Bengals Backers

Free Agency- Sour grapes

2006-03-21T19:35:00.000-05:00

No , Free Agency is not free or even cheap. Now that there is a new agreement for the players and league the Cap is raised again! Instead of penalizing teams who over spend cap money into future years they let them extend their over cap moneys into the future farther. Redskins are back in the spending mode again!

The small team will only be able to compete by trying to have a good team every 3 or 4 years by loading up for one year and then biting the bullet when the older players get in their final years by cutting and taking cap hits which reduces the payroll allowance.

You might get a 1 year contract from a player trying to make a comeback from an injury. If he plays well he is gone the next year! If he does not you get stuck with a backup part-time player or quote" good team" role player!

What's the answer? I don't know! I guess it still is the best system in all of pro sports. Unless you want a work stoppage like the NHL, but that is rotten way to solve a problem. Did that bring ticket prices down?

Upon further review

2006-02-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

As I see it :
The year for 2005 was another step in the ladder to becoming a consistent contender in the battle for the yearly playoffs. It was proved that defenses win championships in the NFL. In the NFC & AFC all 2nd round teams had good "D" !

Although the Bengals were the leaders in turnovers they lacked a good run and pass rush defense. Their punting and special teams need to improve, usually these are draft pick contributers. The run "D" will probably be addressed by free agency or the younger guys learning how to keep rolling into a QB legs. We also need a safety who will make the receivers crossing the middle of the field get "alligator arms".

The "O" line is pretty set if we can resign them as their contracts expire. Need improved TE play and some WR that can stay off the police reports. Backup QB until Palmer returns(not sure Johnson is the answer). RB's are still lacking the breakaway threat (that michigan guy runs too east/west)!

Schedule next year will be alot tougher so every home game is a must if the playoffs are in sight.

Whodey!!!

Bengals & Packers Review

2005-11-02T19:38:00.000-05:00

The Defense pulled it out for us again! Brett Favre kept us on the edge of our seats except for one fan who decided to take the ball from him so he couldn't throw another pass! Our offense still piles up all the stats passing yards, passer ratings, receiving yards but sure can't turn it into scoring points! We could have/ should have won the game by 3 td's with all the opportunties the D gave us. Our Special teams still can't stop anyone inside the 25 on kickoff's and our punt/kickoff teams can't find a lane for a big runback. But it was a WIN !
After watching the Monday night game Steelers/Ravens I look for us to have a tough game at Baltimore this week, the Ravens back is to the wall now and they still have a good D without that RAY Lewis guy.

Check this out pictures 5, 8 and 9. These are all people in our group Here's the link:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=AB&Dato=20051031&Kategori=SPT02&Lopenr=1031001&Ref=PH

Time to Circle the wagons!!

2005-10-25T18:50:00.000-04:00

We had our chances early last week but to the credit of the Steelers they withheld the emotional rush and put our playoff hopes in limbo!

As I see it at the present time our best chances can be as a wild card! The Steelers defense have them to be the front runner in the Division at this time!

Last year 11 wins would get you in the tournament, 10 is risky. Must wins our GB, Cleveland, Baltimore(2), Detroit and any of 1 of 3- Buffalo, Indy or Chiefs. Biggest problem is we can't tie with Jacksonville for last wild card because of tie breakers which make the Buffalo or Chiefs game also very important.

Our defense front 7 must step up and make some tackles AT OR NEAR THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE or the run defense is a BIG PROBLEM!! Our offense has got to convert on RED Zone opportunties especially when trying to run the ball close to the goal line( Is it Luchey time? or was he just a wasted pickup off waivers!!)

Our special teams needs to become special and make some big runbacks instead of starting inside the 30 yard line each possesion!

The next two games are key and as Dandy Don Meredith would say on Monday night football- "TURN OUT THE LIGHTS THE PARTY IS OVER!!"

Terrible Towel Time

2005-10-17T19:38:00.000-04:00

Usually you see about 50/50 ratio of steeler/bengal fans at our home games because it is a short trip from Heinz field and you have the west virginia and mid ohio fans that can jump on the easy bandwagon and back off as they choose. When you see them come out and wave those terrible yellow towels bring out that WHODEY chant!!

This is the week to PUT UP OR SHUT UP!

Yea, we(bengal fans) hear all the easy schedule naysayers question the 5-1 record! You can only play your schedule and if anyone of the naysayers would have been asked before the season started you would have gotten alot of 3-3- predictions if we were lucky.

Well when the steelers get the Johnson, Johnson, and Johnson treatment this week they will be needing the band-aids from the D led by the Thurmanator and picked cleaned by James and O'Neil thiefs! And we will still have to hear we haven't played anybody with a over 50/50 winning record!!!

WHODEY!!!

Church WHO DEY!!!

2005-10-05T13:08:00.000-04:00

What A Game!

2005-09-19T11:31:00.000-04:00

I just want to give a shout out to ALL of you that had the chance to root on our beloved Bengals yesterday, as we handed it to Daunte Culpeppers Vikings!

I myself was at the game , and it was loud enough to send chills down a Vikings fan spine. Just remember we are 2-0 but it's not time to start talking smack just yet. We have been 2-0 before and finished 6-10. Remember that BE HUMBLE, yet determined.

After the way Carson (with the exception of his famous endzone INT), and our BIG D played this weekend we have a good chance of starting out 5-0 headed into the Steelers game.

KEEP IT LOUD!!!

Time to ROAR!

2005-09-14T02:55:00.000-04:00

Bengal Fans, after beating the Browns on their field and now preparing to play our first home game of the season against a quality team it's time to Restore the Roar to the Jungle!! I plan on coming home hoarse!! The offense needs our support but the defense is key and crowd noise can make a real difference in a game! Audibles, snap counts and line calls all can be made hard to make by the Vikings if we all make it that way. Home field advantage has been reported to make as much difference as 3 points for home teams in close games! The Vikings had a bad day last week with turnovers and if the fans make just a split second diffference in the timing of plays this could be a home field advantage!! Think about it!! The black hole, the dawg pound, steeler country, philly, places visiting teams do not want to play there. Let's add the JUNGLE!!!

