Bengals needs: Palmer needs targets to re-establish passing game

The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a playoff season, which doesn't sound right.

What makes it even weirder is that the Bengals got there, but still weren't happy with the way their season ended. The Bengals won the AFC North, but were upset in the playoffs by the New York Jets, leaving a bitter taste.

Now as they regroup and head to 2010, they put behind a successful season, but one that tried them as a team. They had to deal with the tragic deaths of receiver Chris Henry and the wife of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer during the season.

Somehow, Marvin Lewis got them through it, earning him NFL Coach of the Year honors.

Lewis had the Bengals go to more of a running style offense last season, in part because they didn't have the weapons outside to stretch a defense. Carson Palmer didn't look as sharp as in the past, but the playoffs masked the problems. Palmer has to bounce back this season.

The Bengals have to throw the football better, and they will. Palmer is still an elite passer, and if they're going to have a chance to get to a Super Bowl it will be on his right arm, not the legs of a running back.

The upcoming draft will be key to helping improve the weapons around him. There's a chance the Bengals could take a tight end or a receiver in the first round, even though they already added receiver Antonio Bryant in free agency.

It's a passing league and Palmer can still be an elite passer -- with help.

QB: Palmer didn't have the type of season the Bengals wanted in 2009. Part of that was because of an effort to amp up the running game and a lack of a deep threat. Palmer is still an elite quarterback, but he needs more freedom. J.T. O'Sullivan and Jordan Palmer, Carson's brother, are decent backups. But if Carson Palmer goes down, they are in trouble.

RB: Cedric Benson had a Pro Bowl-caliber season. He proved his late push in 2008 was no fluke. Benson is a grinder who can get the tough yards. But there are some who think second-year player Bernard Scott might take some carries from him this season. Scott has more speed. Brian Leonard is a nice third back, especially in passing situations.

Five possibilities: Bengals

Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma: He would really help open up the passing game. He has the speed to get down the seam. Mike Iupati, G, Idaho: He's a mauler who would upgrade their running game. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame: Yeah, they added Antonio Bryant but Chad Ochocinco isn't a kid anymore. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona: If they pass on Gresham, they might be able to get Gronkowski a little later. Chad Jones, S, LSU: Would you want to play with Roy Williams?

Draft strategy: Bengals

Primary Needs: TE, S AFC North team-by-team needs

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WR: Chad Ochocinco bounced back from a so-so 2008 season to play well in 2009. But he needed help. When Henry got hurt and then passed away, it left a big void in the offense. That's why the Bengals signed Bryant. He has deep speed, but he also has had some off-field issues. The move will help open up the offense. Andre Caldwell is a capable third receiver. Jerome Simpson has been a disappointment in his two seasons, but he does have big-time speed that's hard to cut.

TE: The Bengals had a ton of bad luck at this position last season. They lost Reggie Kelly, Ben Utecht and Chase Coffman to injuries before the season. That forced Daniel Coats and J.P. Foschi to play more. Coats dropped a lot of passes. Foschi played well late in the season, but he's more of a backup. Coffman struggles to block. They need help.

OL: Left tackle Andrew Whitworth played well in 2009 and is a solid starter. The right tackle spot should be manned by second-year player Andre Smith, who missed time with injuries in 2009 and didn't take over as a starter as expected. He did show he can be a dominant run blocker in the time he did play, but has to improve as a pass protector. Center Kyle Cook was an upgrade in 2009 and was strong enough to handle the big nose tackles in the division. The guards are Nate Livings and Bobbie Williams, if Williams is re-signed. If not, Evan Mathis will get the first shot to start. Anthony Collins and Dennis Roland are solid backup tackles.

DL: There are a lot of bodies, but no stars. Even so, this is a good group. End Antwan Odom was leading the league in sacks when he tore an Achilles' tendon early last season, but he is expected back at full go this season. He will be the right end, with Robert Geathers at left end, although Jonathan Fanene played well in Odom's spot after he got hurt. Depth comes from Frostee Rucker and Michael Johnson, a second-year player who could push for more time. The starting tackles are Domata Peko and Tank Johnson. Peko is the force inside. Backup Pat Sims showed improved last season and might push to start.

LB: They have a good starting three. Middle linebacker Dhani Jones continues to play at a high level. He isn't the most talented player, but he knows how to get to the football. Keith Rivers made big strides in 2009 in his second season and rookie Rey Maualuga played at a high level until he was hurt late. He has some off-field issues that he's handling, which should make him even better. Rashad Jeanty is a nice backup, which is why the Bengals made sure to bring him back. Abdul Hodge and Brandon Johnson offer depth.

DB: Corners Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph make up one of the best corner tandems in football. They are both capable of playing good man coverage, which keys the defense. They are both young, so this should be a strong point for some time. Morgan Trent is the nickel corner, but the Bengals might look for an upgrade. There isn't much behind him. The safeties are just OK. Chris Crocker is solid at free safety, but the strong safety spot is a trouble position. Roy Williams missed time with an injury last year, and he isn't a great cover player anyway. Chinedum Ndukwe isn't great in coverage either. The other backups are little more than special-teams players.