Marvin Lewis’ Biggest Season Opener

By Adam Kiefaber

In 2002, the Bengals went 2-14 under Dick LeBeau. The following offseason, Cincinnati hired head coach Marvin Lewis and drafted quarterback Carson Palmer.

There was a little excitement for the 2003 season opener. Lewis, a proclaimed defense specialist that led the Baltimore Ravens’ defense to a Super Bowl win, came to Cincy to turn things around. Bengal fans were put in their place after the Denver Broncos came to town and beat up the Bengals 30-10.

After finishing 8-8 in ‘03, there was a lot of excitement for the 2004 opener at the New York Jets. All the excitement was for Carson Palmer’s debut as the Bengals’ starting quarterback. The Bengals lost an entertaining game (24-31) then finished 8-8 again.

In 2005, the expectations were high - Carson had a season under his belt as the starter and the Bengals had a relatively easy schedule. In the season opener at Cleveland, Palmer responded by completing 26 of his first 34 passes for 280 yards en route to a 27-13 win. Also, linebacker Odell Thurman emerged as a fan favorite after recording seven tackles and getting an interception in his debut.

2006 was big, Carson Palmer was coming off a major knee injury, the Bengals were coming off their first playoff experience in 15 years and Cincinnati was playing at Kansas City, which was the place the team had lost (3-37) their last regular season game in 2005.

The Bengals took care of the Chiefs 23-10. The defense held running back Larry Johnson to 68 yards rushing on 17 carries and defensive end Robert Geathers knocked out quarterback Trent Green. Green hasn’t been the same since the hit (video - above).

This year will be bigger than all of those games combined. Expectations are high. Marvin Lewis’ seat is getting warmer. Fans could be calling for a coaching change if the Bengals fail to make the playoffs. However, let me ask you - who in world would the Bengals hire?

Nonetheless, the whole nation will be watching this game. Monday Night Football - Opening weekend - Two of the top AFC teams and AFC North rivals Baltimore at Cincinnati - It is going to be big -