Bengals healthy heading into Sunday's opener

2005-09-08T12:37:00.000-04:00

The Bengals are a healthy team heading into their opener Sunday at Cleveland.

The first official injury report lists only wide receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring) as questionable and cornerback Tory James (foot) as probable.

Cornerback Greg Brooks also was back at work, having gone to his hometown of New Orleans and finding all seven of his immediate family members alive and well.

Though his property was destroyed by floods wrought by Hurricane Katrina, Brooks found his mother, young son and grandparents. They had evacuated to Baton Rouge, La., in the middle of last week.
Brooks flew into Jackson, Miss., on Monday – when he still did not know if his relatives had survived – rented a car and drove to New Orleans, he said. He was stopped at a police roadblock on the interstate but allowed in because his grandfather was at a New Orleans hospital.

“It’s 10 times worse than it looks on TV,” Brooks said this afternoon at Paul Brown Stadium.

“I could see my grandfather’s house from the hospital. The roof is gone.”

Perry prepared for opener, And I don't mean Chris

2005-09-08T12:33:00.000-04:00

The football somersaults through the air and 11 players of varying size and demeanor begin a full-throttle charge downfield.

This is not Tab Perry's recurring nightmare, but it will be his reality soon enough.

"You're going to get hit. You just try not to get hit too hard," the rookie Bengals wide receiver said. "It doesn't bother me. I like it. It's fun."

The 23-year-old, who set several kickoff return records at UCLA, is listed on Cincinnati's depth chart as its No. 1 kickoff returner entering Sunday's season opener against the Browns in Cleveland.

One of four players who returned kickoffs during the preseason, he was the only one spared when the Bengals set their roster Saturday.

"I'm ready for it," Perry said. "I've just got to show people I belong here."

The Bengals picked Perry in the sixth round of this year's NFL draft.

His size (6-feet-3), speed (4.40 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and big-play capability intrigued teams, but his special teams ability helped separate him from others available late in the draft.

"That was, obviously, a big part of what helped him make the team in addition to the other things he can do in other phases," Bengals special teams coach Darrin Simmons said. "He's not just a kickoff returner."

The Bengals opted to have Perry return kickoffs over Cliff Russell, Jamall Broussard and Freddie Milons. All three were waived. Broussard was signed to the practice squad.

Russell led the Bengals in kickoff returns (39), kickoff return yardage (872 yards) and average kickoff return yards (22.4) last season despite having no previous return experience.

"Actually I feel better about our situation right now than I did last year," Simmons said. "The first time (Russell) ever lined up deep was against Pittsburgh (in Week 4), and that was with one week of practice.

"So is that risky? Yeah, probably. At least this guy has had the ball in his hands back there before."

The ability to return kickoffs, Perry said, was first realized at Milpitas High in California.

"The first time I touched the ball in high school, it was on a punt return and I scored on it," he said. "Then the next week, I scored on a kick return."

When Perry completed his eligibility at UCLA last season, he held three kickoff return records - most kickoff returns in a season (29 in 2000), most return yards in a season (626 in 2002) and most career kickoff return yards (1,476).

He averaged 22 yards per kickoff return.

Twenty-four NFL players, each with at least 20 kickoffs returned last season, averaged 22 yards or more per return last season. The Bengals ranked 12th in the AFC last season with a 20.6 yard average.

"Probably one of my best strengths as a football player is that I can just see a lot," said Perry, who also caught 84 passes for 1,547 yards and six touchdowns in 43 career games in college.

"I'll be able to look one way and feel something coming from the other side, or get that quick glimpse and know where guys are still coming from."

The role does require good instincts and indisputable athleticism. But it is more than catching the ball and running to avoid would-be tacklers so the offense can inherit favorable field position.

Before a kicker even places the ball on the tee, the kick returner has begun skimming over a mental check list.

"We have certain keys and certain reads that they move to," Simmons said. "He has a whole check list, a progression is what we call it, that he goes through from the time the kicker is handed the ball to the time (the returner) touches it."

Kenny Watson, who has returned 43 career kickoffs and probably will line up deep beside Perry on Sunday, said the most difficult thing for a young kickoff returner to grasp is patience.

"A lot of times you see something, you might see a hole, and you try to take it too early," Watson said. "When you do that, you mess up blocks for other guys that are trying to work for you."

Just as Perry is learning the intricacies of the NFL, the Bengals are still learning about him.

Perry missed time during training camp, including preseason games against the Redskins and Eagles, because of a hip injury. He returned two kicks an average of 22 yards.

"He's a guy that's got explosive speed once he gets his wheels rolling," Simmons said. "We've got to block people and get this guy started and let his ability take over."

Bengals interested in Hunt

2005-09-08T12:31:00.000-04:00

Two days after being cut by the Packers, defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt was headed to Cincinnati to meet with the Bengals, according to Grady Jackson, who is Hunt’s best friend in Green Bay.

Jackson, who said he has talked to Hunt several times since the Packers released him Saturday, said Hunt has not been offered a contract by the Bengals. He also said Hunt took the news of his release hard.

Where's the Defense?

2005-08-31T08:38:00.000-04:00

Still searching for pass rush, pass coverage when playing zone, and good tackling the Bengals were shown by the Eagles how far they are from contending in a division that have good defenses to be Champions. Let's face it there probably will not be a wild card from the division as each team will probably beat up on each other.

T.O. showed that the d-backs have a long way to good to become a unit! The pass rush is spotty and then it usually does not finish the tackle and gives the Q-back a chance to throw it away. Still missing a big time hitter to make the wide receivers to think twice about going over the middle of the field. The only postive I have seen is the play of Bryan Robinson and an occassional Flash from Thurman.

