Showing posts with label Cincinnati Bengals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cincinnati Bengals. Show all posts
Monday, May 12, 2014
2014 NFL Draft Grades: AFC North
The Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC North in 2013, but were eliminated in a surprising home playoff loss to San Diego. It marks the first time in franchise history that the Bengals made the playoffs three years in a row, but with a roster as talented as theirs they are looking for more going into the 2014 season. Perhaps the biggest surprise was that Cincinnati was the only team from the AFC North to make the playoffs. Baltimore followed up their Super Bowl campaign with an 8-8 season, and Pittsburgh missed the playoffs for the second year in a row with an 8-8 record as well. Cleveland brought in a new coach and GM and they were loaded with two first round picks for 2014.
Baltimore: B+ Best Pick: C.J. Mosley Late Round Sleeper: John Urschel
Baltimore looks to have found its heir apparent for Ray Lewis in first round pick C.J. Mosley, who many saw as a Top 10 talent. He is a tough, smart hard hitter who will start from Day 1. Tim Jernigan will give the Ravens depth in the defensive line in Round 2. As usual, the Ravens had a strong draft from top to bottom, getting players in later rounds like Lorenzo Taliaferro and Mike Campanaro who can contribute this year. A late round sleeper looks to be John Urschel, a guard who might find a place in the offensive line right away but who is also perhaps the smartest player in draft, after getting his Masters degree from Penn State and teaching math classes there while playing football for the Nittany Lions.
Cincinnati: B+ Best Pick: Darqueze Dennard Late Round Sleeper: Russell Bodine
The Bengals needed depth in the defensive secondary, and had one of the three best corners in the draft fall into their lap with Darqueze Dennard falling to #24. The Bengals found the bruising back to pair with Gio Bernard in Round 2 with the pick of Jeremy Hill, and also got the eventual replacement for Michael Johnson on defense with Will Clarke in Round 3. Cincinnati also had another potential future starter fall for them when they picked up A.J. McCarron in Round 5. A late round sleeper looks to be Russell Bodine, a center selected in Round 4 who can also play guard.
Cleveland: B+ Best Pick: Johnny Manziel Late Round Sleeper: Terrence West
The Browns traded down in Round 1, then traded back up to get Justin Gilbert, a cornerback who will team with Joe Haden to form potentially the best tandem in the NFL. Then they traded up with their second 1st Rounder and got the quarterback they wanted all along in Johnny Manziel, who will have a chance to start from Day 1 depending on the health of Brian Hoyer. The offensive line got a healthy dose of big and nasty with the pick of Joel Bitonio, who can play on the right side and open up holes for late round sleeper Terrence West, a bruising back from Towson who will split reps with newly acquired Ben Tate.
Pittsburgh: A- Best Pick: Ryan Shazier Late Round Sleeper: Daniel McCullers
The Steelers went for defense, and got tow potential starters in Ryan Shazier and Stephon Tuitt. Dri Archer is a multi purpose speedster who will give defenses fits with his blazing speed. In need of a wide receiver, the Steelers picked up Martavis Bryant, who could start opposite Antonio Brown from Day 1. A late round sleeper could be Daniel McCullers, the massive nose tackle who can fill up the middle and free up defenders to make plays around him.
Friday, May 3, 2013
TMG DraftZone 2013 NFL Draft Grades: AFC North
The Baltimore Ravens captured their second consecutive AFC North title in 2012, then got hot when it was needed. The dispatched the Colts at home, then went on the road to knock off Peyton Manning in Denver and Tom Brady in New England. The Ray Lewis Retirement Ride ended with a Super Bowl title in New Orleans against the San Francisco 49ers. Joe Flacco was named Super Bowl MVP, then signed a huge contract befitting his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. But the Ravens took personnel hits all winter. Lewis retired, Ed Reed signed with Houston and Paul Kruger moved to Cleveland. They were just the beginning, but the Ravens have the best GM in the business with Ozzie Newsome, and he proved that yet again in the 2013 Draft. There were holes to fill, and Ozzie hit the mark all three days. Matt Elam was selected in Round 1 to replace either Reed or Bernard Pollard at safety, and Arthur Brown was a steal late in Round 2 to fill the Hall of Fame shoes of Ray Lewis.
