This offseason the Bengals picked up Antonio Bryant out of free agency after injuries had him released by the Buccaneers. He was thought to help a struggling passing game in Cincinnati, but instead has dealt with the on going knee injury from previous seasons.
When it was clear that Bryant was not going to be the man to help the team the Bengals looked to another star player and signed Terrell Owens.
With Owens on the team Bryant fell into the shadows until he was completely off the map since the passing game has looked amazing as of far.
In the Bengals fourth preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Carson Palmer completed nine out of 11 passes for 95 yards two touchdowns and no interceptions. The starting offense was on the field for three series and scored two touchdowns which is what everyone expected from this offense.
It was clear that when the Bengals needed to make cuts that Antonio Bryant had to be on the list because there is just too much talent in this receiving core to keep a non productive player.
This was a smart move by the Bengals and I don't think they'll have any problems throwing the ball this season. Palmer has been in rhythm with Terrell Owens since he came to Cincinnati, and now he has dependable receivers other than Ochocinco.
Come week one the Bengals will need to be on fire and ready to go with their offense. So far New England has made young quarterbacks look pretty good and if the defense plays like they did Saturday they'll need to win in a shootout.
It would have been nice to have a healthy Antonio Bryant on this offense, but injuries are just a part of football. The Bengals will have no problems not having a star quality player like Bryant because they already have everyone they need to win the division for the second consecutive year.
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