TIME TO GET IT TOGETHER COACH B. AND COACH LEWIS.

Warrick Out Again

2005-08-24T11:02:00.000-04:00

With the Bengals in shoulder pads and shorts for Tuesday afternoon’s practice, WR Peter Warrick (hamstring) stood on the sidelines for the third straight day. His status for Friday night’s game in Philadelphia remains in doubt, as does a roster spot.

“I’m talking about football. We’re not talking about injuries,” said Warrick, who didn’t catch a pass in his 2005 debut last Friday night. “If I play, I know I need to catch me a pass. I haven’t even played yet. That’s how it is. I’m just going with the flow. I just want to catch me a pass.” . . .

Big Willie!

2005-08-24T11:01:00.000-04:00

How right and good is it that the rehab program steering Pro Bowl right tackle Willie Anderson to his 81st straight start next month in the opener is nicknamed “Team Rock”?

It’s named after Bengals assistant strength coach Ray “Rock” Oliver, but Anderson is the locker room rock on which Marvin Lewis's own rehab program stands. On the field, Anderson has brought the Bengals a Pro Bowl push for a decade. Off the field, he has nurtured tradition for a team once bereft of anything intangible. He’s got a new one for the first time the starting offense is introduced at home.

“The line is going to go out as a group, not as individuals,” said Anderson, struck by the closeness of the Kansas City line at the last two Pro Bowls. “We’ve really had no tradition around here of guys playing together. My job is to make sure everybody is on the same page.”

Which is why this team got a lift when Anderson returned to practice earlier this week for the first time this season. Not just on the line, but in the backfield too, where he had kidded fellow Auburn product Rudi Johnson that he wouldn’t be back until Halloween.

“I had him going on that one,” Anderson said with a smile.

Don't Panic Over Palmer

2005-08-23T08:39:00.000-04:00

Two preseason games and the sky is falling in black-and-orange chunks in some nervous pockets of Bengaldom. Quarterback Carson Palmer’s completion percentage of 46 percent might win a bengals.com fan poll, but it hasn’t thrilled the populace.

What does it all mean?

Here are some 2004 preseason highlights:

The Bengals defense gave up three yards per rush and just 72 yards rushing per game before allowing at least 139 yards rushing in six of the first 10 regular-season games.
The Bengals beat the eventual Super Bowl-champion Patriots and the AFC South champion Colts and didn’t make the playoffs.
Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh messed up two key passes against Tampa Bay last year, including a touchdown, and cornerback Tory James got beat like a drum in the 37-10 carnage in Atlanta. Houshmandzadeh went on to have a career year and James went to his first Pro Bowl.

What does it all mean?

“I’m not playing for a good completion percentage in the preseason. I’m concentrating on working on things and just trying to get better before the opener,” Palmer said after Sunday’s practice.

No cause for concern
Head coach Marvin Lewis made the obvious statement before practice in a Paul Brown Stadium news conference. Palmer must play better and so do the people around him. Hitting on 16 of 35 passes just isn’t going to cut it. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski agrees, but, like his boss, he’s not pushing any red buttons.

Stats?

Palmer has converted 13 of 18 first-down tries this season.

“You must be doing something right if you’re doing that,” Bratkowski said.

Even his back-to-back 45-yard bombs Friday that looked like they spilled out of a Madden 2005 microchip don't seem to be enough to quell the nerves.

“This is training camp. This is the stuff we’re working on,” Bratkowski said of the passing game. “We want to come out and complete the ball at a higher percentage, but that’s why we come out today (in practice) and do what we do.”

Bratkowski tried to draw the differences between the preseason and the regular season by illustrating a drill that he employed Sunday for the receivers and quarterbacks. Without getting specific, he said a situation happened Friday night that had yet to occur in practice because different defenses react to things differently. So he studied the play on tape before practice Sunday and attacked the problem with a drill.

“I’m not worried,” said Bratkowski, who dismissed questions about mechanical problems or a lack of arm strength. “I don’t think his arm is tired. He’s a big, strong guy.”

Indeed, Palmer says he’s not sore and feels great physically.

“I’ve missed a lot of balls I shouldn’t have,” he said. “I just need to keep getting better.”

What has been missing is the rhythm with Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson on the long ball. By the second preseason game last year, Johnson had beaten the Super Bowl champs on a 46-yard bomb. His longest pass from Palmer this preseason is 17 yards, and Palmer has thrown at least four long ones to him that haven’t been completed. Johnson thinks once the Bengals are game-planning and know what the opponent will do, the big plays will come when they count.

“We’ve just got to keep doing it. I don’t care how many times we do it and I don’t care if it’s successful,” Johnson said of the long ball. “If we keep doing it over and over, we’re bound to hit it anyway. It’s probably not getting it on purpose because we’re saving them up for the regular season, then they’re going to hit.”

The one thing that Palmer is doing that seems to be pleasing everyone is running out of the pocket after converting two third downs on scrambles of 11 and 12 yards against Washington.

That doesn’t scare Bratkowski or Johnson, but Bratkowski did say Palmer needs these games to work on his slide at the end of the run because it’s the one thing a quarterback can’t practice.

“Nah,” Johnson said. “He’s smart.”

Bratkowski likes it because he has always said Palmer’s increased production in his final month before he got hurt last year has been tied to his ability to move out of the pocket. Palmer says it’s a skill that is much more dangerous now that he weighs 230 instead of 250 pounds.

Johnson likes it because defenses won’t be able to turn their backs on the pocket and bracket all the receivers in double coverage if they fear a running quarterback.

“That’s good,” Johnson said. “But I can still beat the double.”

For now, the only panic is outside the palace.

Pollack Playing Catch Up

2005-08-23T08:28:00.000-04:00

CINCINNATI (AP) -- David Pollack started catching up Sunday.

