NFL: Cincinnati Bengals Blog

2008-11-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

What an awesome story about Eric Henderson giving back for Thanksgiving and helping spread holiday cheer to his community. Read it!

2008-10-30T11:20:00.001-07:00

Get out there and vote next Tuesday, November 4th, Bengal fans!

2008-10-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Ouch. Yesterday's loss still stings today. 38 to 10? Damn! Read this for some Monday morning armchair quarterbacking.

Chinese Girls Team?

2008-08-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Have you been watching the Olympic coverage? What am I saying, of course you have. How could you avoid it if you tried?

Anyway, this current scandal with the Chinese gymnastics team is so creepy. You look at these girls and they either look 9 years old or, at best, anorexic 15 year olds. I think the one I noticed the most last night was Yang Yilin. Don't get me wrong, I think they are all beautiful and amazingly talented. But somebody please feed that kid! She just looks sickly and makes me worry about her.

I think I'd be happier with 5-year olds competing, as long as I felt like they were healthy. Sheesh.

There goes our draft...

2008-04-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or did the Bengals turn down an offer that could have resulted in two first-round draft picks? Are they insane?

There must be a reason, I'm sure, although don't ask me what it is.

Is there anyone out there? Or in here?

2007-12-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

Geez, I go so quiet. It's a bad habit. But it's not just me... other Cincinatti Bengals sites I read have gone quiet too.

Is there really that little out there to say?

Ben-Gals

2007-06-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

In the downtime, wandering to random places looking for stuff to read about my Cincinnati Bengals, I found myself here:

http://www.bengals.com/cheerleaders/Ben-Gals.asp

Somehow they seem a lot hotter from the stands. And who really goes by the name "Sunshine"?

2007 Preseason

2007-04-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Bengals get to see plenty of old friends during this year’s preseason schedule that includes another Monday night game and a Cincinnati visit by the Super Bowl champions.

After the opener in Detroit on probably either Aug. 10 or Aug. 11, the Bengals open their home season on probably either Aug. 17 or 18 against the NFC runnerup Saints with former Bengals Brian Simmons and Kevin Kaesviharn returning on the New Orleans defense.

Next Year in the AFC North

2007-01-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

I came across a mention of the Bengals in an analysis of the relative prospects of the teams in the AFC North next year. Of course, since the source, Steve Doerschuk of the Canton (Ohio) Repository was writing from the perspective of the Cleveland Browns, he had to be optimistic in his predictions, right? Because from where they were this past season, the 0-6 Browns can only go up.

Actually, he had a few good points about players who’ll probably be leaving the Baltimore Ravens and coaches likely to be gone from the Pittsburgh Steelers. His slam against us was snide, though: “The Bengals’ 2006 win total matched the number of team members arrested in the last year.” Not cool, but we should be able to figure out a way to deal with it.

Meanwhile, I think the Browns need to concentrate on what they can do right, not pin their hopes on other teams’ problems.

New Coach to shepherd Bengals receivers

2007-01-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

Cincinnati Bengals hire new receivers coach--Mike Sheppard will replace Hue Jackson.

DEFENSE! stomp stomp

2006-12-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

The Cincinatti Bengals have had the best defensive month in club history under the tutelage of Chuck Bresnahan. The team had thier first shutout in 17 years and the fewest points scored against them ever in 3 consecutive games bringing the Bengals rush defense to a higher ranking than thier offensive couterparts. Wide Receiver Chad johnson faces off against his one time hero Marvin Harrison this Monday as the Indianapolis Colts travel to meet the Cincinatti Bengals. Harrison has more TD's but Johnson has surpassed him in every other category. Are you ready for some Football?

Holiday Gear

2006-12-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

Go to the Cincinatti Bengals website where you can order Bengals christmas gear. Everything from Santa hats to helmet ornaments from your favorite tigers can be ordered. You can get guaranteed holiday delivery with orders placed as late as December 21st thanks to overnight service. While on the website visit the Bengals Cheerleaders section to read stories of beautiful women being crushed to the ground by 200+ lb. wild defenders who overshoot the mark.

The Cincinatti Bengals face off against the Oakland Raiders at home in the Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinatti, Ohio. At least they don't have to face-off against a house full of those die-hard Raiders fans.

Big Win for Bengals

2006-12-03T17:06:00.000-08:00

The Cincinnati Bengals picked up a big win today against division leaders Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals still need a couple more losses from the Ravens this season if they hope to win the division and make it to the playoffs. Next week's game is against the Oakland Raiders, and the Bengals really need that win because the next week's game will be in Indianapolis against the Colts.

Carson Palmer Is on the Prowl

2006-11-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

Cincinnati's Carson Palmer has been giving the Bengals something to work with. For example, the very substantial 28 points on the board in our first half against San Diego. Now we just have to be sure the Bengals' defense takes up where the offense leaves off. As they did, again in the first half of that game, allowing just 7 points to the Chargers.

The second half of that one was an aberration. I'm looking for something more normal, and more satisfying, when we take on the New Orleans Saints Sunday at the Superdome.

AFC North is Cinci’s to grab

2006-11-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

I’ve got to agree with Tre Hutcherson who was pointing out that 1) the Baltimore Ravens are beatable and 2) a win moves them down and Cincinnati up, into the top slot in the AFC North.

We all know the Bengals have lost three of their last four outings, but those games have been very close. The offense has been improving, and Carson Palmer has avoided turnovers. Can we do some more of that? Coach Marvin Lewis seems to think so. But he did say that this game with the Ravens will be “one of those do or die situations you face once or twice a season.” Let’s do.

