I saw it in a couple places, notably here, that the Bengals pursuit of TO might be driven (partially, at least) by some regrets over their Bryant signing. Now I like Adam Schefter, he tends to have good inside scoops...but Bryant signed a 4 year contract and I can't imagine coaches will deem him a bust after only seeing him for just a part of one offseason.
Without question, after they let TJ go and Coles bombed, they signed Bryant to have a legit talent alongside Chad (and to perhaps take over as Chad fades) for what will likely be the remainder of Palmer's prime. We can judge that acquisition after we see Bryant this season. Not before.
TO some time ago settled into the role of gun-for-hire. He contracts on a year to year basis. The Bengals have question marks only on offensive line and passing game. Otherwise, they have a very deep and solid team. We are offering him a deal to make a Super Bowl run this year because he fills a need and there is no guarantee of footall in 2011. Brat may suck but even he can run a productive offense when he has a three-headed receiving monster (he may end up being great, but don't count on rookie Gresham to make the difference this year).
TO will not be here for the long haul and he cannot replace Chad as Chad ages. Signing him is not an indictment of Bryant.
More later...
Well that's that, TO's here, whatever happens it should be one crazyballs season
Looks like TO is a bengal now :) I thinkk I'm happy about this
Posted by: Big Joe | July 27, 2010 at 06:51 PM
It's official boys. HUGE move by the Bengals. There was no logical reason not to make this move beyond $$$. I literally can't believe the onslaught of moves we have made this offseason (including those that retained key players). Wow this is going to be an interesting year.
Posted by: Artrell | July 27, 2010 at 07:10 PM
Fantastic pick up! I hope they can use TO in the slot to give Palmer the big target over the middle he wants, and this would help save his legs throughout the season. I hope he can help teach Shipley the ropes so he can develop and be ready for the 2011 season.
You have to hand to Brown and Marvin, at the beginning of the offseason people were concerned that they were not going to build on last season's success. From what appears to be another successful draft and FA moves, they have managed a great offseason filling most of the holes they had on last years team with very good talent. Their only weakness on the offense is the LG spot, and RT is a question mark since we are not sure of Smith's health at this point.
Posted by: blesterov | July 27, 2010 at 07:44 PM
TO is obviously insurance for Matt Jones.
Posted by: blesterov | July 27, 2010 at 07:45 PM
People will definitely want to see this show. Am I wrong in thinking the Bengals will have Sunday/Monday night games ALL SEASON? haha
I'll bet right about now HBO wishes they could follow the Bengals training camp on Hard Knocks... again.
Posted by: TheSlushovsky in NYC | July 27, 2010 at 07:53 PM
Signing TO may not be an indictment of Bryant, but it absolutely is insurance if his knee isn't right. Otherwise they would have signed both TO & AB back in March. They are hedging their bets. Rightfully so.
Posted by: JohnnyP | July 28, 2010 at 09:56 AM