A recurring theme that I am hearing around town and reading on various websites is how well the Bengals off-season is going. I must say there is a lot of room for optimism given the talent that has come on board in recent months. With big marquee names such as Laveranues Coles, Roy Williams, Tank Johnson, Andre Smith, Rey Maualuga, third rounder DE Michael Johnson, and the retention of the virtual Swiss Army Knife lineman Scott Kooistra, there is no doubt that the talent on this squad has been upgraded... I really hope that the addition of these players can create some synergies on both sides of the ball that will give us something to get excited about on Sundays. And it could happen, as it did when we caught lightning in a bottle in 2005. However, I cannot find myself getting TOO excited just yet.
Take the first three players taken in the draft for example. Andre Smith is a great talent, however he blew up in weight (although he is back down around 330), suspiciously fired his agent, and went AWOL at the NFL draft without telling anyone. We don't know what will happen in his current predicament, but we do have an indication that he might not be the most disciplined person on earth. Consider 2nd round pick Rey Maualuga, the fierce tackler from USC. He's got a great motor, but many football analysts say that he is commonly found out of position. Don't forget that players being out of position, or "not getting in their fits", are two of Marvin's greatest excuses for losing football games.I am looking forward to the Odell-like energy he will bring to the defense, but let's hope he doesn't make too many mistakes. Lastly take Michael Johnson, the highly talented, freak specimen of a football player from GT. His measurable are off the charts, but his unmeasurables leave a lot to be desired. The scoop on him is that he rarely gave 100% effort, and took many plays off. Not a good sign. And that was in the ACC... Imagine how it will be for him in the NFL...
Now lets take a look at the veteran acquisitions... Roy Williams... He's a hard hitter, but is not very good at pass coverage... Sounds like he would fall into the "out of position" category of Marvin's favorite excuse for losing. What about Tank Johnson? Talk about the epitome of bad character. THis guy was busted in 2005 for carrying a gun in a Chicago nightclub, and then while still on probation was busted for verbally threatening an officer outside of another sweet Chicago nightclub. Later on in 2006, police searched his home in one of the most notorious NFL busts of recent history, finding an arsenal of assault weapons that would make Bin Laden blush... I think an organization like the Patriots could make a guy like Tank fit into their philosophy. But the Bengals, not even having a philosophy, might have a hard time bringing him down to earth.
Again, you can call me negative, but I want the Bengals to dominate as much as any other Bengals fan. I just don't have the confidence in current Bengals leadership to get these guys into the right "fits" as Marvin would say.
Remember Comrades... My harping is not aimed at these players themselves. It is aimed at the coaches and the owners ability to put their talent to proper use... And they have proven over the last 18 years that they cannot do it.
mmmmmm...donuts
Posted by: captainb8 | May 18, 2009 at 02:28 PM
I agree, it is about the coaches and lack of philosophy. Last night coach Zimmer on soas said Michael Johnson is a new toy and we need to figure out the places to use him best. Translation: we do not have a solid plan and draft accordingly, they draft perceived talent at the moment.
This team can't rush the quarterback consitently on any down, let alone deciide a few plays a game to plug in a toy.
Posted by: kotw65 | May 18, 2009 at 02:59 PM
lets be honest, the only reason we had a "great draft" was because we got lucky and some good players fell down to us. its not like we were trading around and wheeling and dealing. if i walk down the street, and find 20 bucks laying there, i don't pick it up and say: "i am the smartest motherfucker alive!"
we didn't do shit in the draft other than pick up some good players that other teams didn't take a chance on. i think this post nailed it. optimistic with a healthy dose of skepticism. they did make some pretty decent signings... but they also passed up some even better opportunities. they made some changes, but there is still a lot more that we want to see.
Viva.
Posted by: Brian | May 18, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Once again, this article hits the nail on the head (and all I can do is echo sentiment)
We got some good players in the draft, so what? How many other years has this happened?
After years and years of drafts, non-existent scouting, and losing seasons, all this does is
make me wonder what we passed on in the draft...
Truth is, we don't employ the scouting capabilities, to know enough about the players we
draft...we don't scout; we crap-shoot...we have less-or none, of a proper scouting department's
idea, about how these picks will perform on an NFL field...