The first-round draft pick had his first full practice with the Cincinnati Bengals, four days after ending his holdout and agreeing to a five-year contract. The 20-day holdout has delayed his transition from defensive end to linebacker.

After practice, he insisted he was right on schedule, even though coach Marvin Lewis dropped him to third on the depth chart during the holdout.

``I'm not behind,'' said Pollack, who was taken 17th overall in the draft. ``I'm in now, so I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I've got a lot to learn and I'm going to put the time in to do that.''

Pollack had to watch a 24-17 preseason victory in Washington last Friday while standing on the sideline in uniform. It was the first time he failed to get into a game since his freshman season at Georgia.

He pleaded with Lewis to let him play, but failed to make his case.

``(Lewis) came over one time and said, 'I need a fresh pass rusher,''' Pollack said. ``I said, 'Coach, I'm fresh as a daisy,' but that didn't go.

``I just tried to watch my position and think about where I'd be split out at, what would I be keying and just trying to go through my assignments. I listened to every defensive call and tried to make sure I knew what every call was and what my assignment would be.''

The Bengals practiced without pads Sunday. Pollack will work out in pads this week and is expected to play Friday night in a preseason game at Philadelphia.

``Guys who have the aptitude like him usually pick up things very well,'' Lewis said. ``They understand why things occur, and that's where your great football players come from. They're guys who can handle the change of things and react. They're not needing to be coached through every element.''

Warrick Faced With Pay Cut Or Being Cut

2005-08-10T12:40:00.000-04:00

Unless he agrees to a pay cut, one that reduces his 2005 salary cap number and his scheduled base salary of $2.2 million for this season, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Peter Warrick could be cut by the team.

Peter Warrick Wide Receiver Cincinnati Bengals
Profile

2004 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec	Yds	TD	Avg	Long	YAC
11	127	0	11.5	30	75

Warrick, who has not practiced in training camp as he continued his rehabilitation from a leg injury that limited him to four games in 2004, visited with Dr. James Andrews, the renowned Birmingham, Ala.-based orthopedics specialist earlier this week and was told he could return to the field. But the Bengals, wary of the injury and suddenly deeper at wide receiver than in recent years, might not clear Warrick to practice unless he agrees to rework his contract.

The decision for Warrick could come down to acquiescing to the Bengals wishes or being released and hoping there is interest in him as a free agent. It is also possible Cincinnati might trade Warrick if any potential suitors stepped forward.

The fourth overall selection in the 2000 draft, Warrick enjoyed a career season in 2003, with 79 receptions for 819 yards and seven touchdowns while working principally out of the slot. But the leg injury scuttled his '04 campaign and the former Florida State star had only 11 catches for 127 yards in four appearances.

Cincinnati coaches have privately questioned Warrick's diligence in rehabilitation and indicated in training camp that they were prepared to play without him. Even Warrick said this week that he did not "know my role in Cincinnati [anymore]."

Certainly the wide receiver landscape has changed in Cincinnati, where the Bengals have become young, talented and deep at the position. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who replaced Warrick as the starter opposite Pro Bowl performer Chad Johnson in 2004, is coming off a career year and this spring signed a new four-year contract to stay with the club.

In what is a make-or-break season for third-year pro Kelley Washington, the former Tennessee standout is having a solid camp. And the coaches are high on rookie Chris Henry, a third-round choice from West Virginia.

Coach Marvin Lewis said two weeks ago in camp that the team "has moved on" in regard to Warrick, meaning the coaches were preparing as if he would not be available. "Once we did that last season," Lewis said, "we became a better team."

Warrick has appeared in 66 games, and started 55, in five seasons. He has 264 receptions for 2,811 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Pollack, Agent In Town To Work Toward A Deal

2005-08-03T20:50:00.000-04:00

The signing Tuesday of second-round pick Odell Thurman leaves first-round pick David Pollack as the only Bengals player unsigned and not yet in training camp.

Pollack, the 17th overall pick, a linebacker from Georgia, is holed up in Greater Cincinnati and awaiting word when he should report.

His agent, Ken Kremer, came to town Tuesday to conduct face-to-face negotiations with the Bengals. Team executive vice president Katie Blackburn is handling Pollack's deal.

Pollack's desire for more guaranteed money than the Bengals are offering is believed to be holding up his deal.

Twenty-two of the 32 first-round picks were signed or had agreed to terms with their teams as of 7 p.m. Tuesday. Players drafted Nos. 9-16 are all in. Pollack, Vikings defensive end Erasmus James (No. 18) and Rams offensive tackle Alex Barron (No. 19) are unsigned.

At No. 16, defensive end Travis Johnson received a five-year, $10.2 million deal from the Texans. Twentieth pick Marcus Wears, a defensive tackle with the Cowboys, signed a five-year, $9.35 million contract.

It's safe to assume Pollack's deal will fall somewhere in between, but closer to Johnson's contract.

Thurman Deal Official

2005-08-03T20:47:00.000-04:00

Shortly after signing off on his five-year deal Tuesday, rookie middle linebacker Odell Thurman eased into his first practice here in a 90-plus degree steambath at Georgetown College. Playing behind Landon Johnson and Larry Stevens, Thurman took his first snaps in pads while the agents for college teammate David Pollack met with Bengals officials on campus in an effort to get the first-round and last Bengals pick into camp. Meanwhile, a radio report placed Pollack at the Reds game back in Cincinnati.

When told he was wearing Takeo Spikes' No. 51, Thurman said, "I'm wearing my number." As he went off to sign his first autographs with the Big O connected to a No. 51, he said, "I don't want to comment on the five-year thing (the major stumbling block). I think they'll be convinced to rip it up in a couple of years. I'm not worried about it."

Defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan dropped the flag on the competition between Thurman and the incumbent Johnson in the middle.

