Bengal Bash

This summer has been inundated with big-name athletes looking for and finding new homes, whether that's LeBron James in Miami at the age of 25 or Donovan McNabb in Washington DC at the age of 33. I personally can't remember another summer like this one in terms of free agents and traded athletes. There are still a lot of notable players out there who think they can contribute, whether they're 25 or 35. Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt has been the topic of conversation as the MLB Trade Deadline rapidly approaches while Shaquille O'Neal and Brian Westbrook are still searching for jobs, but that's not the case with former Bills WR Terrell Owens. After a quiet summer up until just a few days ago, the 36-year-old wide out agreed to a $2 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.

First, let me talk about Carson Palmer. The two-time Pro Bowler has been out of the spotlight for a long time, whether that's because he's been injured or because his team just hasn't been good. The Bengals were one of the big surprises last year in the NFL, winning a division that has two of the last decade's best teams. I don't know if they have enough to make the playoffs again, but I'm definitely not counting them out. They've got a very similar team to last year, with the only main changes coming at wide receiver by releasing Laveranues Coles and replacing him with Owens and Antonio Bryant. Yes, the Bengals' Big Three's average age is 32, but you can't forget that they have 18 combined 1000-yard seasons. We know that we're not going to see them all grabbing 10 touchdowns and 1000 yards, but I think that last year's 26th rated passing offense will be very much improved. T.O. has the playoff experience, Ochocinco has experience with Carson Palmer, and all three of these guys will benefit from playing with each other.

Owens has been on the decline since his last Pro Bowl in 2007, but I still feel this is a good pick up for Cincinnati. The main questions are not only about his performance on the field but also in the locker room. Will the two notorious receivers mesh well? 2009 NFL Coach of the Year Marvin Lewis must think so, and I think they will too. Will it be a shock if their relationship crumbles towards the end of the season? No. But both of these guys have the same goal, and although it seems pretty unlikely, they're going to work their tails off trying to accomplish it. If Cedric Benson can have another solid season and their quarterback can stay healthy, this offense could be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.