SB Nation - Digger Bujnoch

Notes and links for Ohio football; if you love Cincinnati-area football, we might have a job for you

Kirkendall — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:28:48 -0000

Even though we're a blog that specifically talks about the Cincinnati Bengals, we try our damnest to talk about other area football teams; especially the Ohio State Buckeyes and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. The truth of the matter is, when the Bengals were recording their worst season since 2002 (2-14), the University of Cincinnati was in the middle of their first BCS season since, well, the BCS started. It didn't just make the season the Bengals were having passable (if that phrase even exists); it was exciting as hell. As was the run the Buckeyes have, save for that one game during the third week of the season; I can't remember the result, or even who we played; in fact, I have no memory of September 13, 2008. If you're remotely a fan of the UC Bearcats, or have this uncontrollable instinct to simply cheer anything related to your hometown, then how are you not excited about the Bearcats? The Buckeyes. Well, we're extremely nervous. In truth, even with the Bengals and Browns, football in Ohio is the best football product in any state in the union; that includes Florida, Texas and California. I'm biased for Ohio football. I don't care. It's the best. So when we have time, or when we start feeling all Swine-Flu sick talking about the Bengals because their season turns into a wreck, we'll talk Ohio football. Now, I know readers might not care; they just want Bengals news and nothing else. I can respect that. So in our Ohio football that doesn't include the Browns posts, we'll keep it short, and anyone wanting to continue, can click on the jump.

(Note: if you have a love for Ohio football, especially the Bearcats and Cincinnati area football, drop me an email. I might have a job for you).

Now, onto links and notes.

Go Bearcats takes a look at the 12 former Bearcats on NFL rosters. They are Conner Barwin (Texans), John Bowie (Raiders), Brandon Underwood (Packers), Brent Celek (Eagles), Trent Coles (Eagles), Troy Evans (Saints), Andre Frazier (Steelers), Tyjuan Hagler (Colts), Haruki Nakamura (Ravens), Mike Wright (Patriots), Antonio Chatman (Bengals) and Kevin Huber (Bengals).

Seven former Bearcat players were released from NFL rosters this weekend: which includes Mike Mickens (Cowboys), Corey Smith (Chiefs), DeAngelo Smith (Cowboys) Digger Bujnoch (Saints), Adam Hoppel (Browns), Manalac (Bills) and Trevor Canfield (Cardinals)

However, Joe Reedy Tweets that DeAngelo Smith was claimed by the Browns.

The Bearcats season kicks Monday (Labor Day) at Rutgers at 4 PM. It will be broadcast on ESPN. Quarterback questions for Rutgers.

Brian Kelly doesn't like opening the season against a Big East team on the road.

Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard are great offensive players for the Bearcats and likely NFL prospects. However, the Bearcats also have Jeff Linkenbach, a 6'6", 311 pound left tackle.

"He had a great year last year," offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn said of Linkenbach. "Without him as our left tackle, who knows what could have been the outcome of the season?"

The Bearcats' newest defensive coordinator, Bob Diaco, is the complete opposite of Mike Zimmer. Aaron Webster, the team's free safety, says of Diaco. “He’s a real mellow person. You can tell not a lot gets to him. He’s not really flustered when there’s controversy or when adversity hits.”

UC joined IMG College and ISP Stadium Seating to provide Nippert stadium with 10,000 cushioned seats with backs.

"Over the past few seasons more and more fans have come up to us and asked if there was anything we could do about the uncomfortable red seats in Nippert. When we looking into this, the most economical and comfortable alternative was to partner with an outside vendor who could help us solve our fan's comfort issue, and do so at a reasonable price. We tested these types of seats over the last two years and decided to move forward with a mass installation for the 2009 season. ISP Stadium Seating has answered our charge and will serve our fans well this season and for many years to come."

Hopefully 2010 will be a season where seats aren't being used all that much. The seats, "black with a red c-claw on the backs", are being offered as part of a season ticket package for UCATS members.

