In a new feature, GotFrag Madden will be breaking down all 32 NFL franchises and analyzing what will push that team over the top for Madden NFL 09. There are some teams that get a lot of play, such as New England and San Diego, while others are rarely used like the Chiefs and Texans. While we know not every team will be competitive in Madden NFL 09, we look at what potential offseason changes will help improve each team.


Madden NFL 08 Overall Score: 87
2007 NFL Record: 7-9


The Cincinnati Bengals are a team that has seen a lot of success in competitive Madden play. From the combination of Rudi & Chad Johnson to the strong arm of Carson Palmer, the Bengals offense has the type of firepower necessary to fuel a deep run in a Madden tournament. Pair that with the popularity and visibility of Chad Johnson in the Madden community, and the Bengals easily become one of the most popular teams after the Patriots & Chargers. While the Bengals enjoy success in Madden 08, the 2007 NFL season was not kind on the team. Offseason distractions and a porous defense caused the Bengals to struggle all season. The NFL season will certainly mean a drop in overall team rating for the Bengals, so what can the team do to stay competitive in Madden circles?

Retain Chad Johnson
Word on the street is that Ocho Cinco wants out of Cincinnati. Despite having Probowl level success for years in the 'nati, Chad wants out. While there are a lot of impact players in the NFL, Chad Johnson truly is one of the best. While many don't like the sideshow he puts on from time to time (or all the time), he isn't scared to run across the middle and runs seamless routes. Johnson also takes pressure off TJ Houshmandzadeh much in the same way that Marvin Harrison does for Reggie Wayne in Indianapolis. Without Johnson in the mix, Madden fans would be much less likely to play with the Bengals as the playfake to Rudi Johnson with Ocho Cinco over the top is a deadly weapon in competitive circles.