But Baltimore was not the only AFC North team to hit the mark on draft weekend. Cincinnati continued their draft hot streak with Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard to add firepower to the offense, and Margus Hunt gives the defensive front the look of The Great Wall Of Cincinnati. At 6'8, Hunt teams with 6'7 Michael Johnson and 6'6 Carlos Dunlap to give the Bengals an imposing look. Pittsburgh lost James Harrison to the Bengals, but found his replacement with one of the biggest draft steals by selecting Jarvis Jones at #17 overall. Cleveland added to their pass rush with Barkevious Mingo at #6 overall, and he can team with Kruger to make the Browns new 3-4 defense very formidable.
So here are the draft grades for the AFC North for 2013, with key selections and sleeper picks:
Baltimore: A- Arthur Brown (LB) Kyle Juszczyk (FB)
Matt Elam will always be seen as the replacement to Ed Reed, but the ball hawking skills of the future Hall of Famer is not the game that Elam plays. He will slip into the physical role of strong safety, but he has the talent to star in the NFL. But Brown has a load to carry at linebacker. Lewis on the field is tough to replace, but his leadership cannot. But if Brown can play his game and not try to be the next Ray Lewis he will be a second round steal. John Simon will also be a contributor at the linebacker position. Juszczyk looks to eventually take over the fullback role, and be the road grater for Ray Rice and provide protection for Flacco.
Cincinnati: A Giovani Bernard (RB) Shawn Williams (S)
Andy Dalton can now look out over a lineup of A.J. Green on one side, Mohammed Sanu on the other, and a two tight end set of Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert. And what this lineup can do is create holes by spreading out the defense so that Bernard can run to daylight. Bernard also gives Dalton another target in the passing game. Williams will be able to compete for the starting strogn safety spot, and how he handles pass coverage will determine if he can bet out Taylor Mays.
Cleveland: C+ Barkevious Mingo (DE) Leon McFadden (CB)
Mingo will need to add some strength to work against NFL tackles, but he has to speed to get to the backfield. Many thought that the Browns would go after Dee Milliner to pair with Joe Haden to form a bookend corner set, but now McFadden has a chance to fill that role. Cleveland forfeit its second round pick to that Josh Gordon in the Supplemental Draft, and traded picks to load up on future picks. It's a Win Now If We Can But We're Going To Be Great Later philosophy, but I will give the Browns credit for not drafting a quarterback. Give Brandon Weeden a chance without looking over his shoulder and he can develop into a good quarterback, especially with Trent Richardson to keep defenses honest in the running game.
Pittsburgh: B+ Shamarko Thomas (S) Landry Jones (QB)
Jones was a steal at #17. But it shows that the Steelers know what they are doing by not looking at the measureables from the Combine and Pro Days and by looking at the player on the field. There was a concern about Jones' spinal stenosis condition, but two seasons at Georgia and medical clearance should have put just about all those fears to rest. Replacements for Rashard Mendanhall at running back and Mike Wallace at wide receiver were picked next by selecting Le'Veon Bell and Markus Wheaton. The eventual replacement to Troy Polamalu may have been found in Sharmako Thomas. But one position you might not think is a need is backup quarterback, with Ben Roethlisberger calling the plays. But as tough as Big Ben is, he has been getting banged up. Landry Jones is in a good position to fill that backup role and keep the Steelers on track is need be.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
AFC North Draft Grades: Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2010 NFL Season with hopes and dreams of reaching the Super Bowl after winning the AFC North in 2009. A 2-1 start was followed by ten straight losses and even more fingers being pointed at who was to blame. This offseason has been just as problematic. Terrell Owens is not coming back. Chad Ochocinco Johnson may or may not be back. Carson Palmer has threatened to retire if he is not traded. Mike Brown isn't going to budge on that matter, so you may as well consider Palmer gone from Cincy. The Bengals entered the draft with questions at quarterback and receiver, and hit the mark at both positions.
Cincinnati could have drafted Blaine Gabbert with the 4th Overall pick, but they opted to go with the best offensive player in the draft with A.J. Green, the wide receiver out of Georgia. In Round 2, Cincinnati was able to get the quarterback they wanted all along in Andy Dalton. Unless Palmer somehow ends up back in a Bengals jersey, or unless they can pick up a veteran free agent quarterback, Dalton will be the Day 1 starter, and his job will be much easier with Green lining up on the outside.
