The 2008 season (4-12) for the Cincinnati Bengals was a nightmare without question. The team had very high expectations but were one of the laughing stocks in the NFL.

Once Carson Palmer went down, we all knew it would be a rough year. Without Palmer, the team was anything but dangerous, and its offense virtually non-existent.

The team struggled to score points, and simply couldn’t win games. Fans were giving up on them.

Chad Johnson was practically invisible on offense, and TJ Houshmandzadeh was nowhere near his usual output level. Rudi Johnson was all but done, but luckily there was another RB who was able to prove himself once again.

TJ Houshmandzadeh wasn’t playing like himself, and injury issues limited him too. If there’s anything good about last season, the last few games showed that Cedric Benson was a capable running back, and gave the team a new weapon.

At the start of this season, the Cincinnati Bengals claimed that they were back and ready to make an impact in 2009.

If the Bengals defense can stay in the middle of the league and not give up too many points – with the Bengals offense – they can compete in every game during the season.

The Bengals lost their first game of the season to the Broncos, but came back with a vengeance during week two, as they visited the Packers at Lambeau field and came away with a win. The passing game was on point, as was their running game, and a new sense of hope was born in Bengals nation.

Check out the Cincinnati Bengals fan forum at RootZoo Sports. With the NBA season tipping off, make sure to play their basketball pick ‘em.