Bengals Win Cat Fight With Panthers

2006-10-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

A couple of great moments to me kept our whole season going. One was the call to pass the ball deep to Chad Johnson on 4th down with a yard to go; that gamble led to the play that changed the score from 14-10 Panthers to 17-10 Bengals. We were due for a win, or else.

The other beauty was Kevin Kaesviharn's interception when nobody was looking. Well, that's not true, but it sure seemed like two folks who should have been looking weren't, those two being Panthers QB Jake Delhomme and WR Keyshawn Johnson. Their body language said, "Wha...??" Priceless.

Bengals Over Steelers Make the Cover

2006-10-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

Finally catching up on some reading waiting to get my teeth cleaned--this dentist actually has magazines from the current year!--and who did I see on the cover of the October 2nd Sports Illustrated but Cincinnati's own Caleb Miller smashing into Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward! More great photos full of tiger stripes were inside, as well as an article explaining what Bengals fans already knew: we just love to hate the Steelers!

Snap Goes the Cincinnati Bengals Winning Streak

2006-10-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

Our Bengals had a nice opening to the 2006 season, but it's not perfect any more. But let's face it--everybody has off days. Like the New England Patriots did last week against the Denver Broncos. They should have been coming into Paul Brown Stadium today undefeated, too. Or at least not embarrassed.

Well, the Pats turned last week's frustrations against Cincinnati today, and I think we need to do the same with this 38-13 game. What we don't need to do is spend our bye week wallowing. The very last thing we need to do is provide a miracle upset to the hapless (winless, to put it bluntly) Tampa Bay Bucs at Raymond James Stadium on October 15th!

Throw away the key boys!

2006-07-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, Chris Henry can’t seem to stay out of trouble these days. Henry’s offenses include marijuana possession, a felony gun charge, speeding while drunk driving and providing alcohol to minors – two of which were under the age of 18. He could face suspension, fines and sanctions from the NFL, yet I think those punishments pale in comparison to the legal ramifications for brandishing weapons outside nightclubs and entertaining intoxicated minor girls in your car. Hopefully we can count on the justice system to treat him like a criminal and not like a celebrity. A slap on the wrists just doesn’t sound like it will change Chris Henry’s disposition towards a life of debauchery and crime.

What a schedule!

2006-06-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to the Bengals' preseason opener: the Washington Redskins will be here in Cincinnati on August 13th. But as I looked over the entire schedule, I saw a lot of familiar names on the calendar--familiar because they were in last year's NFL playoffs. And when I say a lot, I'm talking about, besides the 'Skins and the Indianapolis Colts in the preseason: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Bucs, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Colts again in a game that really counts, and...Pittsburgh Steelers. Twice! Does anybody else have a schedule like that for 2006-07?

Well, I guess I can expect my money's worth of football with my Bengals tickets!

Bengals Playing with Depth at QB

2006-05-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Cincinnati Bengals have acquired another back up for Carson Palmer in Dave Ragone, who was released by the Houston Texans. Anthony Wright will probably be second to Palmer but this is the NFL and you never know what might happen. Ragone was once considered a hot prospect but in his three years he hasn’t really had the chance to show his stuff. I think he played in one game when David Carr was out with an injury and he did pretty well. I am glad we have some depth at QB.

Can you think of anywhere else we need some help still?

Draft looked good for Bengals, but maybe not good enough.

2006-04-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

The Cincinnati Bengals drafted for a corner back, defensive end and left tackle in the first few rounds of the draft. We still need a receiving tight end according to the Bengals official site and I feel they are right on the money. What do you think? How did we do in the draft?

Moving on up! Bengals dealing away!

2006-04-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed deals with Sam Adams and Bobbie Williams. I have been pretty happy with all the off-season moves the Bengals have made thus far and can only see us getting stronger in 2006. Who do you think we should be looking at in the 2006 NFL Draft and why?

Increasing QB Pool Gives Bengals More Options

2006-03-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

The Cincinnati Bengals are working on finding a back up quarterback. We are considering Brian Griese but he is injured, and that brings up the question of whether we should give up on Carson Palmer this soon or wait to see if he improves over the next few months. What do you think?

Graham Represents Bengals at Pro Bowl

2006-02-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

An interesting bit of Bengals news came out of the Pro Bowl Skill Challenges. Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham made a 65-yard field goal winning the Innovative Kicking honor.

Go Broncos, Beat Steelers!

2006-01-21T21:45:00.000-08:00

I am still steaming over the Steelers beating the Cincinnati Bengals and dashing our Super Bowl hopes. They are going to be playing the Denver Broncos on Sunday for the AFC Championship and I am crossing my fingers for the Broncos. Jake Plummmer and Mike Shanahan had better have a plan because the Steelers are on a rampage and have only just buried the Indianapolis Colts who were everybody’s favorite for the Super Bowl since the middle of the regular season.

Carson Palmer’s Impressive Proclamation

2006-01-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

Carson Palmer endured a shocking knee injury in his last game and has said his goal is to be back and ready for the first day of training camp. He is a real trooper and hobbled his way on crutches to a press conference to express his thought that Jon Kitna should be signed as his back up. He also said that he does not feel the late hit that caused his injury was a deliberate dirty hit on the part of the Steelers’ Kimo von Oelhoffen. Carson’s dismissal of the rumors surrounding the late hit was admirable and he has shown he is a true Cincinnati Bengal hero.

Palmer and Johnson Can Pull it Off

2006-01-03T17:07:00.000-08:00

We already had a guaranteed playoff spot when we lost to the Chiefs but it hurts just the same. We face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs and this Bengals team is going to have to shake off the negative energy from our 37-3 loss to the Chiefs before they can hope to win against the Steelers. We are 1-1 against the Steelers for the season so it’s really anyone’s game at this point. I am counting on Carson Palmer and Rudi Johnson to get us some yards and points in this match up against our most hated rival.