The Bengals selected Dontay Moch, the outside linebacker/defensive end out of Nevada. Moch will have to adjust to playing linebacker, but he has all the physical tools to be a disruptive pass rusher. Cincinnati also got two more potential starters in fourth round pick Cling Boling and fifth round selection Robert Sands. Boling was seen by some as having late first round/early second round talent, and he should start at left guard. Sands will have the opportunity to move into the strong safety position, with Roy Williams and Chris Crocker both getting hit by age and injuries.
A late round sleeper looks to be Korey Lindsey, a cornerback taken in the seventh round out of Southern Illinois. Lindsey was seen as the best corner in FCS, and with Jonathon Joseph potentially heading to free agency he could get a chance right away.
Draft Grade: A
Cincinnati could have drafted Blaine Gabbert with the 4th Overall pick, but they opted to go with the best offensive player in the draft with A.J. Green, the wide receiver out of Georgia. In Round 2, Cincinnati was able to get the quarterback they wanted all along in Andy Dalton. Unless Palmer somehow ends up back in a Bengals jersey, or unless they can pick up a veteran free agent quarterback, Dalton will be the Day 1 starter, and his job will be much easier with Green lining up on the outside.
The Bengals selected Dontay Moch, the outside linebacker/defensive end out of Nevada. Moch will have to adjust to playing linebacker, but he has all the physical tools to be a disruptive pass rusher. Cincinnati also got two more potential starters in fourth round pick Cling Boling and fifth round selection Robert Sands. Boling was seen by some as having late first round/early second round talent, and he should start at left guard. Sands will have the opportunity to move into the strong safety position, with Roy Williams and Chris Crocker both getting hit by age and injuries.
A late round sleeper looks to be Korey Lindsey, a cornerback taken in the seventh round out of Southern Illinois. Lindsey was seen as the best corner in FCS, and with Jonathon Joseph potentially heading to free agency he could get a chance right away.
Draft Grade: A
Friday, April 29, 2011
Day 2 In The Books
Day 2 of the 2011 NFL Draft is in the books, and winners and losers are starting to surface among the teams. Some have been doing this for a long time. Some are getting better. Some have me scratching my head.
The New England Patriots always seem to own the draft. They have been accumulating top picks the last few years, and 2011 is no different. Even looking to next year, the Patriots have already picked up an additional first and second round pick. But for 2011, they have selected a left tackle in Nate Solder to pair with Sebastian Vollmer that could be called, with acknowledgements to Tom Clancy's Hunt For Red October, Thor's Twins. Both are 6'8, young and very athletic. Tom Brady is going to be well protected for a long time, and they even got his future replacement in Ryan Mallett, who fell all the way to Round 3. New England picked up a pair of running backs to fill a need in Round 2, but the pick who could turn out to be the most valuable might be Ras-I Dowling, a cornerback from Virginia. He has ideal size and speed to play corner in the NFL, but has battled injuries in college and could use some seasoning in the pros. But if he develops, New England will have a pair of top flight corners in Dowling and Devin McCourtey for years to come.
The New Orleans Saints for two elite players in Round 1, selecting Cameron Jordan and Mark Ingram. But the third round brought two more impact players in Martez Wilson and Johnny Patrick. Wilson may be a bit raw, but he is a talented, gifted linebacker and Patrick looks to be a solid cover corner who also plays the run very well. The Saints got an infusion of talent at the running back position, where they had injuries all of 2010, and in all three facets of the defense.
The Cincinnati Bengals had an excellent draft in 2010, and this year has gotten off to a good start. A.J. Green was a near unanimous choice as the best offensive player in the draft, and with Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco Johnson most likely not returning he fills a glaring need. Carson Palmer doesn't look to be returning either, and the Bengals picked up Andy Dalton with the third pick of Round 2. Many draftniks had Dalton moving up into the first round, and Cincinnati was able to select him without having to trade up and relinquishing any of their other picks. Jay Gruden is going to install the West Coast system, and they will need a mobile, accurate quarterback to run the offense. Dalton is that, and he is a leader and a winner. Even if Palmer returns to Cincy, I can see Dalton taking over the starting spot during the season. Then the Bengals addressed the defensive side by taking Dontay Moch in Round 3. Moch is a disruptive force, who spends a lot of time in the opponents backfield. The Bengals could use Moch as a backup to Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga on the outside, and could line the three of them up together with Rodderick Muckleroy in some 3-4 schemes.
