Bengals fans buy your playoff tickets righ now... its official.

[JETSorDIE]

CINCINNATI -- Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco made a playoff prediction as the Bengals had their first day of minicamp on Thursday.

"I'm back," Ochocinco said. "I can't explain it any other way. Before last year, this is how I was. I was good. I was happy. I'm good. It's going to be a great year. We're going to the playoffs. We're going, man."

Ochocinco, who caught just 53 passes for 540 yards last season after failing to force a trade, skipped most of the voluntary workouts in the offseason, but he showed up last week with a smile and an upbeat demeanor.

It helps that he and quarterback Carson Palmer are on the same page.

"Carson, he's sweet," Ochocinco said. "He's on top of his stuff. As far as the elbow (injury), it's got to be gone because all of the balls had the normal zip. He's on point."

Not quite, but close. Certainly close enough for the Bengals to think that they have a chance to become respectable again.

Palmer missed a dozen games during Cincinnati's 4-11-1 season last year. He partially tore a ligament and tendon from the bone in his passing elbow, and he got conflicting medical advice on what to do about it. He could have gotten reconstructive surgery, but chose to see if it would heal on its own.

So far, it's apparent he made the right choice. Palmer has been throwing informally and during voluntary team workouts, slowly building back his strength.

"It's getting stronger in the sense that I can throw for longer," Palmer said after the morning practice. "I have the same speed on the ball at the end of practice. I'm starting to get to the point now where the ball's not dying at the end of practice."

The Bengals are keeping Palmer on the equivalent of a pitch count, limiting the number of throws he makes in practice until the season begins. After his completion to Cosby in the afternoon session, Palmer removed his helmet, covered his head with a white towel and turned spectator.

"It's going to be a great year. We're going to the playoffs. We're going, man."

-- Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco

Palmer's return to form -- and Ochocinco's return to the fold -- buoyed a team still smarting from its worst showing under seventh-year coach Marvin Lewis. Palmer got hurt in the third game last season, a loss to the Giants in which his arm was hit while he threw. He played one more game, sensed the elbow wasn't right and went for tests that detected the season-ending injury.

To get themselves turned around, they'll have to protect Palmer and get the flamboyant Ochocinco to be more of a team player. During workouts Thursday, everyone wore black shorts or sweat pants except Ochocinco, who ran around in flashy orange shorts.

When he caught a pass down the sideline and went for a touchdown during an 11-on-11 drill, Ochocinco raised both arms in jubilation, let out a scream and did a hip bump with receiver Chris Henry.

Palmer didn't mind the excess enthusiasm.

"I hope it lasts all the way through Super Bowl weekend," Palmer said. "And I think he is sincere. He's excited to be here. He's excited to be back playing football at a high level, at the level he used to play at when he was leading the AFC in yards. He's in way better shape than I've seen him in a couple of years."

But Palmer drew a line at becoming a roommate.

Ochocinco told reporters last week that he'll be moving in with Palmer, his wife and two young children for a week or two in July, giving them a chance to bond and catch up on missed time.

"He doesn't really have a choice," the receiver repeated on Thursday.

Oh yes he does. When Palmer's wife, Shaelyn, heard about Ochocinco's plan, she wasn't thrilled with her husband.

"I think she got an e-mail or something and as soon as I walked in the door from work the other day, she just gave me that look," Palmer said. "And I was like, 'Whoa, whoa, calm down. It's just media stuff. It's just Chad being Chad. Don't worry

WOW if i was the steelers i would be shaking ...lol

[GodWearsAGrayHoodie]

"We're going to the playoffs."

-- Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco

"We will be the best defense in the league this year."

-- Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan

I really don't see the difference between these two overzealous predictions. Talk is cheap in June. Maybe the Bengals will go to the playoffs, maybe the Jets defense will be better than 31 other teams. But I doubt either will come true. Actually the Bengals make the playoffs is the more likely of the two.

[Thai Jet]

"We're going to the playoffs."

-- Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco

"We will be the best defense in the league this year."

-- Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan

I really don't see the difference between these two overzealous predictions. Talk is cheap in June. Maybe the Bengals will go to the playoffs, maybe the Jets defense will be better than 31 other teams. But I doubt either will come true. Actually the Bengals make the playoffs is the more likely of the two.

Blow me . Nobody gives a **** what a troll thinks anyway. BTW

[124]

Cincinnati could contend if they remain healthy. They certainly have the talent on offense and if their defense plays like it did last year, they could certainly challenge for a Wild Card berth.

[Thai Jet]

Cincinnati could contend if they remain healthy. They certainly have the talent on offense and if their defense plays like it did last year, they could certainly challenge for a Wild Card berth.

Exactly. Who would have guessed the DolFAGS would have been in the playoffs last year at this time. Every team is 0-0 right now.

[Irish Jet]

"We're going to the playoffs."

-- Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco

"We will be the best defense in the league this year."

-- Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan

I really don't see the difference between these two overzealous predictions. Talk is cheap in June. Maybe the Bengals will go to the playoffs, maybe the Jets defense will be better than 31 other teams. But I doubt either will come true. Actually the Bengals make the playoffs is the more likely of the two.

Didn't Ryan say he "wouldn't be shocked" if the Jets were the #1 defense?

I don't think he ever came out and said what you quoted.

[Blackout]

Bengals

Colts

Steelers

Chargers

Titans

Jets

I guess that will be the playoff teams next year

[Aqua4ever04]

Cincinnati could contend if they remain healthy. They certainly have the talent on offense and if their defense plays like it did last year, they could certainly challenge for a Wild Card berth.

They need Andre Smth to come in and play just like Jake Long or Ryan Clady did last year; that offensive line was atrocious last year.

[Aqua4ever04]

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DOLPHINS AND TEXANS OVER THE COLTS? LOL

[Aqua4ever04]

Last year at this time it would've been, "DOLPHINS OVER PATRIOTS? HAHAHA!"

So I'm not too worried about it.

Besides, there's been a lot of change in Indianapolis. They haven't done a whole lot to upgrade the run defense, they're thin at linebacker, Tony Ugoh regressed, Jeff Saturday is old as ****, Joe Addai is the most over rated tailback in football, and they are no longer deep at wide out.

Not to mention all the coaches that have been at Peyton Manning's side his whole career are now gone or back as "consultants."

And the Texans should've won 10 games last year and with even more young pieces to that defense, they will get double digit wins for the first time.

[Blackout]

the Dolphins overachieved heavily...watch them go 6-10 this year

and the Texans have never been to the playoffs....that won't change

[Aqua4ever04]

The Cardinals had never been to a Super Bowl so clearly that couldn't happen last year right? What the hell does the 2002 Texans have to do with the 2009 Texans? You're going to need a little more evidence than that.

[Blackout]

the Cardinals had still won a championship in their Chicago days...so it wasn't their first time in a title game

[PS17]

I actually have a hunch that Houston will be better than Indy & win the AFCS.

[Aqua4ever04]

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not when you play the Colts and Titans 4x

[Aqua4ever04]

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[124]

Havn't you heard? Houston has supposedly been playoff bound for about 4 years now. They are awesome.

Just like Buffalo, I'm tired of hearing about the "what ifs" and all that crap. How about they get 10 wins for the first time in franchise history and then we can start talking about potential playoff spots when they're in the same division as Indianapolis & Tennessee.

This doesn't just go out to you Travis, but to everyone who each year predicts Houston will be more than what they really are: A .500 ball club.

[ECURB]

It is possible... I Indy and Miami will miss the playoffs.

[Aqua4ever04]

Havn't you heard? Houston has supposedly been playoff bound for about 4 years now. They are awesome.

Just like Buffalo, I'm tired of hearing about the "what ifs" and all that crap. How about they get 10 wins for the first time in franchise history and then we can start talking about potential playoff spots when they're in the same division as Indianapolis & Tennessee.

This doesn't just go out to you Travis, but to everyone who each year predicts Houston will be more than what they really are: A .500 ball club.

I really haven't heard more than a .500 club; that's where I've had them pinned for years because of a medicore offensive line, no explosion at the tailback position, and the defense still wasn't quite there.

Now they've got Slaton. The offensive line has adopted the zone scheme and has responded well; the unit is now formidable. They pick up Cato June, Clay Matthews, get Dunta Robinson back to full health, and Marino Williams and Omobi Okoye each have another year of experiance under their belts.

The Texans are going to the playoffs this year.

[124]

The Texans are going to the playoffs this year.

Too bad we already used up our bet. I'm pissed at myself. This is a shoe in bet for me to win. Not a chance in hell Houston goes to the playoffs.

Houston has the same shot to make the postseason as Ohio State does of beating an SEC team in a National Title game.

None.

[Aqua4ever04]

Too bad we already used up our bet. I'm pissed at myself. This is a shoe in bet for me to win. Not a chance in hell Houston goes to the playoffs.

Houston has the same shot to make the postseason as Ohio State does of beating an SEC team in a National Title game.

None.

Haha! I'm sure we can think of something. Let's debate this further.

What's the one thing Peyton Manning has struggled with in his career? A quality pass rush with guys coming from all areas. The Texans are flirting with having a deadly pass rush. Dunta Robinson can cover any one when healthy.

Offensively, the Texans will pound the Colts Swiss Cheese defense with that running game. And who on the Colts can cover Andre Johnson? I'm convincing myself even more that the Texans will sweep the Colts in 2009.

[Vudu]

What an awfully run franchise.

[124]

Dunta Robinson had a stellar rookie campaign and has since battled injuries and other issues. I loved him coming out but he hasn't proven anything since his first year in the league and the Texans do not have enough to cover Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzalez and either Joseph Addai or Donald Brown coming out of the backfield.

They will give the Colts games, they always do, and they'll probably split. But sweep? Not a chance. Tony Ugoh can handle Mario Williams enough for the Colts to win in Indianapolis.