Loss to Bills Makes One More Win a Must

2005-12-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

Carson Palmer suffered a groin injury and is probable for our final game against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend. Coach Lewis has not said whether Palmer will start or if John Kitna will play but the players seem confident that Palmer will be leading them in this very important match up. Sunday’s sloppy loss to the Bills puts us in a tight situation not wanting to start the playoffs on a two game losing streak. The Bengals are going to have to play a near perfect game to beat the Kansas City Chiefs and they are a tough team to dominate.

Palmer to Pro Bowl

2005-12-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

The Cincinnati Bengals were on fire on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Our team was a force to be reckoned with and dominated the Lions fully for the whole game. It’s no surprise that we have five players going to the Pro Bowl from different parts of our team. The chosen are Willie Anderson right tackle, Chad Johnson wide receiver, Carson Palmer quarterback, and Shayne Graham kicker. Palmer has an NFL record thirty touchdown passes and has more completions than anyone in the NFL. He’s been making records and breaking them all season and has led his team to the playoffs.

Bengals Run the Cleveland Browns

2005-12-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

The Cincinnati Bengals proved they are a tough team on Sunday in their 23-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Rudi Johnson rushed for 169 yards in 30 carries, which was a season high. He consistently broke through the Browns defense and made the big plays we needed to win the game. We can’t ignore the fact that he is not Chris Perry and we are hoping to have Perry back for the Playoffs if not before. Jeremi Johnson will fill in on passing plays and Johnson will do the rushing until then. It is good that we have the depth that we do at the running back position or we might have been sunk this season.

Bengals Steel Division Lead

2005-12-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

The Cincinnati Bengals quieted the crowd at Heinz Stadium with their 38-31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The Bengals defense was on its game forcing four turnovers and beating the Steelers offense up with the pass rush. This puts the team at 9-3 for the season and we are no two games ahead of the Steelers for the division. Notable performances in the final minutes won this game. Odell Thurman caught the third interception of the night and Chad Johnson got the touchdown on the ensuing drive gaining the lead that would win the game. Now we can really start talking playoffs for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bengals Sure to Take AFC North

2005-11-30T16:59:00.000-08:00

The Cincinnati Bengals are 8-3. I just like saying it. They have almost clinched the AFC North title now that the Indianapolis Colts beat the Pittsburgh Steelers bringing them down one game below us at 7-4. We have some key injuries on the line. Bryan Robinson, defense, and Nate Webster, linebacker, are doubtful for Sundays battle with the Steelers. With a tough schedule ahead and behind Carson Palmer is only getting better. Fans can’t wait to see the big plays he is going to pull off against the Steelers. Even Cincinnati Mayor Mallory has high hopes for this team’s best season since 1988.

I may not know if we are going to reach the Super Bowl but I do know we have a better record than some of the teams that are predicted to win it, and that’s saying something.

A Strong Game against a Stronger Team

2005-11-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

We played the best team in football and lost this Sunday. Eli Manning and the New York Giants looked extremely good and we were lucky to have had such a close game with them. Carson Palmer even had a better quarterback rating for the game than Eli Manning. So this wasn’t an embarrassing loss by any means, but an honorable battle with a valiant team. Penalties and a lack of fourth down conversions really held us back in this high scoring game. We scored 37 points to the Giants 45 and not a lot of teams have been able to score like that against this New York squad. I would say we are ready for the Steelers and I am curious who will step up to help us beat them. Will it be Chris Henry or Chad Johnson? Or maybe Chris Perry or Rudi Johnson?

Throw It to Me Brett

2005-11-18T15:40:00.000-08:00

Deltha O’Neal has almost enough votes to become a Pro Bowl Corner and is pretty adamant that he’s the best choice for the position. His skills are apparent in his stats. The most interesting of which is the fact that he alone has six interceptions for the season, two of which were picked off Brett Favre. I’d say he has magnets in his hands if the football were made out of metal. It was a perfect 58 degree day for football at Paul Brown Stadium and O’Neal, Odell Thurman, and Tory James were the big stars of the game each picking off passes from Brett Favre and we won the day.

Bengals’ Best Start In Over 10 Years

2005-09-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Cincinnati Bengals have not had a start like this since 1990. This team looks like they are going to be a good contender for the title in the AFC. This team looks like a well-rounded team that has respect for each other. When teams learn to respect each other, they look like SuperBowl contenders. If they don’t, you know what happens: they lose. I’m not going to say any individual names, but I can say a team--the Houston Texans. So, Cincinnati, be happy for your team, I’ll be cheering them on down here.

Cincinnati Hanging Their Heads Up High

2005-09-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Cincinnati Bengals give a beating to the Minnesota Vikings with a 37-8 win. Carson Palmer completed 27-40 with three touchdown passes. Palmer is going to be a very exciting player to watch. On the second play of the game Palmer completed a pass to Chad Johnson for a 70-yard touchdown that pretty much sealed the deal even though there was a lot of game to play. The next game we will see them in is against the Chicago Bears for week three in Chicago. This will be a great game to watch next Sunday. Here is a question for thought: What four teams in the AFC will make a run for the title?

Bengals Looking Good for Opening Day

2005-09-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

Carson Palmer threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter. With the defense having intercepted the ball 2 times, making the Cincinnati Bengals look like a playoff team. The Bengals haven’t had a winning record in 15 years. But don’t leave the Cleveland Browns out of the race--there is still a lot of season to play. The next game for the Cincinnati Bengals they are hosting the Minnesota Vikings at the Paul Brown Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings coming off a lost on opening day will have them ready to win one for the season. Cincinnati Bengals are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for first in the AFC North, which the Bengals and the Vikings will be facing each other on October 23rd.