The Detroit Lions got perhaps the biggest steal of the draft when Nick Fairley fell all the way to #13, then they got two more solid picks in Round 2. Titus Young is the speed receiver to compliment Calvin Johnson, and Mikel Leshoure is the between the tackles workhorse to compliment Jahvid Best. The Lions need to keep Matthew Stafford healthy, and if they can address that need in Day 3 they will easily be one of the biggest winners of the draft.
The Houston Texans needed help on defense. A lot of help. And they got it and then some. J.J. Watt is the ideal 3-4 end, and in Round 2 they got an outside linebacker in Brooks Reed who can rush the passer. But one of the biggest steals of the draft has to be Brandon Harris going to Houston in Round 3. He may lack the ideal size, but Harris has speed and plays more physical than his stature might indicate. Harris was a popular late first round selection of many mock drafts, and I had him going #32 to Green Bay. He can pair up with Kareem Jackson to solidify the Texans pass coverage.
Then there is the Minnesota Vikings. They went into the draft needing a quarterback. And they got one. A lot higher than everyone thought Christian Ponder would be taken in the draft. Ponder is a good fit for the Vikings West Coast offense, but he may have to play right away unless Minnesota can acquire a veteran to hold the fort until he is ready. They also need to shore up the middle of the defensive line, add a receiver with Sidney Rice being a free agent and Percy Harvin with migraine issues, and the secondary needs help as well. So with their second round pick, the Vikings select...Kyle Rudolph. While Rudolph has the skills to be a top tight end in the NFL, and the Vikings could use some youth at the position, Minnesota could have also drafted Rahim Moore, Marcus Gilchrist, Marvin Austin, or Greg Little. I believe that any of these players may make a more immediate impact with the Vikings. But if you look at the players Minnesota could have had, Nick Fairley and Ryan Mallett were available and if they Vikings had picked those two, I don't see anyone looking at their draft and wondering what they were doing.
Day 3 of the 2011 NFL Draft is tomorrow. What surprises await teams, players and fans alike? We shall see.
The New England Patriots always seem to own the draft. They have been accumulating top picks the last few years, and 2011 is no different. Even looking to next year, the Patriots have already picked up an additional first and second round pick. But for 2011, they have selected a left tackle in Nate Solder to pair with Sebastian Vollmer that could be called, with acknowledgements to Tom Clancy's Hunt For Red October, Thor's Twins. Both are 6'8, young and very athletic. Tom Brady is going to be well protected for a long time, and they even got his future replacement in Ryan Mallett, who fell all the way to Round 3. New England picked up a pair of running backs to fill a need in Round 2, but the pick who could turn out to be the most valuable might be Ras-I Dowling, a cornerback from Virginia. He has ideal size and speed to play corner in the NFL, but has battled injuries in college and could use some seasoning in the pros. But if he develops, New England will have a pair of top flight corners in Dowling and Devin McCourtey for years to come.
The New Orleans Saints for two elite players in Round 1, selecting Cameron Jordan and Mark Ingram. But the third round brought two more impact players in Martez Wilson and Johnny Patrick. Wilson may be a bit raw, but he is a talented, gifted linebacker and Patrick looks to be a solid cover corner who also plays the run very well. The Saints got an infusion of talent at the running back position, where they had injuries all of 2010, and in all three facets of the defense.
The Cincinnati Bengals had an excellent draft in 2010, and this year has gotten off to a good start. A.J. Green was a near unanimous choice as the best offensive player in the draft, and with Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco Johnson most likely not returning he fills a glaring need. Carson Palmer doesn't look to be returning either, and the Bengals picked up Andy Dalton with the third pick of Round 2. Many draftniks had Dalton moving up into the first round, and Cincinnati was able to select him without having to trade up and relinquishing any of their other picks. Jay Gruden is going to install the West Coast system, and they will need a mobile, accurate quarterback to run the offense. Dalton is that, and he is a leader and a winner. Even if Palmer returns to Cincy, I can see Dalton taking over the starting spot during the season. Then the Bengals addressed the defensive side by taking Dontay Moch in Round 3. Moch is a disruptive force, who spends a lot of time in the opponents backfield. The Bengals could use Moch as a backup to Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga on the outside, and could line the three of them up together with Rodderick Muckleroy in some 3-4 schemes.