We Will Always Have Tempe freaked out, as did we all, when the Buckeyes nearly let Navy beat them Saturday. Things don't look good for USC this Saturday.

Defensive back Anderson Russell gave up a long touchdown pass and "frequently misdiagnosed plays". However, Terrell Pryor, who wore eye black with the words "Vick", is a much improved passer over last year.

The Rivalry, Esq calls the Buckeyes performance a disappointing showing, especially when failing to establish the running game.

Navy recorded three 80-yard plus touchdown drives.

Elder, ranked fourth in the nation, beat Colerain, who is ranked 13th in the nation, 20-7. The game was sold out at the Pit, which holds over 10,000 and was broadcast live on ESPN.

The Mason Comets, my old stomping grounds, lost their first game of the season, to Centerville 14-34. That drops the Comets to 1-1. They play their first Greater Miami Conference game in two weeks.

Poll

Would you like a weekly take on all things in Cincinnati (and Ohio) football?

Yes

124 votes

No

108 votes

232 votes | Poll has closed

New Orleans Saints Announce Roster Cuts

Saintsational — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:06:59 -0000

The Times-Pic has just released the full list of New Orleans Saints players who were cut today. Including Joey Harrington and Adrian Arrington, whose names were released earlier today, those players are:

Position	Player
WR	Courtney Roby
WR	Skyler Green
WR	Matt Simon
RB	P.J. Hill
RB	Herb Donaldson
LB	Anthony Waters
DT	DeMario Pressley
G	Tim Duckworth
CB	Danny Gorrer
DT	Early Heyman
TE	Martrez Milner
TE	Jermey Parnell
DE	Paul Spicer
G/T	Anthony Davis
T	Michael Brown
C	Digger Bujnoch
G	Nate Bennett
S	Chip Vaughn placed on IR

The only surprises here are the release of Paul Spicer, DeMario Pressley and Anthony Waters. Can't say we didn't see Chip Vaughn being placed on IR. He's just missed too much time for a rookie this pre-season. Chris Reis, Jonathan Casillas, Buck Ortega, Leigh Torrence and Rod Harper all survived the cut and have made the squad.

Here's a look at how the 53-man roster looks now:

Offense

*Position*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*
QB	Drew Brees	Mark Brunell
RB	Pierre Thomas	Reggie Bush	Mike Bell	Lynell Hamilton
FB	Heath Evans
WR	Marques Colston	Robert Meachem	Lance Moore	Devery Henderson	Rod Harper
TE	Jeremy Shockey	Darnell Dinkins	Buck Ortega	David Thomas
C	Jonathan Goodwin	Nick Leckey
G	Carl Nicks	Jamar Nesbit	Jahri Evans
T	Jammal Brown	Jon Stinchcomb	Zach Strief	Jermon Bushrod

Defense

*Position*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*
DE	Will Smith	Charles Grant	Bobby McCray	Jeff Charleston	Anthony Hargrove
DT	Sedrick Ellis	Kendrick Clancy	Remi Ayodele
LB	Jonathan Vilma	Scott Fujita	Scott Shanle	Jo-Lonn Dunbar	Jonathan Casillas	Troy Evans	Marvin Mitchell
CB	Jabari Greer	Tracy Porter	Malcolm Jenkins	Randall Gay	Leigh Torrence
SS	Roman Harper	Pierson Prioleau	Chris Reis
FS	Darren Sharper	Usama Young

Special Teams

*Position*	*Player*	*Player*
Kicker	John Carney	Garrett Hartley
Punter	Thomas Morstead
Long Snapper	Jason Kyle

You'll notice the depth chart contains Will Smith, Charles Grant and Garrett Hartley, all three of whom are suspended for the first four games of the season. They will not count against the 53-man roster during those games, so at least two players (David Thomas was brought in) will need to be signed to take their place in the interim. It appears the Saints are light at the defensive tackle spot so I would hope to see one of those signings be used on that position.

