MVN: Most Valuable Network

As the Bengals enter the season finale the discussion is about everything but this week's game against the Chiefs.  With this known, expect Tyler Thigpen to throw everything and the kitchen sink into this week's game in one last effort to prove to the Chiefs front office that he is the quarterback of the future.  Also expect this effort to lead to at least 20 points leaving outcome at the mercy of the Bengals offense's ability to put up points against a terrible Kansas City defense.  No with the preview aside here are five questions that will begin to be answered after the game as the Bengals prepare for 2009.

1. Is a GM really in the Bengals future? Prior to PFT's rumor last week, I never would have bothered to asked this question despite the need for direction on the personnel front because I did not think the team would consider it.  While it is still a fantasy at this point the odds of adding a GM have improved from 1% to 25%.  With the high $$ luxury suites, club seats and sponsorship contract up soon, this change would have as much to do about the bottom line as it would from the football side.

2. Will TJ get the franchise tag?  A rumor was started this week stating the team would look to re-sign Houshmandzadeh rather than give him the franchise tag but don't think for an instant Mike Brown won't protect his best player with the tag.  If underperformers like Stacy Andrews and Justin Smith can get paid top 5 money why wouldn't you do it for someone who is actually one of the 5 best players at his position.  Anyone who says the team can't afford TJ because of the cap has not looked at the amount of cap room the Bengals will have available.  While $10 million sounds like a lot, it is not like the Bengals will be using up their ample cap room on Chris Crocker and Cedric Benson.  What is sad is the team did not use the vast cap space it had in 2008 to put towards re-signing Housh or anyone else (Shayne Graham) for that manner.  Also, if the team franchises Graham over Houshmandzadeh, it would have everything to do with money and not about winning football games.  

3. What if any coaching changes will take place?   This is where winning the last three games could be really bad as it could provide enough of a false sense of accomplishment for the season that no coaching changes are made.(I am not talking about Marvin Lewis here because he will be back)  The offense has been abysmal all season with and without Carson Palmer with preparation, playcalling and poor adjustments being the brunt of the problem.  If Bob Bratkowski and his "STALE" offense returns again in 2009, don't expect much an offensive improvement next year.   Offensive line coach Paul Alexander's unit ranked among the worst lines in the league allowing 50+ sacks after setting a franchise record with virtually the same unit.  His inability to develop linemen is the biggest concern for a unit looking to be rebuilt this off-season.

4. Chad, TJ or both?  Yes, we mentioned TJ earlier but while related this is a separate question.  It would be a surprise if both players are back and despite Chad's declining trade value, the smart football move would be to trade him and the distractions he brings.  As mentioned above the team has ample cap room to take the cap hit.   While it sends the wrong message to keep Chad and let TJ go the dollars and cents say that will play into the team's decision.   The coaching staff's aversion to playing rookies Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson makes this an even more diffcult question to answer as no one knows if they are any good.  Simpson's being inactive most of the season makes one think he could be a bust.

5. Does the 2009 draft have the talent to answer the team's problems?  The answer to this question could be yes as the draft is strong where the team is weak.   The team's top needs are C, OT, MLB and RB and the draft is deep at each of these positions.  If the team is able to acquire an extra 2nd round pick for Chad they could be in position to fill all these needs in the first round with a combination such as LT Michael Oher, MLB Darry Beckwith, C Antoine Caldwell and RB Javon Ringer.  Or try MLB Rey Maualuga, OT Jamon Meredith, RB CJ Spiller and C Eric Wood.