"He's got to win it. That's up to him and that's up to Landon," Bresnahan said. "Landon ain't going to give it up, now."

The Thurman agreement, reached Monday night, capped a whirlwind day for an exhausted linebacker corps that slipped to five during Monday’s two practices.

Draft Choices Status!

2005-07-23T07:22:00.000-04:00

Here's a no-brainer! If our defense has any chance this year we need the two rookie linebackers in camp on time! The college players have a major adjustment to the NFL with all the size and speed but to put a defense lineman in a new position to change to linebacker making reads and going into pass coverage is insane without a full training camp.

The signing process is such that everyone wants to be slotted into where they are drafted, so that they may not miss out on a possible small fringe benefit (workout clauses, public appearances, extra towels-who knows,few dollars,etc.). Myself, I would want the best deal for me and not the guy drafted before me or after me!! Holding out or missing practice time only jeopardized a spot on a roster or playing time so that the incentatives are harder to reach!

I can't hardly wait till 2007 where there is no team salary cap!!! Trade all the draft choices now for 2008 and be prepared to lose all your Prime Time players to the wealthy/ big city teams!!

Madieu Williams & Walkamerica

2005-05-19T19:48:00.000-04:00

Sunday-April 24, 2005 was a wet,cold, windy day in the Cincinnati Riverfront area. The day was to be the March of Dimes- Walkamerica day where hardy soles from toddlers to senior citizens walk and pledge their support to help fight birth defects and premature births. I have volunteered for nearly two decades as either a walker or worker but I had never seen this happen! Madieu Williams #40 in your Bengals program was the honorary chairperson for the walk. He led the beginning of the walk from Sawyer point to the Great American Ballpark, then by the "new" Freedom Center, and the next stop was Paul Brown Stadium. As he arrived with a big smile on his face and cheer in his heart, he asked what do you want me to do. I looked to find the checkpoint captain who had the two-way radio to see his next arranged appearance and when I turned around there he was standing in the rain handing out bananas to the walkers as they passed threw the checkpoint. He continued to do this for the next 20 minutes giving encouragement , posing for pictures, shaking hands, and smiling. Madieu, we at the Logistic committee will have a hard time finding your replacement for the 2006 Walkamerica and we appreciate your effort!! Although the total figures have not been completed the current amount of money raised is $743,000. Thank You!!!

DRAFT 2005: Bengals trying to put final touch on rebuilding

2005-04-19T08:18:00.000-04:00

With the first pick in his first year as Cincinnati Bengals coach, Marvin Lewis went for a franchise quarterback, Carson Palmer.
The rebuilding was just getting started.
Lewis used his first two drafts as a foundation for the NFL's worst franchise, one that hasn't had a winning season since 1990. His third draft will be more about applying the finishing touches to his plans.
A team that went more than a decade needing just about everything in every draft is convinced that it's only a few good players away from making the playoffs. The rebuilding is nearly complete.
``We've kind of evolved to where we've sifted everything out,'' Lewis said. ``So I hope now we can add some players that enhance us.''
The spot that needs the most enhancing is the defensive line, which will be a focal point when the Bengals make the 17th overall pick Saturday.
The Bengals went 8-8 in each of Lewis' first two seasons, coming up just short of that elusive breakout year. The run defense ranks at the top of the list of things holding them back.
Cincinnati's defense has finished in the bottom fourth of the league in stopping the run during each of the last two seasons. Lewis fired defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier after last season and promoted Chuck Bresnahan, an indication of his impatience with a unit that can't do the most important thing.
During his years coordinating Baltimore's record-setting defense, Lewis learned what it's like to have a line that can hold its own and force the quarterback's hand. A tough-to-move tackle would fit in quite nicely with this unit, although Lewis will consider other positions if he's not sold on the tackles left when the Bengals pick at No. 17.
``I don't see it as a glaring need at all,'' Lewis said.
The Bengals also could use a linebacker at some point, given the uncertainty over whether Nate Webster can fully recover from a torn knee tendon. They'll look at receivers, safeties and centers, as well.
``The thing I'm excited about is I do think there's some depth in a lot of areas of this draft, some areas that hit us pretty good and fit what we need,'' Lewis said. ``That's the exciting part.''
In years past, the Bengals kept most or all of their draft picks on the roster because they had so much trouble attracting free agents and re-signing their own players. Lewis has changed that -- the Bengals signed receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and running back Rudi Johnson in the offseason, keeping their offense intact.
Getting picked by the Bengals is no longer a guarantee of a roster spot.
``I think it will be more difficult for every guy to make our football team, but that would just mean that we've improved,'' Lewis said. ``The competition is healthy, no matter what.''
By keeping the core of his 8-8 team intact, Lewis has put it on solid footing for the first time since Sam Wyche was coaching it to the Super Bowl in the late 1980s. Instead of looking for a quick fix, the Bengals are thinking long-term.
``We've got guys (under contract) here for the next two, three, four, five years, so we can look long-range,'' Lewis said. ``That's a good thing, when you're not just saying, 'Oh, we've got to grab that guy because that spot's open.'
``There's not necessarily an open hole, and we can look to next year or the following year for that person to win a job.''

Courtesy Of Yahoo Sports

Paul Guenther Added to Coaching Staff

2005-04-15T15:41:00.000-04:00

The Bengals announced today that Paul Guenther has been added to the coaching staff as Staff Assistant.
Guenther, 32, has worked for the Bengals since last August as advance scout on a consultant basis. He will continue to do advance scouting in his new role, and he will coach on-field as an aide to head coach Marvin Lewis and to special teams coach Darrin Simmons.
Guenther (pronounced “GUN-thur”) was offensive assistant/quality control coach on the Washington Redskins staff in 2002-03. Lewis was on the ’02 Redskins staff as defensive coordinator.
From 1998-2001, Guenther was head coach at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. He was the youngest head coach in college football when he started at the NCAA Division III school at age 25, and he led the team to the playoffs in 1999 and 2000.
Guenther’s hometown is Richboro, Pa. He played LB in college at Ursinus, setting a school career tackles record (355) while three times earning all-conference honors.