Do or Die

2005-06-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

What ever happen to Peter Warrick?

There was a lot of hope surrounding Warrick who was drafted six years ago. He was supposed to be an impact player and the number one receiver for several years to come. Now it seems he has become a mere shadow of his own self.

Warrick has been in and out due to injuries and has never really emerged as a deep threat. It seems like the Bengals plan to keep him around for one more year as a third or fourth receiver. It is a do or die season for Warrick if he plans to stay with Bengals.

Hobson Report

2005-05-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

- from the official site of the Cincinnati Bengals

There have been some long ago offseasons that have snapped, crackled, and popped, but we always forgot how that felt because the real season became so bad so quickly. You’re right, though. None since the late ‘80s have been like this offseason in the sense that there seems to be a consensus that they’ve stuck to a solid two-year plan and now the third season is clearly the time it should blossom into a playoff spot.

Levi Jones getting closer to Full Capacity

2005-05-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Levi Jones has been pushing himself into bringing back his original form. Currently, it’s looking like he is well on his way to recovery. In 2003, Jones screwed up his knee in December of 2003.

Now, it looks as if Jones has gained most of the power and prowess that he once possessed. The line can slowly reassess itself and put the powers back into control.

“It’s nice to see Levi with a spring in his step again. Throw in Eric Steinbach and these guys have a new lease on life. It’s almost like they’re giddy out there.”
- Offensive line coach Paul Alexander

HONING THEIR GAMES:

2005-05-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

- from FOXSports.com

FB Jeremi Johnson, who becomes a restricted free agent in 2006, is working to control his weight and improve his ball security so he can become more of a rushing and receiving threat. Johnson is an excellent blocker who has learned to sift through the line of scrimmage and not leave his feet when he blocks linebackers. He gets instant leverage because of his strength and low center of gravity. Thanks to a strict diet and more discipline in the weight room, Johnson has trimmed some weight off his 265-pound frame. He's showing better quickness and concentration. Now he's a more reliable runner in a one-back set and a better receiver coming out of the backfield.

Wide Receivers

2005-05-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Peter Warrick has been doing well in the mini-camps that have taken place so far in the Bengal’s organization. As of now, he looks like he has done well to rehab from his injury-filled season in 2004. Warrick had a career season in 2003 by recording 79 catches, 819 yards, and seven touchdowns. Following this, he had surgery to repair torn knee cartilage. Warrick also broke his fibula two weeks into the next season.

The Bengals looked partially to the draft for wide receivers. Third-rounder Chris Henry and sixth-rounder Tab Perry were added to the roster, but this does not place them above Warrick to start.

Bengals Release Hardy

2005-05-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

After 9 years with the Bengals, Kevin Hardy has been released from the lineup. This has happened mainly on account of making space for newly acquired David Pollack who was this year’s first round choice for the Bengals.

Hardy (left outside linebacker) was a #2 overall choice by Marvin Lewis back in 1996. At 32, Lewis has decided to go with the youthful vigor of Pollack and thus Hardy has been released.

College Free Agent Signees

2005-04-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

- from the official site of the Cincinnati Bengals

Headed by LSU center Ben Wilkerson and a trio of safeties, the list of Bengals college free agents also includes another University of Georgia product. The 11 CFAs join the seven draft picks at this weekend’s rookie camp at Paul Brown Stadium.

Fullback Jeremy Thomas joins Georgia teammates David Pollack and Odell Thurman after they were taken in the first two rounds of the draft. Toledo safety Patrick Body, timed in the 4.3 range in the 40-yard dash, Indiana’s Herana-Daze Jones, and Georgia Southern’s James Young are the safeties the Bengals signed after not drafting any this past weekend.

The Bengals are also trying out some unsigned players at the camp, including Ohio State running back Lydell Ross and guard Clay Martin of Georgetown College in Kentucky, home of the Bengals training camp.

College Free Agent

2005-04-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

- from the official site of the Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals picked up one of the most coveted players in college free agency when they reached a deal with LSU center Ben Wilkerson hours after he went undrafted. Media outlets in New Orleans and Baton Rouge have reported in the two days since the completion of the draft that the man who had once been the draft’s leading center candidate on some boards had reached a deal with Cincinnati.

Lewis and Press

2005-04-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

- from the official site of the Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis held his pre-draft news conference Tuesday and presented such a good poker face that he barely confirmed his team would pick in the first round Saturday, but he did offer some hints for the No. 17 pick.

Bengals Draft Show

2005-04-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

To not miss out on all the action that is soon to acclimate, remember to tune your television to Local 12 (CBS) between the hours of 7-8 to catch the latest draft report. Head coach Marvin Lewis and the rest of the Bengals staff will get together to give as tangible of a game plan to us as they can provide. Take into consideration that everything does not always work out for the best, but hopefully this year it will.

Go BENGALS!!!

SCOUTING REPORT:

2005-04-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

- from FOXSports.com

Second-year OT Stacy Andrews (6-7, 346) has a chance to become the top backup at both tackle spots because of his versatility. He has the size and strength to be an effective run blocker, and possesses the foot speed and balance to be a capable pass protector. Finding playing time for him will be difficult because LT Levi Jones and RT Willie Anderson form a formidable tandem, but Andrews provides insurance with his massive size and raw talent. Andrews, who has an All-America track and field background, spent his rookie season getting acclimated to the NFL. Once he gets some experience, his enormous potential should be realized.