Poll

Which player cut surprises you the most?

DeMario Pressley

136 votes

Paul Spicer

295 votes

Joey Harrington

98 votes

Adrian Arrington

208 votes

Anthony Waters

55 votes

Danny Gorrer

4 votes

796 votes | Poll has closed

Canal Street Chronicles: Fleur-di-Links 8.13.09

Saintsational — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:00:23 -0000

Sorry for the lack of a training camp update yesterday. There wasn't much coming in the way of news until later in the day. So here is everything I've collected. The boys are off tomorrow in preparation for the game on Friday. Ooooooh, I'm so excited!

Twitter

SupaFreak69 Gettin ready for the Bengals to come in town...why must people shout loudly bout wat they know not....I tell ya what I Love training camp.

jeffduncantp FYI: Saints are $4.9 million under the salary cap so signing Brooks won't be a money issue.

jeffduncantp My guess: He'll take Simoneau's spot. Reserve WLB/MLB in 4-3, w/1st unit inside in 3-4. @BigandEasy Jeff, will Brooks start?

JeremyShockey got some friends in town for the game fri... its another wet day in new orleans..

CPT23 We're ready to rock the dome Friday! I hope all our fans are ready to rock it with us!!

MalcolmJenkins between practices... bout to catch a quick nap... Get ready to see the Saints this friday!!!

drewbrees We have a great coach and a special group of players. I am so proud to be a part of this team. That's all I have to say.

usama_young28 I'm Focused

jeffduncantp Derrick Brooks not @ the start of practice today. No official word yet on where the situation stands. Will update after practice.

jeffduncantp Boxer Jeff Lacy also visiting practice. He and Roy Jones Jr. were introduced to the team before the workout.

jeffduncantp The Saints will make no signings of any kind today, according to a Saints spokesman.

FletcherMackel Play of the day so at saints afternoon prax; Chris reis tipped passe, int malcolm jenkins.

FletcherMackel Sean payton says saints did not offer dbrooks a contract. Will make a decision about a new LB sat/sun. Gregg will. says brooks inpressive.

jeffduncantp Rookie FA Reggie Jones went down with left Achilles injury. No official diagnosis, but didn't look good. He'd recently switched to safety

SupaFreak69 sittn around...got meetings and then a deep sleep.

JeremyShockey gong to get some rest.... redy to play a game fri night... .night everyone

saints83 Roy Jones Jr at practice today getting ready to fight Jeff Lacy who was also there. Great to meet people who at one time where the best

CPT23 I'm gonna be dreaming of those Friday Night Lights!! It feels like high school football again. No butterflies yet though. G'night ya'll

SupaFreak69 layn up at da hilton. less than a week left in telly. Then off to houston for a week.

Linkage

New Orleans Saints rookie cornerback Malcolm Jenkins is trying to catch up in a hurry - Times-Pic

Shockey Q&A: Full speed at all times - Yahoo! Sports

Video: Cody: Not signing Brooks yet says two things - WWL

Saints hold final workout before preseason opener - NewOrleans.com

Saints work out Brooks, Smith; don't make move on either yet - WWLTV

Updated with video, Wednesday New Orleans Saints post-practice report - Times-Pic

Training Camp, Day 14: Bush doesn't practice; final Bengals prep and more - WWL

New Orleans Saints' Charles Grant refuses to wear purple and gold - Times-Pic

Derrick Brooks works out for New Orleans Saints, leaves town without a contract - Times-Pic

Saints vs Bengals Entertainment Schedule - New Orleans Saints official website

McCray Thinking Big - New Orleans Saints official website

"He is putting me into position to make plays," he said. "I don’t have to drop back now, instead I get to do what I do best."

-Bobby McCray, on Gregg Williams

"Bobby has great length, speed, and more power than people think. He’s a great player for our team."