...and from the Bengals track record
it sure as hell isn't worth spending money on...
Posted by: Hofbraunow | May 18, 2009 at 04:53 PM
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=550099
Read it.
Posted by: BengalAnthony13 | May 18, 2009 at 06:10 PM
BA13 - Mike Florio is saying the exact same thing people on this site are saying: The Bengals have the POTENTIAL to be better if all things fall into place (ie: Flacco and Worthlessburger get injured) almost like things fell into our lap with the draft. Again, guarded optimism/hope with realistic expectations is all that we have. In the past 18 years, a track record has been cemented. You can't honestly think that it changes overnight without a major overhaul from the top in personnel and approaches to NFL football (ie: Mike Brown goes, someone else comes in with new ideas, new personnel, new ways of conducting business).
I enjoy the enthusiasm and the hope, but just be realistic. Has 18 years not taught you anything else?
-The People's Champ
Posted by: IfYouSmellWhatTheRockIsCooking? | May 18, 2009 at 07:22 PM
As much as I agree with you guys most of the time, I feel like the Tank Johnson thing is a bit of a reach. If all you have on a guy is his legal issues from THREE YEARS AGO (at the most recent), you're trying too hard. He was the model citizen in Dallas, and he has kept his nose clean since he got shipped out of Chicago. I think that we have enough guys who have much more recent problems, without trying to shoehorn Tank Johnson into the problem-child category.
Posted by: boriskat | May 18, 2009 at 07:22 PM
The People's Champ (which you shouldn't be calling yourself unless you really are Dwayne Johnson)--
No authors on this site are being positive nor are they continually harping on "the potential for 2009". It is continued published garbage like "hippopotasmith" and "Cowher's chin". Fans and the media have chosen the Bengals as a sleeper team this year because they have had a HIGHLY productive offseason (in terms of the draft and free-agent acquisitions), which is something that the Bengals rarely do. ON PAPER, they SHOULD be successful with this roster. Am I skeptical that they COULD be mediocre or worse this year? Yep. Am I nearly certain that they will be fun to watch and will have the best season since 2005 and 2006? Pretty much. That isn't good enough for people that visit/run this site--I'm done trying to talk the "glass is half-empty" pessimists who frequent this site, otherwise. So, I'll continue to be called a "Kool-Aid drinker", "unrealistic", and a "pathetic supporter of Mike Brown" (which I am not), but I'm not going to change my expectations of the 2009 squad until they start off 1-6. Either way, as a fan, how can you not be excited about the Bengals in 2009 with at the very least the fact they'll be on Hard Knocks to start off the season?
Posted by: BengalAnthony13 | May 18, 2009 at 08:20 PM
BengalAnthony13: Did you even read that article you posted above? Mike Florio says that the Bengals WILL NOT make the playoffs. That hardly supports your optimistic stance. Furthermore, it is not a "glass half empty" viewpoint to expect a team that has had 1 winning season in 19 years to be mediocre this year--it's common sense. You claim to be a real fan, but it's people like you who buy Mike Brown's B.S. every year that are keeping this team from getting better. You just don't get it.
Mike Brown will not change until we as fans demand it (through public demonstrations and withdrawal of monetary support). One 11-5 season shouldn't change our perspective, ESPECIALLY when you consider that the NFL (unlike MLB) basically gives every team a chance by offering revenue sharing. Do you get that? All the NFL teams have the same money to work with. So, the only thing that can really stop a team from being competitive over a 20-year stretch is poor management. In fact, the law of averages would suggest that even the worst teams should be competitive once in a while (SEE: 2000 Rams, 2008 Cardinals)--it has taken a complete buffoon like Mike Brown to screw that up.
So, even if the Bengals go to the playoffs this year, I will still demand that Mike Brown make changes and hire a GM. I will root my ass off every game for us even if we're 1-15, but unlike you I want us to be champions, not merely "competitive." I do, however, agree that the Cowher Chin thing is really dumb.