Bengalin

2005-04-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

The most recent news coming from the Bengals is the presumed return of backup defensive lineman Carl Powell. Jerrold Colton, Powell’s current manager, stated Monday that in the next few days Powell will be resigned to the team.

The one-year deal was confirmed by the team following the next day. Powell was first signed with the Bengals in 2003 on free agent status. He had an impressive season but sat out part of it rehabilitating a knee injury.

Draft Buzz:

2005-03-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

- from FOXSports.com

The signing of DT Bryan Robinson and SS Anthony Mitchell in free agency strengthens two weak areas on defense and opens up numerous possibilities. The biggest question is if they reward new defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan with a defensive lineman, a linebacker or a defensive back and wait until the second round to get a WR, or do they grab a speed receiver at No. 17. If DT Travis Johnson, DE Shawne Merriman, SS Thomas Davis and CB Antrelle Rolle are off the board, the club could take the offensive because QB Carson Palmer needs another weapon. Don't be surprised if the team trades down and fills a need by picking TE Heath Miller.

Anthony Mitchell

2005-03-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

Anthony Mitchell has come to another one-year agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals. The team came to a deal with Mitchell last Tuesday. The Bengals, on top of this, have cut one of their veteran safeties Rogers Beckett.

"We'll see how it goes this year, and see if he can get a long-term (deal) next year, hopefully with the Bengals."
- Mitchell's agent, George Mavrikes

Mitchell began his career being a grad from Tuskegee University. He was a first-round draft pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he was waived and ended up with Baltimore. Mitchell wasn’t able to make a solid year in free agency status. He spent 3 seasons with Baltimore before moving to Cincinnati.

Rudi Johnson’s Contract

2005-03-17T15:33:00.000-08:00

After making a name for himself in the Bengals, Rudi Johnson is ready to create a dynasty. Just recently he signed on for a five-year, $26 million contract.

“Of all the recent running back deals, Rudi’s got the best opportunity to earn every penny of his contract. He’s not going to be a cap issue. He’s not going to be a cap casualty. His odds are so much greater of any running back that has come down to see the whole contract. He won’t have to take a cut like Marshall Faulk took this year, or be a cap casualty like Garrison Hearst in San Francisco last year.”
- Peter Schaffer

This contract doesn’t seem to be all too classy to others that have been given such as that of running back Lamont Jordan of the Oakland Raiders. But, Johnson is very likely to get all the money he’s got coming to him and not become a cap casualty. The last year of his contract, he counts for only $4.8 million against the cap.

Hard Truth

2005-03-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

-from FOXSports.com

There's a hole in the secondary at strong safety and the club needs a rugged enforcer to fill the void. Rogers Beckett's future is in doubt because of the series of concussions he endured in 2004. Kim Herring battled ankle problems and struggled staying healthy. He's a steady, reliable big hitter that's needed to shore up the run defense. The AFC North is loaded with big backs such as Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis, Baltimore's Jamal Lewis and Cleveland's Lee Suggs. The Bengals need the kind of strong safety who can cover, but most importantly, hold up as an eighth defender "in the box" near the line of scrimmage and get those big backs on the ground. That's why the club is drooling over Georgia SS Thomas Davis. He's an aggressive defender and nasty hitter who won't allow yards after contact.

Leading Stats for Last Season:

2005-03-01T11:12:00.000-08:00

Passing:
Carson Palmer 60.9 pct. / 2897 Yds / 18 TDs / 18 INTs

Rushing:
Rudi Johnson 361 ATT / 1454 Yds / 4.0 Avg / 12 TD

Receiving:
Chad Johnson 95 REC / 1274 Yds / 13.4 Avg / 9 TD

Rudi’s In

2005-02-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

Rudi Johnson has been added on the AFC squad for the Pro Bowl. Being inducted so recently with only about a week until the game, Johnson had to void a family commitment. He was second in line for the running back position under Curtis Martin. Martin was not able to participate on account of an injury.

Johnson’s made a Bengals’ record high with 1454 rushing yards. He will be playing along side former teammate Corey Dillon. The Pro Bowl game is going down in Honolulu. For Corey Dillon, this will be his second hard hitting game in a week because of the Super Bowl. Dillon will be trying to win it with The Patriots. We’ll see what happens…

Bengals keep Zampese

2005-01-27T14:24:00.000-08:00

The Bengals have decided to keep the quarterbacks’ coach Ken Zampese. Due to the loss of Jack Del, the Jaguars are currently searching for a new offensive coordinator. Zampese has been put on the list of possible candidates for this position, but for now, he will remain a Bengal.

Zampese joined the Bengals in 2003 after a very prolific period with the St. Louis Rams as assistant coach. He began his career in football by playing with the University of San Diego as a wide receiver and punk/kickoff returner.

Defensive Upgrade

2005-01-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

Chuck Bresnahan was promoted to defensive coordinator by head Marvin Lewis on Wednesday. Bresnahan takes the place of Leslie Frazier, fired two weeks ago by Marvin Lewis.

Bresnahan brings many things to the table for the Cincinnati Bengals' defense. Bresnahan has been with Cleveland and Indianapolis before he left to Oakland, in fact, in 2000 Bresnahan was with the Raiders and Lewis with the Ravens and they bumped head in the AFC title game.

Later on during 2002, in his tenure with the Raiders, Bresnahan defensive was ranked second in the AFC and third in the NFL.
"I'm enthused about the future of our defense, and about the experience that Chuck brings us," Lewis said. "I have great confidence in his ability to oversee the development of a unit that has shown us a lot of potential."

Kinta gets the Call

2004-12-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

Due to Carson Palmer's injury it seems his season as the Bengals signal caller has come to and end.