-Bill Johnson

"He is a good, complete football player," Johnson continued. "Some people think of him solely as a good pass rusher, but that’s just not true. He can do it all."

-Bill Johnson

"I can definitely see the difference with Coach (Gregg Williams) here," McCray said. "He’s a great coach. With him, the sky’s the limit for this team."

-Bobby McCray

"With the aggressive mentality that Coach Williams has brought," McCray continued, "I have a great opportunity to make plays."

-Bobby McCray

Dig The Connections - New Orleans Saints official website

"It’s a bit weird having an association with a team and then getting an opportunity to face that team in your first game with your new team,"

-Digger Bujnoch

"I grew up learning about all of those people and hearing about it from people because I grew up and attended high school (Elder High School) in Cincinnati," he said. "My parents didn’t really harp or talk too much about it growing up, but other people would so obviously I was interested to learn more about my dad’s career, which I have a lot of admiration for."

-Digger Bujnoch

"Each day I’m working on going out and trying to hold my own and make a name for myself," Bujnoch said. "It’s about getting the mental and physical parts down and executing and not letting there be a drop-off in productivity from the first team to the third team."

-Digger Bujnoch

Roy Jones Jr and Jeff Lacy Stop By Saints Practice - New Orleans Saints official website

"Hey, we have an early morning practice on Sunday, so we won’t be there for the fight, maybe you guys can give us a round or two before it gets started."

-Sean Payton

Video

Jeff Duncan's New Orleans Saints training camp video log, Day 13 (Aug. 12, 2009)

Video: New Orleans Saints practice August 12, 2009

Audio

Here is audio from WWL's Sports Talk. The first three are from Tuesday and the second three are from yesterday, including Scott Fujita.

Sean Payton Press Conference Transcript

From NewOrleans.com

Opening Statement:

"We pretty much have the same injury list that we've been operating off of. Adrian Arrington took limited reps; we're still resting Tracy Porter's hamstring along with Courtney Roby. We sat Billy Miller in this afternoon's practice just to get him off his feet and give him a breather. His knee has some swelling but he should be fine. Mark Simoneau is going to have his surgery tomorrow. Chip Vaughn already had his surgery. In regards to playing time for Friday night, the two guys that just had surgery will be out, Courtney Roby won't be ready to play, I'll probably hold Tracy Porter in this first game. We'll see where we're at D'Juan Woods; he got some reps today and looked better. We'll see where we're at with Malcolm Jenkins, just being that he has just joined us."

Can you tell what happened with Reggie Jones out there today?

"They think it's his left Achilles. We won't know until the doctors take a peek at it, but that's the early prognosis."

Will Lance Moore play Friday?

"We'll hold Lance back this week. He's the one guy I forgot to mention. Reggie Bush should get some snaps. He should be ready to go; we backed off his practice reps today but he should be fine."

How did the workouts with Derrick Brooks and Derek Smith go today?

"They went well. Those guys are both in great shape. We're not going to do anything right yet. I talked to both players and we're going to get through this game on Friday and into the weekend and then make a decision in regards to what direction we want to head."

What would trigger a move there? Would it be something you see Friday night?

"No, I think it's just a matter of timing. The obvious first thing is that we wouldn't expect either player to play in this game so there's no urgency in signing a player right now two days prior to a game. We'll see after Friday's game where we're at."

What did you do as far as working them out?

"Just linebacker drills. It was a pretty extensive workout that Joe Vitt and Adam Zimmer put them through."

Would contract terms be an issue?

"I don't think so. I think that both players are hungry and looking for an opportunity. I don't that would be a big sticking point."

What would prompt either one of them getting signed?

"With the loss of Simoneau, we felt like we wanted to take a look at a couple of veteran linebackers. We're going to get through this game Friday and see where we're at, discuss it some more, and then one way or another make a decision by Saturday."

Do you feel like there might be another team coming in for one of these players?