Courtesy Of Bengals.com

Perry Ready To Roll?

2005-04-15T08:28:00.000-04:00

Bengals running back Chris Perry hopes the change in uniform numbers means a change in fortune.
And, yes, there has been a Chris Perry sighting. All he can really say is that he feels better and that he has no choice but to be ready for the first practice of training camp on July 29.
“There are a lot of things I could say, but there’s no need to say it,” Perry said Wednesday at Paul Brown Stadium. “I’m recovering. I’m back on track, and hopefully I’ll be ready when they say I’ll be ready. They’re not going to postpone (camp) on account of me so I have to be ready.”
There have been unconfirmed reports that Perry underwent another sports hernia surgery last month after the procedure ended his rookie year late last season. It’s believed he’ll be able to work in the last voluntary camp, June 7-9, and in the mandatory minicamp 10 days later.
“It’s real simple. I’m frustrated because I haven’t been able to play,” said Perry, limited to four games and two carries last year because of the pulled muscle deep in his abdomen. “But I can’t do anything about it.”
He has tried one thing. With the release of cornerback Dennis Weathersby, Perry is now wearing No. 23, the number he wore as a senior while gaining the most yards from scrimmage in a season by a Michigan player.
“It’s the number I had when I last played,” Perry said. “I wore it before college. I chose it because I couldn’t think of a great running back that ever had it.”
With No. 23 unavailable last year, his grandmother urged him to wear No. 26, his selection in the first round of the NFL Draft. Now the question is going to be with Rudi Johnson signing up for a five-year deal, what do you get when you add No. 32 with No. 23? And who is going to end up with the numbers? The Bengals hope Perry can be another weapon for quarterback Carson Palmer in the passing game, particularly on third down.
“I don’t know what my role is, but I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team,” Perry said. “I’m sure if the coaches think I need to be on the field, I’ll be out there. I think I can do a lot of things.”
Asked about his future now that Johnson is locked up, Perry smiled.

Courtesy Of Bengals.com

Prime Time Schedule

2005-04-14T09:04:00.000-04:00

It just goes to show that it doesn't matter what you accomplish the season before it's where you live and rating numbers!! Check this out!! National television games teams that had less wins or same as our Bengals and appearances: Raiders - 6; Dallas-6; Giants -3; Saints-2;Lions-2; Texans-2; Browns-2; Bears-2;
AFC-North- Pittsburgh..... 6....Baltimore...3....Cleveland ....2...Cincy.... 1

Games I can't hardly wait to see!!!!! 10-16-05 Texans at Seahawks, Sunday night-Bring back Trent Dilfer!!! and the best yet New Year's Eve game Sunday night Giants at Raiders--Randy Moss will leave a halftime so he is not late for his New Years party!!!

Wake up NFL the Cowboys are not America's Team anymore!!! Look at ebay there are all kinds of tickets available for the cowboys!! Raiders--- it is about time for Al Davis to move the team to LA, so he can sue the NFL for blocking him!!! Giants- Mr Excitement - Coach Coughlin- Tiki right-Tiki left-Manning to Tiki on swing pass.

Another Free agent gets away!

2005-04-13T09:38:00.000-04:00

Jamie Sharpier would have been a solid addition to a questionable linebacking core, injuries, speed, and youth. He is to sign with Seattle where his agent had him go to on his last visit.
Unfortunately, it seems that certain players are still using the Bengals as leverage to up their offers elsewhere. Last year it was Warren Sapp and several free agent corners. Coach Lewis had said that both sides had a understanding of the offers and the structure of the cap issues. So why bring Sharpier into town if he knew he had a better offer elsewhere or we could not sign him? Again, he has signed free agents that are average or slightly better than he had on last years' team and let the Pro Bowl type players get away. Until the youth arrives we are going to have to be satisfied with just a team in the hunt for the playoffs but usually 1 or 2 wins away!!!
Hey it's better than it has been in several years but you have to make the big change now and then!!! Let's hope for a stud in the draft!!! Go Bengals!!!

Jason Edwards

2005-04-07T18:14:00.000-04:00

First off I would like to say thanks to Bengal Jim for posting this article for all of us to enjoy. I would also like to say a little about Jason. I may not be real close to Jason, but I will tell you one thing, Everytime he sees me he goes out of his way to say "Hello" and give you that big smile that he has. After as much that this man has been through in his young life he has a great character about himself. Jason is one hell of a guy, hands down. And I am sure he has touched the lives of many in his 30 years. I am greatful just for knowing him.

The Jason Edwards Family

2005-04-07T09:55:00.000-04:00

Reds fans please check the link out to this article. I've known Jason Edwards for nearly 26 years of his life. This is a truly remarkable story of love, family and friends. Jason was born with spina bifida( which is a open spine ), he has been confined to armwalkers or wheelchair and has faced numerous surgeries and setbacks during his 30 years. His family Linda,Tom and sister Courtnee have helped him to live his life to fullness with encouragement, care, love and understanding . He is an inspiration to me when I have down days and feel sorry for a particular problem which I maybe facing knowing that he has to overcome so many obstacles just in his daily routine. He never has a unpleasant word for anyone , although I am sure he has thoughts when things are not going particularly well for him. He is an avid sports fan, has been a coach for football and has grown to be a productive citizen in a world that has not always been favorable to his disabilities. Thank You Jason!

check it out

2005-03-28T04:58:00.000-05:00

http://www.footballsfans.com/
http://www.cincypost.com/news/n012000.html

mock drafts

2005-03-23T19:47:00.000-05:00

Well, 'whodey' fans three experts have the Bengals picking defensive lineman Travis Johnson. I think they missed with this pick - the bengals already have drafted two d-lineman last year and signed 1 in free agency. I think the best choice is still to trade down for additional picks to get some needs that wouldn't be a bad approach. Get a Tight End that can catch as well as block to add to Palmers' arsenal,plus Tony Stewart has a high cap number, and a center to learn the system to replace our aging o-line, maybe even a tackle for Anderson's replacement in a couple years. The Line backers should be okay in the future if the injuries do not linger. A David Fulcher type safety would be nice to put the fear in the wideouts going over the middle but he would still need speed for the soft coverages. If someone in a skilled position drops in the draft watch out Marvin may strike again (Mike Williams- wr)!! What are your thoughts?