The Detroit Lions got perhaps the biggest steal of the draft when Nick Fairley fell all the way to #13, then they got two more solid picks in Round 2. Titus Young is the speed receiver to compliment Calvin Johnson, and Mikel Leshoure is the between the tackles workhorse to compliment Jahvid Best. The Lions need to keep Matthew Stafford healthy, and if they can address that need in Day 3 they will easily be one of the biggest winners of the draft.
The Houston Texans needed help on defense. A lot of help. And they got it and then some. J.J. Watt is the ideal 3-4 end, and in Round 2 they got an outside linebacker in Brooks Reed who can rush the passer. But one of the biggest steals of the draft has to be Brandon Harris going to Houston in Round 3. He may lack the ideal size, but Harris has speed and plays more physical than his stature might indicate. Harris was a popular late first round selection of many mock drafts, and I had him going #32 to Green Bay. He can pair up with Kareem Jackson to solidify the Texans pass coverage.
Then there is the Minnesota Vikings. They went into the draft needing a quarterback. And they got one. A lot higher than everyone thought Christian Ponder would be taken in the draft. Ponder is a good fit for the Vikings West Coast offense, but he may have to play right away unless Minnesota can acquire a veteran to hold the fort until he is ready. They also need to shore up the middle of the defensive line, add a receiver with Sidney Rice being a free agent and Percy Harvin with migraine issues, and the secondary needs help as well. So with their second round pick, the Vikings select...Kyle Rudolph. While Rudolph has the skills to be a top tight end in the NFL, and the Vikings could use some youth at the position, Minnesota could have also drafted Rahim Moore, Marcus Gilchrist, Marvin Austin, or Greg Little. I believe that any of these players may make a more immediate impact with the Vikings. But if you look at the players Minnesota could have had, Nick Fairley and Ryan Mallett were available and if they Vikings had picked those two, I don't see anyone looking at their draft and wondering what they were doing.
Day 3 of the 2011 NFL Draft is tomorrow. What surprises await teams, players and fans alike? We shall see.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Shaking up the top of the draft
It has been reported today that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer plans to demand a trade or he will retire. The last time a star player on the Bengals demanded a trade was Chad Johnson in 2008, and Mike Brown did not budge. Even after the Washington Redskins offered 2 first round picks for the star receiver. Brown held firm to his belief that the player should honor the contract.
So if Palmer does end up retiring, what does this mean for the 2011 NFL Draft? It means that Cincinnati will be looking for a quarterback, and if they take one that high it will be a stretch. Their depth chart has Jordan Palmer as the backup, and Dan LeFevour at No. 3. If you are going to say that the Bengals can win with either one of those two leading the offense then you are the most eternal of optimists. Jordan Palmer may be Carson's brother, but there is a reason he has bounced around the league. Listing him as a backup is a stretch. LeFevour was drafted by Chicago in 2010, and was released. He was a spread offense quarterback in college, but has not taken a snap in the pros. He may eventually become a good NFL quarterback, but I don't think anyone sees it happening in 2011.
So the Bengals, who should have been targeting A.J. Green or Da'Quan Bowers with the 4th overall selection, now may be looking for a quarterback. Consensus of opinion has Blaine Gabbert as the most pro ready prospect, but he is not nearly the polished talent Palmer was coming out of USC. And the Bengals sat Palmer his entire rookie season after taking him first overall in 2003.
But I believe the player Cincinnati may need for the quarterback position for more than one reason is Cam Newton. The Bengals have an offensive line built for the run. Palmer has spent the last 3 seasons getting battered and bruised, and the most mobile option may be the best one. Also, Cincinnati has had trouble selling tickets. Getting the Heisman Trophy winner would be a PR coup that could help the small market Bengals attract more fans into the stands. Newton would benefit from the Bengals re-signing Cedric Benson, and with a solid running game and a stable of good young receivers, there might not be as much pressure right away on Newton.
