Cincinnati Bengals: Rudi Johnson, Insufficient

After several seasons of incredibly consistent numbers, the Cincinnati Bengals (and fantasy owners alike) were significantly disappointed in the year that was produced by running back Rudi Johnson.

Though the Bengals offense was in the top 10 by the end of the 2007 season, the run game was a dismal 24th after generating only 97.3 yards per game. In fact, the team topped 100 yards only five times - and this is thanks to reserve running back Kenny Watson.

Watson's presence was the saving grace for much of the Bengals running attack, but his presence was pretty much by default thanks to injuries to Chris Perry and rookie Kenny Irons.

The Cincinnati Enquirer points out that this is obviously an area that needs to be addressed in the offseason. Without getting into the specifics of players either via draft or free agency, but the run-game is the biggest blip on the radar.

"It's obvious. We have to generate more in the run game," said offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski. "In addition, we need to develop a little bit better consistency."

Given the fact that the Bengals failed to top 20 points in seven games this season, resulting in a 7-9 record, I think that Bratkowski may be on to something. Otherwise, that "something" may be unemployment papers - at least he'll have Marvin Lewis to keep him company.


Running Game Needed [Cincinnati Enquirer]