Bengals Open Preseason Against Pats

2005-03-16T20:16:00.000-05:00

The Bengals will open the 2005 preseason with a home game against the two-time defending NFL champion New England Patriots. They also will take on defending NFC champion Philadelphia and Indianapolis as they prepare for the ’05 regular season.

The NFL today announced preseason opponents, game sites and weekends for each team in the 2005 preseason. Exact dates and kickoff times are yet to be set, but the Bengals will host New England during Week 1 of preseason play, the weekend of Aug. 11-15.

The Bengals also faced New England in their home preseason opener in 2004, downing the Patriots 31-3 at Paul Brown Stadium.

The Bengals will play at Washington in Week 2 (Aug. 18-22) and will visit Philadelphia in Week 3 (Aug. 25-29).

Cincinnati will close the preseason at home against regional rival Indianapolis in Week 4 (Sept. 1-2). The Colts and Bengals have met every year but one in preseason since 1992.

The 2005 preseason schedule marks the first time for the Bengals to open with a home game since 1996.

CINCINNATI BENGALS 2005 PRESEASON SCHEDULE

NEW ENGLAND (Week 1 - August 11 - 15)
at Washington (Week 2 - August 18 - 22)
at Philadelphia (Week 3 - August 25 - 29)
INDIANAPOLIS (Week 4 - September 1 - 2)

Our Online Forum/Messageboard

2005-03-16T14:47:00.000-05:00

I just would like to take this time to bring to your attention, in case you haven't noticed. There is a banner linking to our own forum. Please log in and set up an account and get some discussions going on in there.

Also don't forget to spread the word to any and all the Bengals fans you know!

Rudi Says; "Show me the money"

2005-03-16T07:51:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday evening, the Bengals officially made Johnson their "Corey Dillon" back by giving him a five-year, $26 million contract that gives him $12 million in guarantees and pays him $16 million over the first three years.

"I'm the new and improved," Johnson said late Tuesday of his Dillon-like status. "It shows how much they wanted to be committed. This is something I've been wishing for all of my life."
The deal is structured in such a way that Johnson should be able to make all $26 million. The cap numbers for five years are level enough that the team won't have to release him later in his career for cap reasons. In the final year of the contract in 2009, Johnson's cap number is $4.8 million.

Dillon, who was traded to the Patriots last season for a second-round choice, had a five-year, $26 million contract that had $10.5 million in signing bonus money in 2001 after a painful, nasty negotiation.

All talks involving Johnson and the Bengals were pleasant because Johnson isn't about challenging team authority. He's a back who focuses on precision and execution. A fourth-round choice in 2001 from Auburn, Johnson draws praise from his offensive line teammates for his ability to run plays the way they were drawn up in practice.

"I'm glad we got it over," Johnson said. "I didn't want to be on one-year contracts. Now I know where I'm going to be for the next five years. I'm glad this finally came true."
Johnson filled in for an injured Dillon in 2003 and rushed for 957 yards on 215 carries. His success gave the organization confidence enough to trade Dillon.
Johnson followed with a Pro Bowl season in 2004. He rushed for 1,454 yards and ran for 12 touchdowns.

The Bengals named him their franchise player last month. Because Johnson gave them Dillon-like numbers rushing the ball, the Bengals decided to give him the same in salary.
By staying positive in negotiations, Johnson and his agent, Peter Schaeffer, tried to stress to the Bengals the importance of keeping the offensive skill players together. With Johnson, the Bengals have Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and others tied up through most of the remainder of this decade.

In the end, Johnson didn't want to be greedy. He could have held out for the five-year, $27.5 million deal given to LaMont Jordan, who played only 18 percent of the Jets' offensive downs. He was willing to take less than Jordan because he was happy with the financial numbers and happy to stay a Bengal for the next five years.
By getting the deal done by Wednesday, the Bengals will have the ability to franchise other players in future years.

Coutesy of: John Clayton senior writer for ESPN.com.

WalkAmerica 2005

2005-03-15T15:15:00.000-05:00

Bengals safety Madieu Williams is serving as honorary chairman for WalkAmerica 2005. The event, sponsored by March of Dimes, funds research, community services, education and advocacy to reduce the rate of premature births. The Greater Cincinnati/North Kentucky WalkAmerica is April 24, 2005 at Sawyer Point. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., and the walk will start at 9:00 a.m. Click here or call 800-525-9255 to register for the event. For more information about WalkAmerica, call 513-769-3588.

Chris Perry Undergoes Surgery

2005-03-15T08:11:00.001-05:00

Rumor has it Chris Perry has undergone his second hernia surgery. It is said that he will be able to return for the June voluntary camps, as well as the mandatory camps. This is good seeing that in my opinion that he fills the void of catching the ball in the backfield compared to Rudi.

Bengals Wallpaper

2005-03-14T22:16:00.000-05:00

I just noticed that it looks as if the good guys at Bengals.com added a new Bengals wallpaper section. You can check it out HERE. They look to be high quality too. And I'm pretty sure in the picture above, the ball Deltha O'neal is holding is the one he handed up to me after running a pick back on the Browns. That was great.

It's Official

2005-03-14T20:39:00.000-05:00

According to Bengals.com, the Bengals officially signed veteran defensive lineman Bryan Robinson to a three-year deal worth $6 million. This should beeef up the interior Defensive line coming into the 2005 season.

