4-0, what does it mean?

[redlegsfan21]

The Bengals finish preseason undefeated. My questions to you are: What does this prove to you? and How well can this team do?

Question 1: I believe this proves to me that this team can win without key players, we won the first two games (in the first half) without Carson. We have much depth, to be honest, it just seemed that 2nd teams could be a decent 1st team.

Question 2: 16-0 is in reach, but tough. I believe this team will get 11-5 wins this season probably resting starters during the final 2 games (2 losses).

[mordeci]

16-0 is out of the question. Even if they went 13-0, which isn't realistic, they finish the season with Colts, Broncos, Steelers. Anyone who watched the last 2 games of '05 knows that things change after the team has clinched. Unless, of course, the Steelers are 14-1 coming into 15-0 Cincy in week 17 (that would be so cool).

The main thing this preseason showed me was that the defense is still getting their hands on the ball. Any team is tough to beat when you turn the ball over, but the Bengals seem to be extra tough. I think the high-powered offense helps the defense in this area, the other team feels they have to score every time and end up taking chances.

The most important player, obviously, is Palmer. Everyone knows what he did. 2nd most important may be Sam Adams. He only played 17 plays, but he changed the defense when he was in. He is a beast in the middle and makes them a mid-level team against the run, which is a HUGE step up.

[football junkie]

Is it not amazing that fans in Cincinnati are even thinking of a 16-0 season?

When just a couple of years back we might have been joking about an 0-16 season -- without really joking.

Amazing what a few good drafts and the right coach can do.

Realistically though, I think you're looking at a 12-4 or 13-3 team.

[mordeci]

Amazing what a few good drafts and the right coach can do.
Emphasis on the latter. It's not unheard of for a team to turn around in 3 years. But Marvin took over a team that went 2-14, and had only had 1 .500 season in 13 years, and has never had a losing season. Marvin is a genius, like Norman Einstein.

[12th man seahawks fan]

As long as Carson is healthy, you always have a shot, putting up 30 a game, every game, but if you guys get a defense this year, you will be a force.

I still don't think the pre-season really proves anything.