Each year the Texans are all hype.

The Cardinals eventually made it, but they also had TWO great receivers + a Quarterback.

Matt Schaub? Seriously?

[Aqua4ever04]

Dunta Robinson had a stellar rookie campaign and has since battled injuries and other issues. I loved him coming out but he hasn't proven anything since his first year in the league and the Texans do not have enough to cover Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzalez and either Joseph Addai or Donald Brown coming out of the backfield.

They will give the Colts games, they always do, and they'll probably split. But sweep? Not a chance. Tony Ugoh can handle Mario Williams enough for the Colts to win in Indianapolis.

Until they put it on the field, the Texans are all hype.

Okay, I agree that the Colts firepower and depth at pass catchers trumps the Texans secondary depth, but I HIGHLY disagree about Ugoh being able to handle Williams.

I'm rooting for Dunta so hard. The dude has his head on straight and has had an unfortunate rash of injuries as you mentioned. But god damn is the guy talented.

Matt Schaub will put it all together very soon. With those targets, he doesn't have to be stellar, those guys will get open and windows won't be too tight. Not to mention he finally has support in the backfield.

[Blackout]

Houston has the same shot to make the postseason as Ohio State does of beating an SEC team in a National Title game.

None.

hahahahahahahahaha

[billybroome]

Cincinnati could contend if they remain healthy. They certainly have the talent on offense and if their defense plays like it did last year, they could certainly challenge for a Wild Card berth.

They certainly could, as could any NFL team. The proof is in the pudding, so I'll refrain from any predictions until at least the pre-season concludes.

[Aqua4ever04]

They certainly could, as could any NFL team. The proof is in the pudding, so I'll refrain from any predictions until at least the pre-season concludes.

You guys made me look bad last year. I said the offense would be elite and the defense would rely on creating turnovers to get by and I said the Bengals could contend for the AFC North.

Thanks a lot.

My biggest concern with your team is that offensive line. I hated the Andre Smith pick and losing Stacey Andrews and Willie Anderson over the past couple of years makes it a bit of a reclamation project.

[billybroome]

You guys made me look bad last year. I said the offense would be elite and the defense would rely on creating turnovers to get by and I said the Bengals could contend for the AFC North.

Thanks a lot.

My biggest concern with your team is that offensive line. I hated the Andre Smith pick and losing Stacey Andrews and Willie Anderson over the past couple of years makes it a bit of a reclamation project.

Personally I was elated that Andre Smith was chosen #1 by Cincinnati. He dominated in college, and I feel he'll excel in the NFL.

What REALLY shocked me during the draft was the fact that USC LB Rey Maualuga was still available at the top of the second round! Teamed up with his former USC LB Keith Rivers, and I see a greatly improved defense.

[JagsFanJif]

Personally I was elated that Andre Smith was chosen #1 by Cincinnati. He dominated in college, and I feel he'll excel in the NFL.

What REALLY shocked me during the draft was the fact that USC LB Rey Maualuga was still available at the top of the second round! Teamed up with his former USC LB Keith Rivers, and I see a greatly improved defense.

Smith scares me with his attitude, but he was a monster at Bama, no doubt about it.

And I actually think it will be really exciting for Bengals fans to watch Rivers ANd Maualuga playing together. 2 very talented football players in the purest form.

[StillerPaul]

Beware of the bungles.... Hey, i hope they at least finish ahead of the clowns.

[billybroome]

Beware of the bungles.... Hey, i hope they at least finish ahead of the clowns.

Personally I see a down year for the squealers Paul. It seems to happen after every Superbowl.

[StillerPaul]

Personally I see a down year for the squealers Paul. It seems to happen after every Superbowl.

Yeah, that seems to be a trend of SB teams lately. I try and keep my expectations in check. Just hope for the best most times.

What's your expectations for Cincy this year? Ya think Carson rebounds?

[Aqua4ever04]

Personally I was elated that Andre Smith was chosen #1 by Cincinnati. He dominated in college, and I feel he'll excel in the NFL.

What REALLY shocked me during the draft was the fact that USC LB Rey Maualuga was still available at the top of the second round! Teamed up with his former USC LB Keith Rivers, and I see a greatly improved defense.

My problem is this.

You're getting ready for the biggest game of your life (Alabama in the Sugar Bowl last year) and you find a way to get yourself suspended. Big red flag.

Then, you have the biggest job interview of your life where you can make or lose millions of dollars and you show up out of shape, tell them you're not working out and then all of a sudden go A.W.O.L.

Then, you have your pro day where you're looking for redemption. You're still not in shape, and then on top of that, you take your shirt off revealing more flab than any football player ever.

You have to wonder what is going on in that guys head and how he's going to grasp protection schemes in the NFL and how he'll deal with the most refined rushing techniques in the world that the NFL offers.

This isn't college where he's going up against inferior guys both physically and talent wise 10 out of 11 weeks. He gets to deal with James Harrison and Terrell Suggs on a week-to-week basis.