Jon Kinta will take the riens of the Bengals offensive this last sunday against the Eagles.

So since it is the Eagles, look for us finishing at .500 (8-8). Since the Eagles will probably bench all the starters.

Next year will be much better.

Kitna Resolute Under Heat

2004-12-22T14:06:00.000-08:00

by Goeff Hobson, from the official site of the Cincinati Bengals

Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna may be the lightning rod for the Bengals’ 33-17 loss Sunday to the Bills. But with Carson Palmer still questionable for this Sunday, Kitna remains resolute about his play as he prepares for a possible start against the Giants even as he told about taking heat from his coaches.

“You don’t go back second-guessing what you’re doing,” said Kitna after being involved in three turnovers that produced 13 Buffalo points. “You tweak things that you did wrong, but you have to have some perseverance. I’ve been through it all. This is nothing new for me.

“I don’t think not playing all year bothered me at all yesterday,” Kitna said. “The three turnovers I was involved in, even after watching film I don’t know if I would have done anything differently.”

Kitna said he took some heat from coaches when they challenged him on the screen pass to running back Rudi Johnson that turned into Buffalo linebacker Takeo Spikes’ 62-yard interception return for a touchdown that gave the Bills a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter.

While many observers thought the throw ill-advised because he threw it across the field as he was pressured, Kitna doesn’t think he took any unnecessary chances during a day he compiled a lowly 47.8 passer rating on 16-for-32 passing that included 151 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Kitna has argued that Spikes fouled Johnson by pushing him to the ground before the ball got there.

“My coaches are giving me a little bit of heat for that screen play,” Kitna said. “But I looked at it. When I threw the ball, my guy was standing up and we had a guy ready to block the guy who intercepted it. I guess I take a sack next time. I guess I take a sack. Because I don’t know what else you can do.”

But after hearing talk that he didn’t know the snap count, the one thing Kitna is going to change if he plays Sunday is the cadence. Kitna doesn’t think it was a problem in his fumbled exchange, for which center Jerry Fontenot took responsibility. But he thinks the cadence was an issue in false starts called on Johnson, left guard Eric Steinbach, and right tackle Willie Anderson.

“I’m not going to mess with the cadence. We’ll go on one every time so there’ll be no confusion up front on what’s going on,” Kitna said. “I’ll take responsibility for that. There was confusion where (people said) even I didn’t know the snap count, so we’ll just make it on one every time and go from there ... I’m referring to the false starts, or guys still in their stance when the ball is snapped. Those are things you can’t have. You try to work with the cadence - go on a quick count, go on a hard three - try to do those things to help and if it’s not working, go on one the whole time. Guys, I guess, weren’t used to me.”

Team Report

2004-12-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

RT Langston Moore (6-1, 300) is the unsung hero of the defensive line. His low center of gravity and upper-body strength allow him to get good leverage. He doesn't generate many sacks because of his size, but he's able to hold his ground, clog the middle, help push the pile and create havoc at the point of attack.

LB Brian Simmons (6-3, 248) is a solid, all-around athlete with good size, speed and instincts. He's at his best against the run because he's strong and fast, sheds blockers well and has great range. His biggest area of improvement is against the pass. Exploited earlier this year in one-on-one coverage, he's reading and reacting quicker and getting in better position to cover backs and tight ends in the red zone.

THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B. The wide receivers and RB Rudi Johnson are in a groove with QB Carson Palmer, whose confidence is growing. Defense: C-. Poor tackling continues to haunt this unit. Special teams: B. The kicking game is strong, and the coverage units are solid. Coaching: B+. Motivator Marvin Lewis has the club at .500 after a 1-4 start.

Defense Saves Best for Last

2004-11-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

BY GEOFF HOBSON, from Bengals.com

Deltha O'Neal celebrates after his 31-yard interception return sealed Sunday's wild 58-48 victory. (AP Photo/David Kohl)
You’ve got to remember.

When Marvin Lewis was the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens in 2000, his unit allowed an NFL-record 165 points.

So you’ll have to excuse him if he sounded a little numb after the Bengals head coach watched Cincinnati and Cleveland combine for 106 points in just 60 minutes Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.

Even if his team won, 58-48.

“Sometimes there are spurts like that, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen it continue as much as it did through the third quarter,” Lewis said of the 35-point explosion. “I looked up and there were three minutes gone in the third quarter, and there were already two touchdowns scored. But we are happy to win. We made it harder than it needed to be, but our guys kept fighting, and they made the plays.”

Defense comes up with the big play
Still, it was the defense that saved the day. End Robert Geathers protected a 51-48 lead with a drive-ending sack as he continues his late Rookie of the Year run with 3.5 sacks on the year. And cornerback Deltha O’Neal sealed it on his 31-yard interception return for a touchdown with 1:43 left.

“At least," said defensive end Duane Clemons, “we were able to hold it together long enough to make those two plays. We lost our way for a little bit.”

As well as the Bengals defense has played since the Browns lit it up for 233 yards on just four plays in the Oct. 17 loss in Cleveland, it played as badly Sunday in a second half the Browns erupted for 35 points behind backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb’s 348 passing yards.

"Too many big plays and not enough good ones," said linebacker Brian Simmons. "But when we need to make a play, we get it. That's what we've been doing. That's become a trademark of our defense."

Since that day in Cleveland, the Bengals hadn’t allowed a wide receiver to catch a ball longer than 27 yards, hadn’t allowed a running back more than 20 yards on a carry, hadn’t allowed a play longer than 37 yards, and had allowed just five touchdown passes in the past five games.