Posted by: SM | May 18, 2009 at 08:48 PM
um... isn't the point of this website to criticize the Bengals' organization and call for a change in policy? i mean, the team has been crappy for so long that it can buy cigarettes. so why is it that the trolls are now saying that this site is too negative? wasn't that the point of it in the first place?
if you want read about how bright the future of this organization is, then post on the bengals.com boards with the rest of the suckers. or you could get your own website. i've actually already registered it for you, to save a little time.
www.cluelesschumpswhobelieveeverythingtheyaretoldbecausetheycantthinkforthemselves.com
all i'll charge you to buy it from me is a case of high life and the promise that you won't waste anymore of us grown up's time.
Posted by: Brian | May 18, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Here's the ONLY off-season remarks that anyone should be making (principally because the Bengals suck ass and that will not change anytime soon -- Tony 'Kornholio' Kornhieser got fired from MNF (Source: ESPN)to be replaced by John 'Chuckie' Gruden! There is a GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: WCH | May 18, 2009 at 11:01 PM
I personally have no idea what to expect from this season. I think 6-10 or 10-6 are equally as likely. If everything breaks right -- like Tank and Roy returning to their previous form with Zimmer, and the top draft picks playing to potential -- then the Bengals will shock plenty of know-it-all talking heads. But if the Bengals typical luck holds out -- they end up with 20 players on IR, and the O-line is still the Paper Curtain -- then 6-10 or worse is heading our way. Color me cautiously hopeful but not entirely sold too.
Posted by: Major Payne | May 18, 2009 at 11:20 PM
The season needs to start. Too much speculation going on - you guys analyze more information than what is actually there.
They just need to play.
Posted by: jomamadillama | May 19, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Uh, you do realize once they start play games the losses start to pile up?
Then will you believe Mikey is clueless?
Posted by: Comrade Robert | May 19, 2009 at 09:02 AM
BengalAnthony13,
1) Citing an article that claims the Bengals won't make the playoffs as the #1 reason to be optimistic.....very smooth.
2) Yeah, the racist chin articles stunk....we haven't seen one in a while and this isn't a racist chin article. You're throwing in a meaningless red herring. Get over it.
3) I'd give the offseason a B-B+ thus far, but let's not forget that a) we have no idea if Carson will be healthy and if he'll even be the same QB, b) the Bengals play in the same division as last year's AFC finalists. We're trying to be realistic here.
Posted by: BMN | May 19, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Also, this just in: The Detroit Lions make a better impression on visiting players than the Bengals do,
http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/x2133273411/Todd-Porter-Barton-likes-what-he-sees-from-Lions
Posted by: BMN | May 19, 2009 at 10:11 AM
I already do believe that MB is clueless. But barring his death, we have to stomach what's out there. Please realize that I'm not being negative or optimistic...just neutral (apathetic).
I won't be buying tickets, I won't in any way financially support anything with the Brown family name on it...but I will hope the Bengals win every Sunday.
Posted by: jomamadillama | May 19, 2009 at 01:57 PM
This site used to be fun amd entertaining until the idiots from Bengals.com and the Brown family started posting. One clown lectured me with the usual "how everybody has the right to their opinion" and we shouldn't be bashing fellow Bengal fans and instead be bashing Steeler fans. One guy said that I was so negative and could never be friends with me..........I was crushed. Please go back to the "KooL Aid" sites-oh god, I used that cliche again(some guy scolded me for that). This site is for, at the very least letting Mikey know that if continues to run the Bengals as purely a money machine for his family without any regard to the people who pay his bills, the taxpayers of Hamilton county, this site will be up his ass. It's even more important now because of the pathetic sports radio situation in Cincinnati(Mikey probably had something to do with that)So, for all you morons that want to waste your hard earned money on the false hopes that Mikey continues to hurl at us go ahead, just post your bullshit somewhere else. Stop ruining my fun.
Posted by: PAl | May 19, 2009 at 04:49 PM
WTF have you people been smoking? Being fooled by the Bengals draft is like believing it when the gubmint promises not to raise your taxes. Are you people are dumb as you sound?????
Posted by: BenzooPeesOnMikeBrown | May 20, 2009 at 01:29 AM
PAL, but I also enjoy this site. I love reading what kind of stupid crap you are going to write in the comments.
Mike Brown had an influence in Clear Channel radio decisions? Are you really that stupid?
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