J-Unit

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_yl...v=ap&type=lgns

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Quarterback Carson Palmer is muddling through his rehab. Running back Chris Perry is just starting his. The offensive line is in flux.

No matter. Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson insists that the Cincinnati Bengals will not only win their division this season, they'll dominate it.

"We're going to be good," Johnson said Wednesday, following a workout at Paul Brown Stadium. "Anyone else that feels we're not going to dominate the AFC North this year, something's wrong.

"Look at the numbers. Look at the players. Look at me. What else could I say?"

His tone was mirthful, his point serious. The Bengals have a much tougher challenge ahead this time around, but they're convinced that they're up to it.

As long as Palmer is back, that is.

Palmer tore ligaments and other tissue in his left knee during a first-round playoff loss to Pittsburgh, which finished second in the AFC North but went on to win the Super Bowl. Palmer is hoping to be back for the start of the season, but the odds favor a later return.

"Carson says he'll be back week one, we'll be good," Johnson said.

If not, newcomer Anthony Wright will have to lead the team through one of its toughest schedules in years -- much tougher than last season's when the Bengals went 11-5.

The Bengals won't know until training camp whether there's a realistic chance that Palmer can play early in the season. He didn't have much to say about his recovery from reconstructive surgery on Wednesday.

"Everything's going great," he said. "It's a long, slow process, and I'm moving along. As the rehab moves along and the leg gets stronger and better, I can do more things."

While Palmer talked about his comeback, Perry was on the other side of the locker room getting started on his own. Perry, the team's first-round draft pick out of Michigan in 2004, had his right knee cleaned out on Friday. He expects to be ready for training camp.

The knee bothered Perry last season, but tests couldn't detect the debris that doctors eventually found inside the knee.

"It's always a relief to know what's bothering you," he said, still unable to put full weight on the leg.

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stormdriver

Chad Johnson should do something with his offseason besides just talking smack, but at this point I have to agree. If Palmer's back to being Palmer on week one, they take the division hands down.

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J-Unit

we should all jus get used to what Chad's gonna do and let Chad be Chad.

MickeyG

Absolutly not, you can't put one player above the rest. I realize he didn't do anything really bad, but if people just look the other way because it's just "Chad being Chad" or "Moss being Moss" or "Anyone being Anyone" it will never get any better.

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J-Unit

it doesnt matter hes gonna do wut he wants and we should jus get used to it

BigOrangenation33

i see both sides of this argument...i know chad is gonna be chad and theres nuthin anyone can do but i also understand what mickeyG is saying...and the packers fan up their has to jus get over...chad johnson talks a lot of smack but he ALWAYS backs it up...but if palmer is healthy they take the division...

MickeyG

so your saying a player can say what ever he wants just so long as he is talented?

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Professor

chad johnson has always been like this it is nothing new and to be honest I would be surprised if he didn't say this. I expect it. btw, J, the title says jackson says bengals will dominate the division, It should be Johnson right?

J-Unit

Yeh it should be Johnson...I see where your comin from Mickey but thats how Chad Johsnon is always goin to be...talk smack.

Rntaboy

It's going to be a much more competitive divison than last year. Should make for some good games.

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