But Holcomb hooked up on a 55-yard touchdown pass to wide open receiver Antonio Bryant that appeared to be a blown coverage between cornerback Tory James and rookie safety Madieu Williams. Wide receiver Dennis Northcutt caught balls of 39 and 21 yards, tight ends Aaron Shea and Steve Heiden combined for three catches of at least 20 yards and three touchdowns, and running back William Green rattled off a 46-yard run.

“Who knows why?” asked Bengals linebacker Brian Simmons. “You can’t look at that second half with any logic.”

“It was crazy. Just crazy,” said James, whose NFL-leading seventh interception with 19 seconds left in the first half proved to be one of the last acts of sanity.

Linebacker Kevin Hardy broke it down from a personal standpoint, praising the Browns for spreading out the Bengals.

“And then they were able to make good throws,” Hardy said. “They would spread it out, and widen it off a little bit and (run pass routes) then cut back behind us. I have to do a better job of getting my hands on guys and keeping them in the area.”

But Hardy had plenty of company.

“You can’t turn the ball over offensively, nor allow explosive plays on defense,” Lewis said. “We have to do a better job communicating and staying on the same page. We freed them up a lot. As I said, we have to make sure we are on the same page. That’s enough said.”

Game-saving pick

O'Neal
O’Neal said it all with the defense’s fourth touchdown of the season, one off the 1983 team record. It’s the kind of game-saving, difference-making play the defense has come up with all year and is so uncharacteristic of Bengals teams in the past. They now have 15 interceptions, one more than all of last season.

“I thought he was going to throw it in the middle because he was looking there so long,” O’Neal said of Holcomb. “At the last minute, he looked my way, so I just jumped it.”

O’Neal, flanked out on Shea on the right side, made the kind of play that always seemed to happen to the Bengals at the end of the half or game.

“It was zone coverage. It was bad judgment on him,” O’Neal said. “I don’t think he saw me in the area, or he didn’t think I could get there fast enough. It was kind of neck and neck with them. We needed to pull away and that was the perfect opportunity.”

James has been jumping on opportunities like that all year. He was all set to strip Bryant of the ball on pass over the middle as he came up behind him when the pass bounced off Bryant’s hands.

“I just grabbed it, and caught it,” James said of a play that turned into three points on Shayne Graham’s field goal with two seconds left in the half.

Warrick will Have Surgery on Shin Hurt in Opener

2004-11-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

By the Associated Press, from ESPN.com

CINCINNATI -- Bengals wide receiver Peter Warrick, who injured his shin in the season opener, will not play again this year.

"His injury has not healed in a way that he could play productively," Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis said. "Our doctors all agree that the best course for Peter is to have a surgery that will allow him to fully recover in plenty of time for 2005."

The injury was believed to have been a serious shin bruise at first but was later diagnosed as a cracked bone.

Warrick was hurt against the New York Jets but finished the game and played the following week against Miami. He was then used in just a few plays against Baltimore on Sept. 26 and against Denver on Oct. 25.

He has 11 catches for 127 yards this season. He had 253 catches entering this season, the most by a Bengals player in his first four seasons.

Warrick is the third starter and 13th player overall to be lost for the season by the Bengals. His injury is one reason the offense has struggled under quarterback Carson Palmer. The Bengals are tied for 22nd in scoring at 18 points a game. Three of their 12 touchdowns have been scored by the defense.

Man oh man

2004-10-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

This season is definitely not off to a good start!

How, I ask, did we lose to the friggin' Browns? That is a team we can beat.

"Defense In Question"

2004-10-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

No kidding. So says nfl.com:

With the Browns offense struggling to put up points on the board, this
might be a welcome relief for the ineffective Bengals defense when both teams
square off in an AFC North divisional clash on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Cincinnati has given up a league high 166 yards rushing per game and 5.2 yards
per carry, but Cleveland's offense has not done much either. The unit is ranked
30th in total offense. Cincinnati (1-3) is coming off its bye week and hopes
that the time off was enough for the team to regroup. The addition of S Anthony
Mitchell, who signed with the Bengals, should also give the defensive unit a
boost. "Right now, it is not the way we had this thing put together," head coach
Marvin Lewis said. "But it is what it is right now, and we're going to get
better with it."
It's lookin' good right now: we're up by three--damn, nevermind, down by 4 at half time.

No!!!

2004-10-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

Turn it around, guys!

From nfl.com:

Following last season's turnaround, the Bengals seem to have gone back to their old ways. The team fell to 1-3 on the season following a 28-17 loss to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. After years of disappointment, the Bengals went 8-8 under new head coach Marvin Lewis last year and looked positive heading into this new season. But the team has struggled coming out of the blocks, especially defensively. On offense, QB Carson Palmer has held his own as he still tries to learn the game. "I'm not concerned with what people say," Palmer said. "I'm only worried about what the coaches and players think. I'm going about my business, trying to get better from week to week." Palmer had a touchdown and two interceptions against the Steelers, bringing his total to three TDs and seven INTs in four starts.

Ravens Teach Palmer Physics

2004-09-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

BY GEOFF HOBSON

It took the NFL’s most intense and successful defense of this century to do it, but Carson Palmer finally looked like a rookie quarterback in his third NFL start in Sunday’s 23-9 loss at Paul Brown Stadium.

After the Ravens had pounded him physically from the kickoff to the knee and he had literally knocked heads with future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, Palmer admitted Baltimore had “confused,” him during his four turnover day...

But at least he got Sunday what David Klingler and Akili Smith never had.

A 300-yard passing game on 25 of 52 passes for 316 that he would have traded for no turnovers instead of the four...