"It's hard to tell. I wouldn't know. You never really can tell. Certainly two players of their caliber are on the short list of a number of teams."

So is it less of an if than a when?

"I didn't say that. I said that we're going to make a decision by Saturday whether to sign a player or not and we'll get through the game."

What role would Derrick Brooks fill on this team?

"In either player's case, they would be a guy that could come in and initially give us depth because there would be a learning curve that's pretty significant this late in the process. That being said, both of them are in real good shape; both of them have played a long time and had successful careers. You wouldn't want to necessarily at the very beginning define a role but we understand that they're both experienced players that have played a long time in this league. We would only sign one of those players if we felt like they were going to play a role that we felt that we needed."

How long will the starters play on Friday night and how will you split the reps between the quarterbacks?

"Typically in this first preseason game we go about a quarter with the starters. The second wave goes the second quarter into the third quarter and then the third group will finish the third quarter and play the fourth quarter."

Will it be Mark Brunell and then Joey Harrington at quarterback?

"No, what I'll do is probably get Drew Brees some work and then get Brunell in there some with the first group and take him through somewhere in the third quarter and get Harrington about half of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter."

How much has Jonathan Vilma meant to this team since he's been here?

"Quite a bit. He's a guy that works extremely hard at his position. He's a quick study. He's one of the leaders on defense. He has been an important acquisition for us."

He said that it meant a lot to him that you guys stuck by him this offseason. Can you talk about that?

"Those are tough decisions that you have to make. They don't always favor the player but certainly with his age and where he is in his career, we felt that he was a priority guy for us to re-sign. When we made the trade for a player with one year left on his contract, we were hoping that he would be able to play and have success and if that was the case - which in his situation it was - we felt pretty good about re-signing him."

You've had people that have excelled in other sports speak to your team over the years in Avery Johnson and Roy Jones, Jr., etc. What does the team get out of something like that?

"I said this in the introduction of both of the boxers that these guys have won a lot of fights. When you look at Roy Jones, Jr.'s career, it's unbelievable. We can't have enough of those guys around our players - guys that have been competitive and in the arena. They understand the battle. It should be an interesting fight Saturday night; I haven't followed it much, but there will be a little bit more focus on our part now having had a chance to meet these guys."

Do you have a pick for the fight?

"No, I'm smarter than that."

Will you go to Biloxi to watch the fight?

"No, we have film to watch and meetings scheduled so we'll watch it on TV."

What is your schedule for tomorrow?

"The schedule tomorrow is much like a Saturday before a game. We'll have a brief walkthrough, go through the mechanics of pre-game for all these guys because it's the first time. We'll hold practice here inside and it will really be more of a walkthrough."

Are you leaning toward putting Simoneau on injured reserve?

"That's a question that we haven't really answered yet. We have discussed it, but a lot of it is going to be determined based on how we think the surgery went and the doctor's prognosis."

From what you saw from Brooks today, could he play outside still you think?

"That's his position. He moved around well. He was nicked up with a hamstring last year and another injury, but prior to that he was playing at a good level. We'll see, but that would be the position that we would start him at."

Outside of Vilma and Marvin Mitchell, who would go into the middle linebacker spot on Friday?

"Our plan initially is to start with Vilma and play Mitchell. Jo-Lonn Dunbar is a guy that could take snaps in there."

Would you move Anthony Waters inside at all?

"We'll probably leave Waters outside right now and we'll see how it goes."

Gregg Williams Press Conference Transcript

From NewOrleans.com

Q: Can you give us a snapshot of what you thought of the defense's performance at the scrimmage?

A: I thought they had fun playing. I thought we played with good enthusiasm. I thought we were pretty good around the ball. Great defenses are great around the ball. We were able to get some takeaways. You guys documented sacks, but we had several others where guys were pulling off. We were doing well in that area, as far as the younger guys. The older guys kind of grasp what we're doing, why we're doing it and have bought in pretty well. Four preseason games are going to be important from a fundamental standpoint. We're not going to try to do a whole lot defensively from packages and scheme. What we're going to work on is the fundamentals of the game. We're going to block, tackle, those type of things and try to get good evaluations for our pro personnel department.