As talented as Newton is, 4th overall might be too high. The answer would be to trade down. But Mike Brown has not been known to make many draft trades, and his last big draft trade was to move up to #1 and select Ki-Jana Carter in 1995. Carter then blew out his knee on his second preseason carry, and his career was effectively over. If Carson Palmer retires, they will need to get a quality quarterback to replace him. If they do not get one of the four top prospects by the time they make the 35th pick of the draft, it could be a long, long, long season in Cincinnati.
So if Palmer does end up retiring, what does this mean for the 2011 NFL Draft? It means that Cincinnati will be looking for a quarterback, and if they take one that high it will be a stretch. Their depth chart has Jordan Palmer as the backup, and Dan LeFevour at No. 3. If you are going to say that the Bengals can win with either one of those two leading the offense then you are the most eternal of optimists. Jordan Palmer may be Carson's brother, but there is a reason he has bounced around the league. Listing him as a backup is a stretch. LeFevour was drafted by Chicago in 2010, and was released. He was a spread offense quarterback in college, but has not taken a snap in the pros. He may eventually become a good NFL quarterback, but I don't think anyone sees it happening in 2011.
So the Bengals, who should have been targeting A.J. Green or Da'Quan Bowers with the 4th overall selection, now may be looking for a quarterback. Consensus of opinion has Blaine Gabbert as the most pro ready prospect, but he is not nearly the polished talent Palmer was coming out of USC. And the Bengals sat Palmer his entire rookie season after taking him first overall in 2003.
But I believe the player Cincinnati may need for the quarterback position for more than one reason is Cam Newton. The Bengals have an offensive line built for the run. Palmer has spent the last 3 seasons getting battered and bruised, and the most mobile option may be the best one. Also, Cincinnati has had trouble selling tickets. Getting the Heisman Trophy winner would be a PR coup that could help the small market Bengals attract more fans into the stands. Newton would benefit from the Bengals re-signing Cedric Benson, and with a solid running game and a stable of good young receivers, there might not be as much pressure right away on Newton.
As talented as Newton is, 4th overall might be too high. The answer would be to trade down. But Mike Brown has not been known to make many draft trades, and his last big draft trade was to move up to #1 and select Ki-Jana Carter in 1995. Carter then blew out his knee on his second preseason carry, and his career was effectively over. If Carson Palmer retires, they will need to get a quality quarterback to replace him. If they do not get one of the four top prospects by the time they make the 35th pick of the draft, it could be a long, long, long season in Cincinnati.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Reclamation and Redemption in Cincinnati
For years the Cincinnati Bengals were the team of the troublemakers. Chris Henry, Odell Thurman, and others kept getting in trouble with the law and the big sheriff of the league, Commissioner Roger Goddell. Now they seem to be the scrapheap, where the junkyard dogs that everyone else abandoned can find a home.
You can go back to 2008 and find a starting point. Chris Henry was arrested for the 5th time, and the Bengals released him. He was suspended for 8 games but there were no takers. Then Mike Brown, against the wishes of his coach, Marvin Lewis, re-signed the troubled receiver. In doing so Brown said that he is a redeemer, and that he would give Henry one last shot.
The risk seemed to be working out for the best. Henry had difficulty getting back into the flow of the game in 2008, but some of that was seen as Carson Palmer not being on the field. In 2009 Henry showed flashes of his potential before breaking his arm, then tragically died in an accident during the season. Henry had kept himself out of trouble and looked to be on the path to redemption.
When Chris Perry showed that he was not going to be a bell cow ball carrier, the Bengals took in Cedric Benson, who had been a bust with Chicago, found his own trouble with the law and was released by the Bears. When he got a second chance to show that he was deserving of his 4th overall draft selection in 2005 he took the most of it. Benson finished the 2008 season with three 100 yard games, and rushed for over 1200 yards in 2009 despite sitting out 3 games with injuries.
Going into the 2010 season the Bengals have signed Matt Jones and Adam Jones. Matt was released by Jacksonville after being arrested for drug possession, and I don't know if this blog has enough space to list the problems Adam has had since coming into the league in 2005. Both were signed to low risk contracts and will be joining a team coming off of an AFC North Division title. With the efforts the Bengals have put into Henry and Benson, they know how to handle players who have had troubles and are coming off the scrapheap. If they can stay out of trouble as Henry did and can contribute on the field the Bengals will reap the benefits.
