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The 2009 Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC North because of two things: much improved defense, and the NFL's surprisingly best rushing team. While hoping for much of the same in the upcoming 2010 season, the Bengals have used a draft class and sexy free agent signings to add their missing piece, the passing game. 

Tuesday's incentive-laden signing of Terrell Owens, combined with previous offseason pickup Antonio Bryant and an early draft of Jordan Shipley out of Texas may not result in a receiving core to be fearful of. But it certainly adds a new level distraction for opposing defensive coordinators on Sunday. Owens put together career lows in all facets in 2009, on a Buffalo Bills offense whose passing game consisted of check down screen plays and 5 yard out patterns. Maybe more importantly, Terrell remained drama free last year, becoming merely a quietly frustrated veteran on a bad team.

Cedric Benson found rejuvenation in 2009, becoming a top rusher in the league, and carrying the Bengals on his back to a division championship. In what feels like a "sophomore" season for Benson in some regards, a Chad Ochocinco/Terrell Owens distraction downfield may be exactly what the doctor orders to offer Benson the level of freedom and space necessary to maintain his yardage and success in the backfield. 

Will there be drama? Of course. Will the media bait and hook this situation to the point of no return? Probably. But the bottom line here is that the Bengals were a good team last year, and on paper, they're a better team this year. Owens and Bryant have settled on less than anticipated salaries to wear the stripes, and Carson Palmer is a healthy, seasoned veteran captain. This is an exciting offense, on a loud and proud team, who have instantly become must-see-tv.