Q: Were you present when Derek Smith and Derrick Brooks worked out?

A: I did. I was impressed. We worked both of those guys very hard by design. Anytime you come in at the middle of a training camp, there's physical catch-up more so than mental. Both those guys are pros. Both of those guys have played under a lot of different systems. They understand the game of football but they had to do a conditioning check along with that. I was very impressed with both of them. They had fine workouts.

Q: How far along is Malcolm Jenkins?

A: Mentally he did a lot of studying. He really did. He's a smart kid. I went through a lot of different testing procedures and maneuvers before we said he was who we wanted. He's done a great job of staying on top of things. Right now, behind the scenes, there's no such thing as time and a half. He's making pretty good money. He's meeting us at 6:30 in the morning. When I have staff meetings with the coaches, one of the DB coaches is in a staff meeting with me, the other is with him. They're finding him and the thing about is they're coming back to me with smiles on their faces saying he's got it and is doing a pretty good job. From a mental standpoint, pretty amazing and impressive. The physical part of it he's doing through. Day one you saw the heat get to him, day two he's as sore as all get out, day three is the hump day, you're the sorest, day four you start to come out of it a little bit and day five you get over the hurdle. From a physical standpoint you could see he was in good condition but he's going through that physical downtrend he won't come out of until the middle of next week.

Q: What was your initial assessment of Roman Harper before you were able to break him down and work him out?

A: I liked him coming out. I scouted him a lot coming out. He was a very physical football player, very similar to some of the guys that I coached before that were real stout and physical in the box. He knew he had to make some improvements in playing the ball. I think he's had a good camp in terms of playing the ball. He still has a long way to go, but he's improved those skills. I've had a lot of safeties that we haven't put in the back end. We wanted them there as a versatile undersized linebacker to be able to go down and hit. There's no doubt in my mind he can do those things. He's a good blitzer. I think he's a good tackler and now the next step to be an elite player at that position is that you have to be able to make plays on balls down the field.

Q: Do you agree that you have safeties who want to make the big hit and ones that want to make the big pick and can you mesh those?

A: I've always liked those ones that wanted to hit. I had a good one in Sean Taylor, who flipped over to wanting to make plays on the ball, LaRon Landry, try to get him to make plays on the ball, Blaine Bishop, Marcus Robertson. It goes way back. I've had some good safeties that were really physical, but the difference in making a good defense is when they understand when a play on the ball is so much more important than the big hit. Playing pass defense is alsmo making sure that if you catch the football, you have to pay a price. Roman fits in very well. All of our guys do now.

Q: What do you hope to see from your defense in the preseason?

A: Fundamentals. I really want to see them play fast, play confident. I really would like to see them do the things from a communication standpoint. That was one of the things when I came in that a lot of people talked to me about. There were guys here who were players and coaches on the staff now where we needed to improve our communication. Those were things, basic elements of solid defense. I'm not trying to trick. We're just trying to play sound, hard nosed, defensive football.

Q: Can you talk about your foundations' event tonight?

A: It's going to be a neat thing. Sean (Payton) bless his heart has had me sequestered through most of training camp. I really appreciate the Nacho Mama's at Elmwood having a great thing tonight and tomorrow. A lot of the proceeds are going to my foundation. I'm a sucker for kids. I have three children of my own, but have a lot of kids across the country I help also. It's going to be a great event. Who knows, one of the prerequisites for Derrick Brooks and Derek Smith if they want to make the teams is if they go over and sign autographs tonight. Some of our guys will be over there that are out of the meetings. It's a good partnership with those people who I met when I first cam into town. The city has embraced me and has been very friendly. It's a fun place for me to be right now and appreciate them getting involved in the foundation because I really care for the kids.

