungle". Whether only a slightly revamped offensive line will "Roll" with him, remains to be seen. QB J.T. O’Sullivan appears to have convinced the coaching staff and everyone else that he’s a serious upgrade from QB Ryan Fitzpatrick as Carson’s understudy.

As far as the Running Back position is concerned. HC Marvin Lewis has a tough decision coming up for the 3^rd position on the depth chart. Following RB Cedric Benson and rookie RB Bernard Scott… RB Brian Leonard (formerly of the Rams) and RB DeDe Dorsey came out in just about a dead heat after yesterday’s victory over the Colts. Although Leonard who is overcoming a shoulder injury that limited him to two games with the Rams last year proved tough as he grinded out 64 yards in 9 carries. Dorsey had 68 yards in 13 carries and blocked a punt for a TD. Dorsey’s special team play may give him the edge.

The wideout depth chart is solid with WR Chad Ochocinco, WR Chris Henry and WR Laveranues Coles as the top 3. Henry has had the most impressive exhibition season of the 3 with 14 catches for 224 yards (more than twice the receptions of 6 by Chad). Since Palmer hasn’t played much this pre-season (11 passes) to predict who his favorite target may be, the thought in Bengal Land is that Henry may end up with more tosses his way as Chad and his antics may require double-teaming by opposing defenses. Besides, Henry’s off-field troubles seem to be behind him since he’s had a long talk with his mother this off-season. WR Jerome Simpson and WR Andre Caldwell both starting their 3^rd years are extremely capable backups should anything happen to the top trio.

At tight end, TE Daniel Coats and TE Chase Coffman are battling out for the starting job. After injuries to TE Reggie Kelly and TE Ben Utecht that have landed both on IR, Coats appears to be the better blocker while Coffman has the better hands. It may very end up being a "rotation" game between the two for at least the early part of the season.

At kicker, PK Shayne Graham who had the franchise tag placed on him this past season and signed the big contract, is still battling a tender groin. PK Sam Swank a rookie out of Wake Forest was signed as an insurance policy and has been handling the kicking duties in the interim. Look for Graham to kick off opening day as the NFL’s 5^th place career leader in kickoff accuracy proves his worth.

The Defense should be even stronger this year as 2^nd year DC Mike Zimmer imported a couple of his ex-Dallas compatriots in SS Roy Williams and DT Tank Johnson. They were 12^th in Rushing Yards allowed in the NFL last year. The pressure on the passer is going to be a key focus with Johnson and a healthy LB Keith Rivers, 2^nd year linebacker out of USC. The team didn’t register a single interception this pre-season, if that tells you anything!