But now there is a possibility that the Bengals might sign JaMarcus Russell. Is there a better place for him? I don't think so. With Palmer as the starter, Russell would be strictly a backup. No pressure to carry the franchise, and I'm sure if he signs with any team the financial risk will be very small. Why not take a chance on Russell? If it is going to work out, it will probably happen in Cincinnati.
You can go back to 2008 and find a starting point. Chris Henry was arrested for the 5th time, and the Bengals released him. He was suspended for 8 games but there were no takers. Then Mike Brown, against the wishes of his coach, Marvin Lewis, re-signed the troubled receiver. In doing so Brown said that he is a redeemer, and that he would give Henry one last shot.
The risk seemed to be working out for the best. Henry had difficulty getting back into the flow of the game in 2008, but some of that was seen as Carson Palmer not being on the field. In 2009 Henry showed flashes of his potential before breaking his arm, then tragically died in an accident during the season. Henry had kept himself out of trouble and looked to be on the path to redemption.
When Chris Perry showed that he was not going to be a bell cow ball carrier, the Bengals took in Cedric Benson, who had been a bust with Chicago, found his own trouble with the law and was released by the Bears. When he got a second chance to show that he was deserving of his 4th overall draft selection in 2005 he took the most of it. Benson finished the 2008 season with three 100 yard games, and rushed for over 1200 yards in 2009 despite sitting out 3 games with injuries.
Going into the 2010 season the Bengals have signed Matt Jones and Adam Jones. Matt was released by Jacksonville after being arrested for drug possession, and I don't know if this blog has enough space to list the problems Adam has had since coming into the league in 2005. Both were signed to low risk contracts and will be joining a team coming off of an AFC North Division title. With the efforts the Bengals have put into Henry and Benson, they know how to handle players who have had troubles and are coming off the scrapheap. If they can stay out of trouble as Henry did and can contribute on the field the Bengals will reap the benefits.
But now there is a possibility that the Bengals might sign JaMarcus Russell. Is there a better place for him? I don't think so. With Palmer as the starter, Russell would be strictly a backup. No pressure to carry the franchise, and I'm sure if he signs with any team the financial risk will be very small. Why not take a chance on Russell? If it is going to work out, it will probably happen in Cincinnati.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Pacman and the Bengals. A match made in...?
It has come out that Pacman Jones, the former 6th overall selection of the 2005 NFL Draft, who has been out of the NFL since 2008 because of repeated bad behavior and violation of the league's Personal Conduct Policy, is going to sign a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Many will say that the two deserve each other. The Bengals have had a number of players in trouble with the league and the law, and have taken in just as many who have had problems when they played on other teams. Now it looks like they have another in Jones.
But the question here isn't why the Bengals are signing him. Mike Brown is a self proclaimed 'redeemer.' He took Chris Henry back in after releasing him and after the league suspended the receiver. He has given Cedric Benson, Tank Johnson and Matt Jones another chance. The Bengals even offered Michael Vick a contract, but he signed with Philadelphia instead. Now they are bringing in Adam "Pacman" Jones. Mike Brown will be the patron saint of redeemers if Jones performs well with Cincinnati.
But for me the question is "What position will Jones play, and can he even make the team?" Jones is a cornerback. The Bengals have one of the best pair of young corners in Jonathon Joseph and Leon Hall. They have second year player Morgan Trent, and used a 3rd round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft on Brandon Ghee. Jones was a feared punt returner in his time with the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals have Quan Cosby, who averaged nearly 12 yards per punt return in 2009. Bernard Scott returned kickoffs, and ran one back for a touchdown against Pittsburgh that was the difference in the game. They also drafted Jordan Shipley in the 3rd round, and he returned kicks at Texas. The two positions that Jones played the best are well covered.
There is one position he might have a shot with in Cincinnati. Safety. The Bengals did not draft a safety in 2010, but they are looking to sign Gibril Wilson. Jones seemed to have lost a step or 2 when he was in Dallas, and if has bulked up then safety may be the position for him. He may be undersized in run support, but in pass coverage he could excel. He would be covering tight ends and backs who are going to be slower then the receivers on the outside, and if his cover skills are still there he would be perfect for nickel and dime coverage packages.