Q: Can you talk about the progress of Rod Coleman and DeMario Pressley?

A: Rod has done really well after the year off now that he has really caught his second wind, you'll start to be able to see some things he did in the old days. We need him to be able to teach and mentor these young guys in what it's like to rush the passer from the defensive tackle position. He's playing probably more solid inside against the run than before he got hurt. I'm getting that report from Bill Johnson who was coaching him at that time. Pressley's having a very good camp. What you guys need to see is that you kind of need to keep track. When we play, you'll see some players play multiple positions. Pressley is one of those players you'll see at the defensive tackle position and at the defensive end position. He shows some very good agility, some very good explosion. He really like him there on the run downs against tight ends. He's had a real good week of practice. He's one of those players you want to give as much time as you can to watch him play this weekend.

Q: What do you compare the level of your installation to?

A: The only think I could compare it to is the pace of the installation. Because of Sean's (Payton) tremendous organizational skills and also because these guys want to, they're volunteering to be here all offseason, as of next week we'll start on the fourth installation of the book. We've put the book in three times already at the conclusion of this game right here. That's pretty impressive. There's an awful lot to learn at a pretty fast pace. For the first installation, we had a high level of participation and then for the next installation was in the OTA's and minicamps and now leading up to the minicamps and the first game we've done it a third time. From that point of view, I think the players and the coaching staff have done a very good job of putting it in. Now there's an awful lot of refining to be done. There's some slowing down. There's an awful lot of verbiage and the language. Now we have to a better job with techniques and that's what we hope to see in these games. As we try to simplify now and not overload and put clutter in there. Let's simplify it.

Q: Can you talk about Will Smith's camp?

A: He's had an excellent camp. Him and Charles (Grant) have both come back and had an excellent camp. It's been great for me to see what they look like this summer, what they look faster and both of those guys have had an excellent camp to date.

Q: Is it fair that Derrick Brooks gets more attention than Derek Smith?

A: Derek Smith was coached by one of my closest friends in the league. There is a pretty tight fraternity and hotline in the league. One of my friends who coached him in two places he played at is one of my two closest friends so we've talked about him. It's really an even race in that respect. Both those guys you have to treat with great respect. They worked out very well, both of them.

Q: Is there any concern that in terms of building camaraderie of bring a new guy in at this point?

A: There's always a concern of bringing a guy in to your locker room at this time when it is so strong. I laugh and I grin and they talk about bringing him.

Carson Palmer speaks truth; Michael Vick with the Bengals? No way.

Kirkendall — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:24:57 -0000

More photos » by Jason Hirschfeld - AP

6 months ago: Suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick, right, steps out onto the deck with a federal agent while testing out his electronic monitor worn on his ankle, Thursday, May 21, 2009 in Hampton, Va. Vick arrived at his Virginia home in a car with blackout curtains Thursday morning after being released from federal prison to begin home confinement and try to resume his pro football career. (AP Photo/Jason Hirschfeld)

Browse more photos »

Cincy Jungle's own Jay McDonnell does another fantastic job examining and breaking down the Cincinnati Bengals regular season schedule. He released the second part of a four-part series on Wednesday night. His first part, through the first four games, can be viewed here.

+ Since Chris already brought this up earlier today, at about the time that I was munching on a Taco Salad (god, I love Taco Salad), he posted the popular Carson Palmer quote:

"It's definitely a new look for the Bengals receiver corps but I couldn't be happier with the guys we've got," Palmer said. "T.J.'s (Houshmandzadeh) gone and Chad's pretty much gone, he hasn't been here, so we've got guys that want those two spots, guys that compete day in and day out, when we're out there on the field, running, conditioning and in the weight room lifting. They're guys that want to take over for those two spots. They look every bit capable of doing what we're going to ask them to do."