The first thing to learn is it wasn’t all his fault. The second thing is, he wasn’t the only one confused after the Bengals rolled up the most yardage (398) against the Ravens in eight games, were two yards shy of having just the ninth 100-yard rusher against Baltimore in five seasons, were one yard shy of having two 100-yard receivers, and yet have now gone 30 straight drives and eight quarters without an offensive touchdown.

Running back Rudi Johnson, off a season-high 98 yards on 23 carries, was also buffaloed. He noticed foes had come into the game rushing 3.3 yards per carry against Baltimore but he hit 4.3, and the Bengals could manage just two field goals once in the red zone...

Wide receiver Chad Johnson was also confused and he didn’t try to hide his frustration when Palmer couldn’t find him on a couple of occasions by banging his helmet and waving his arms like a third-base coach. Johnson, absolutely brilliant against the Pro Bowl coverage of cornerback Chris McAlister and safety Ed Reed, validated his own Pro Bowl credentials with eight catches for 99 yards, but he shook his head after not being able to pop a play bigger than 23 yards.

Another Sunday, another game
Go Bengals!

Ya win some, ya lose one

2004-09-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

So the Jets got the upper hand in our first regular season game: sure, it was a dissapointment, but the show is just beginning. Miami will be on our turf on the 19th and we'll be ready for them. Bring it on!

Carson Is Looking Good.

2004-09-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

I'm ready for some football: anyone else?

The Bengals will be vacationing in New York soon: they are due to stomp the Jets on September 12. Let the games begin!

You want more

2004-08-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

from their official site? Okay:

ATLANTA - As crisp as the Bengals were last week against the defending Super Bowl champions, they struggled just as much Saturday night here in getting waxed, 37-10, by the defending NFC South last-place Falcons.

"...getting waxed..." Unfortunately, that's an accurate description of what happened. Several important player are out with injuries. Hopefully, they can get it together before the regular season starts.

The Preseason is underway...

2004-08-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

and I'm still very busy, so, at least for the time-being, I will be cheating a bit by posting some quotes here and there to tide over until the real football begins.

Here's a little somethin' from their official website:

Palmer to go into second half

GEORGETOWN, Ky. - Carson Palmer will get his longest stint of the preseason Saturday night in Atlanta when Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis plans to bring him back for at least one series after halftime.
Palmer seems to be getting plenty of work. His three touchdown passes are tied with Atlanta rookie Matt Schaub for the NFL lead, and his 27 attempts are fourth in the NFL. How good are NFL defenses in the preseason? It makes you wonder when Palmer’s 109 passer rating is 17th in the NFL.

PRACTICE SKIRMISH
Wide receiver Kelley Washington says he’ll be able to play against the Falcons despite leaving the field with ice on his ankle and knee after scuffling with cornerback Terrell Roberts in the aftermath of a blocking drill Tuesday morning. Washington walked stiffly after practice, but without the aid of crutches after both went down to the ground fighting.

“Those things happen when it’s physical like that blocking,” Washington said. “It’s all a part of playing football, though. You get caught up in things like that, and you have to protect yourself, and things happen like that.”

Some veterans weren’t happy with the way the two conducted themselves.

“You don’t get anything out of something like that. Hopefully Kelley’s not hurt and he can come back out, but it’s just an example of how bad things can happen when you go out there and do that,” said cornerback Tory James. “Who knows what happened, but someone has to be the bigger guy and back off.”

Unfortunate news

2004-08-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

From nfl.com:

The Bengals finally got their preseason exhibition rolling after waiting two days because of Hurricane Charley, which delayed their opener against the Buccaneers in Tampa. But it wasn't quite what they had hoped for as they fell to the Bucs 20-6. Quarterback Carson Palmer, making his first start for the Bengals, didn't fair well. He completed 3 of 8 passes for 74 yards. "I'm not happy with the outcome, but we did some good things along with the mistakes," Palmer said. "I felt weird, but I felt great. It's just been so long since I played in an actual game." Rookie RB Chris Perry was also a shaky. He finished with 22 yards on five attempts

"Switching to Palmer"

2004-08-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

More pre-preseason news from nfl.com:

The Bengals morphed into the NFL's up-and-coming team last season, in Marvin Lewis' first stint as a head coach. A lot of it could be traced to QB Jon Kitna, who's numbers are comparable to what Tom Brady put up in New England. But with training camp set to begin, the team has put its faith in the hands of Carson Palmer, last year's No. 1 draft pick, to build on that success. "Last year, people questioned why Jon Kitna should be the starting quarterback, and he proved he was up to the task," Lewis said. "He had a good season -- not a great season -- kind of like our football team. This year, I feel strongly that Carson Palmer will be a better quarterback for us. I think he will allow our offense to do better things."

A Little News...

2004-07-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'll go ahead and quote from nfl.com:

The Bengals morphed into the NFL's up-and-coming team last season, in Marvin Lewis' first stint as a head coach. A lot of it could be traced to QB Jon Kitna, who's numbers are comparable to what Tom Brady put up in New England. But with training camp set to begin, the team has put its faith in the hands of Carson Palmer, last year's No. 1 draft pick, to build on that success. "Last year, people questioned why Jon Kitna should be the starting quarterback, and he proved he was up to the task," Lewis said. "He had a good season -- not a great season -- kind of like our football team. This year, I feel strongly that Carson Palmer will be a better quarterback for us. I think he will allow our offense to do better things."

The Calm Before the...

2004-07-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Well,
'Guess there's not too much goin' on right now. Preseason begins August 14: they'll be playing at Tampa. After that, the guys will play three more Preseason games before Regular season starts on September 12.

Thanks for Visiting!!!

2004-07-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, this is a blog dedicated to the Cincinnati Bengals. I plan to keep it up-to-date during the 2004-05 season and pre-season. Come back soon for content!!