If the Bengals can bring the tough love to Jones that he needs, and if he buys into the words of Head Coach Marvin Lewis and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, then Jones will be a bargain for the Bengals. Now all they have to do is keep him out of trouble off the field. That may be the toughest task awaiting Mike Brown's Team of Redemption.
But the question here isn't why the Bengals are signing him. Mike Brown is a self proclaimed 'redeemer.' He took Chris Henry back in after releasing him and after the league suspended the receiver. He has given Cedric Benson, Tank Johnson and Matt Jones another chance. The Bengals even offered Michael Vick a contract, but he signed with Philadelphia instead. Now they are bringing in Adam "Pacman" Jones. Mike Brown will be the patron saint of redeemers if Jones performs well with Cincinnati.
But for me the question is "What position will Jones play, and can he even make the team?" Jones is a cornerback. The Bengals have one of the best pair of young corners in Jonathon Joseph and Leon Hall. They have second year player Morgan Trent, and used a 3rd round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft on Brandon Ghee. Jones was a feared punt returner in his time with the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals have Quan Cosby, who averaged nearly 12 yards per punt return in 2009. Bernard Scott returned kickoffs, and ran one back for a touchdown against Pittsburgh that was the difference in the game. They also drafted Jordan Shipley in the 3rd round, and he returned kicks at Texas. The two positions that Jones played the best are well covered.
There is one position he might have a shot with in Cincinnati. Safety. The Bengals did not draft a safety in 2010, but they are looking to sign Gibril Wilson. Jones seemed to have lost a step or 2 when he was in Dallas, and if has bulked up then safety may be the position for him. He may be undersized in run support, but in pass coverage he could excel. He would be covering tight ends and backs who are going to be slower then the receivers on the outside, and if his cover skills are still there he would be perfect for nickel and dime coverage packages.
If the Bengals can bring the tough love to Jones that he needs, and if he buys into the words of Head Coach Marvin Lewis and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, then Jones will be a bargain for the Bengals. Now all they have to do is keep him out of trouble off the field. That may be the toughest task awaiting Mike Brown's Team of Redemption.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Draft Grades: Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off of a surprise division title in 2009, and went into the draft looking to upgrade the offense. While Cedric Benson had a tremendous season, the passing game suffered, and it was a priority to upgrade the weapons for Carson Palmer.
The selection of Jermaine Gresham did just that. He poses a matchup nightmare for defenders, and gives the Bengals a legitimate red zone threat. In the second round Cincinnati addressed their pass rush by taking Carlos Dunlap. Antwan Odom is coming off of an Achilles injury, and the rap against Dunlap is that he doesn't play with a high motor. But the same thing was said about Michael Johnson last season, and he provided plenty of pass rush for the Bengals in his rookie season in 2009.
Wide receiver was an offseason issue, and the signings of Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones didn't stop Cincinnati from adding in the draft. Jordan Shipley and Dezmon Briscoe look to provide depth as slot receivers to take the pressure off the guys on the outside.
A sleeper pick looks to be Reggie Stephens, a guard/center taken in the 7th round. An All-Big 12 selection, he is versatile and at 330 pounds has the size to possibly move into the right guard position upon the retirement of Bobbie Williams.
Draft Grade: B+
The selection of Jermaine Gresham did just that. He poses a matchup nightmare for defenders, and gives the Bengals a legitimate red zone threat. In the second round Cincinnati addressed their pass rush by taking Carlos Dunlap. Antwan Odom is coming off of an Achilles injury, and the rap against Dunlap is that he doesn't play with a high motor. But the same thing was said about Michael Johnson last season, and he provided plenty of pass rush for the Bengals in his rookie season in 2009.
Wide receiver was an offseason issue, and the signings of Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones didn't stop Cincinnati from adding in the draft. Jordan Shipley and Dezmon Briscoe look to provide depth as slot receivers to take the pressure off the guys on the outside.
A sleeper pick looks to be Reggie Stephens, a guard/center taken in the 7th round. An All-Big 12 selection, he is versatile and at 330 pounds has the size to possibly move into the right guard position upon the retirement of Bobbie Williams.
Draft Grade: B+
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