Introduction

2005-03-14T20:04:00.000-05:00

Hi Bengal Fans! this is my first post so I will tell you a little about myself and family of fanatic bengal fans. I have been a season ticket holder since 1978, Homer Rice years, but a fan since the franchise started. What started as frustration of being unable to play the sport after high school level became my passion to be one the best fans the bengals could ask for giving us the 12th man atmosphere at what is now called the "JUNGLE". When attending the games I always wore bengal fan apparrell and when the team in the 80's changed to the helmet with the stripes so did my appearance. I have been seen on the "year in review" bengal season tapes doing the "Ickey" shuffle with the orange/black bubble hair to the present soft helmet hat with of course striped face! I was selected in January 2000 as the "Ultimate Bengal Fan " and was honored at the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton. Although hesitant to get involved my wife Debbie has finally decided to join me at the games and tailgating. My daughter Allison has worn bengal attire since birth and shares my passion for the team and has been know to face paint and unique outfits during the season- example- orange/black striped witches outfit during Halloween! I could go on and on but time will permit later. I will be posting my thoughts, opinions, game day experiences, away game trips, and upcoming events. Thanks for your time and WHODEY!

Mr. Robinson

2005-03-14T09:46:00.000-05:00

The Bengals spent a working weekend Saturday when they agreed to terms with projected starting tackle Bryan Robinson, who is expected to upgrade their run defense, and closed the gap in the continuing long-term negotiations with running back Rudi Johnson.

“The differences aren’t as acute, but there are still differences,” said Johnson agent Peter Schaffer on Saturday night when asked if a deal could be struck by the March 16 deadline. “It’s hard to say when you know you’ve got a deal. It’s like saying you’re a little pregnant. But no one’s called the doctor yet on this one.”

Troy Blackburn, the Bengals director of business development who negotiates the club’s free-agent deals, operated Saturday morning and afternoon to secure what sources say is a three-year, $6 million deal to land the 6-4, 305-pound Robinson. Agent Mark Bartelstein, who had also been talking at various junctures with the Cowboys, Dolphins, Broncos and Rams, confirmed his successful talks with Blackburn. The Bengals won't comment or make an announcement on a contract until it is signed.

Bartelstein said his client is attracted to returning to his Ohio roots (he grew up in Toledo), and playing regularly for head coach Marvin Lewis.

Robinson, who turns 31 in June, is heading into the ninth season of a career that he has played both end and tackle and earned high grades as a solid leader and team player who helped the Bears to the 2001 NFC Central title. It appears he’ll replace tackle Tony Williams (gone to free agency) in the Opening Day lineup as the Bengals try to become stingier on first and second down for a rush defense that finished No. 26 in the NFL last season.

How the Robinson signing affects free-agent Carl Powell, another end/tackle that played in 10 games with two starts last year, remains to be seen. First-year tackle Langston Moore replaced the injured Williams for eight starts before he missed the finale himself with an injury.
If the Bengals keep eight linemen, the leading candidates heading into the April 4 start of the conditioning program would be Robinson, Moore, starter John Thornton, and Matthias Askew at tackle, and ends Justin Smith, Duane Clemons, Robert Geathers, and possibly Powell if he returns. Other possibilities are tackles Shaun Smith and Terrance Martin and end/tackle Greg Scott.

One thing is certain: Robinson is the 13th player under contract who has played in at least one playoff game. Lewis has signed 12 of them.
The signing also leaves the Bengals with virtually nothing under the salary cap, and they have to find about $4 million to re-sign center Rich Braham and sign their 2005 draft picks. The best way to do that, at the moment, is to lower Rudi Johnson’s one-year cap number of $6.3 million with a long-term deal. The Bengals seem focused on that since Schaffer said they “spent a great deal of time” in negotiations Saturday. The club’s point man in those talks is vice president of player personnel Paul Brown.

Johnson himself said Friday night he has been pleased by the progress of the talks, but neither he nor Schaffer would get into specifics about what their magic number is. Asked if the sides have come closer on how they rate Johnson among the NFL’s top backs, Schaffer said, “Like I said, the differences aren’t as acute, but there are still differences.”

If there isn’t a long-term deal by March 16, the two sides can’t talk about a multi-year contract or sign one until July 15. That means the Bengals would be lugging around Johnson’s $6.3 million cap hit for at least four months.

Story Courtesy Of: Geoff Hobson (Bengals.com)

Welcome!

2005-03-10T19:48:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope that all of you that have found this site enjoy the layout and have as much optimism of what this site could turn into as much as we do! I have many visions of what I would like this website, along with our forum to turn into. Hopefully this will come true, but we need your help. Please spread the word. Only with your help and your word of mouth can this new organization flourish.

Some of you may or may not know that Bengal Jim is my uncle. He came to me with his idea he has had for years about setting up a site. Well, now it's a reality, and with the help of ALL of you we can make this a great community for all of us Bengal fans out there. And I will be the first to say THANKS to Jim for giving me the opportunity to do this. I am also very proud to be a part of this. I would like to think that this will end up being an ALL YEAR ROUND site and not to become dead weight in the off season. I am a very dedicated person and I will not let this happen on my end. I will constantly be posting content year round, and for the most part every day and multiple times per day. So keep coming back as much as possible, like I said before this site can only flourish with your help and support. Please feel free to let us know how we are doing as well!

If any of you out there would like to share any thoughts and opinions on this site, please feel free to post comments using the link below this post, or by going on our forum and checking out the suggestion board.

There will be a great amount of content added starting tomorrow evening. The reason I am not going to start adding content right away is I want this first post to be read by everyone that discover this new site, that way they know what going to go on.

Make sure to check back tomorrow for the beginning of the content.

Thank you all,
#28
Billy Fairchild