Are Bengals really contenders?

By Johnathan Paul LeMons | Thursday, November 17, 2005 | ( 0 )

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Many sports writers and fans consider the Cincinnati Bengals as Super Bowl contenders. There is no doubt that the once basement scrapping Bengals are the most improved NFL team this year. But do they have the tools to make it to the big game?

Cincinnati is 7-2, and according to the team's official website, they have a 90 percent chance of making the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. They opened the season strong with four wins in as many games, the best opening record since Marvin Lewis became the skipper.

But has the squad lead by quarterback Carson Palmer improved since their 27-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at home three weeks ago? That game seemed to expose the Bengals as a young team that has trouble handling playoff caliber opposition.

Their next test is Sunday's game against the seemly unstoppable 9-0 Indianapolis Colts. If they win it wouldn't be the first time the Bengals beat an undefeated team this late in the season. In 2003 they upset the 9-0 Kansas City Chiefs 24-19 at Paul Brown Stadium.

At this point in the season the Cincinnati Bengals are playing with a lot of confidence and gusto, but can they handle the stress of success? Only time will tell.

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