Yes. Yes. Yes. Let's take away the whole Chad aspect for now. I'm really tired of talking about him. He's like that little headache that doesn't go away. Last summer, I developed a corn on my foot. It kind of hurt, but mostly I felt it enough just to know that it was there. Took over-the-counter medication and weeks scraping the damn thing with a large kitchen knife to get rid of it. Note, I don't advise it the method. Just saying it worked for me. Long story short, that's been Chad Johnson for us since January in 2008.

But Carson. Carson Palmer. The God of Golden Arms. The Creator of Human Civilization. The only guy that Gisele Bündchen would dump Tom Brady for. For a time, the knock on Palmer was leadership. Publicly, at least. He always said the right things. Always kept things close to the chest. Then he goes awol from his historical tendencies and says, "Chad's pretty much gone." Nice. He's not being confrontational. He's just telling us how it is.

In truth, Palmer has every right to say that. And there's nothing there to suggest differently. Palmer is the leader of the Cincinnati Bengals. And a leader challenges those that need to be challenged, and speaks truth. When Palmer speaks, you listen. When Palmer says something, you know it's true. In case you're wondering, my bromance for Palmer is very strong; we didn't get to talk about him last year. I love our John Morrell spokesman. Unfortunate advertising photo though. How do you not see that and go, "wait a second." Oh well.

More today.

When asked what his expectations about Ochocinco this season were, Palmer said: "Well, I really don't know. I haven't talked to him. I haven't talked to anybody that has talked to him. He wasn't here last year so I'm expecting him not to be here at all this year. Last year I think he was here for the mandatory camp but didn't participate in it. So I'm planning on him not being here just because he hasn't been here yet so we'll prepare, like I said.

"We've got Chris Henry ... He's a guy that's had a great offseason, really turned his life around. I'm excited to watch him play. He's a guy that seems like he catches a touchdown every other ball that's thrown to him, he's that explosive. He's kind of taken over for Chad's position and he's a guy that, like I said earlier, does not want to give up that spot right now."

+ At 4:20 p.m. -- holler cousin! -- Geoff Hobson writes that while the Bengals released Digger Bujnoch (Iggy sad), the team still has to cut five more players in order to get under the 80-player maximum for training camp. And for you Digger fans, I'm sorry. I can't muster up enough words to actually justify a full post on it. However, you have to ask yourself, considering that "Digger" can only mean digging dirt, do we really want our linemen on the ground digging (Iggy mad)?

+ What is it with people that think the Bengals should go after Michael Vick? Not fans. Or readers of this blog. It's fun for us to pal around the debate. That's what fans do. I'm not referring to any of them. I'm referring to mainstream media that's paid to create intellectual debates, reasonable thought-provoking responses. So now my former new best friend writes:

Although the chances aren't great, the Bengals would have more reasons to have interest in Vick than any AFC North team. For starters, Carson Palmer is coming off a season-ending elbow injury, and last year proved it would be wise to have a talented backup just in case. Second, the thought of having two former No. 1 overall picks at quarterback is intriguing, especially since Vick's skills are vastly different than Palmer's, and Vick could add a dimension off the bench (Wildcat?) to Cincinnati's offense. Third, it's no secret that owner Mike Brown has a soft spot for players trying to redeem themselves and get their lives back in order. Vick fits that mold more than anyone. Fourth, the Bengals need to close the talent gap with the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers this year. That partly explains the moves to get veteran receiver Laveranues Coles and safety Roy Williams in free agency. With Vick, the ratings for HBO's "Hard Knocks" series this summer would go through the roof.

Look, I'm not even going to point out Vick's off the field issues (boy, that's a generous term, eh?). Let's just talk about how he could possibly contribute to the team. He hasn't thrown a regular season pass since 2006. He was just released from prison this week. He'll be under home confinement for two months working a construction job. Not only is the question about him being in football shape, after a two-plus year hiatus, relevant, but so is the time allowed for him to get into shape for this season. Learn the system. Rebuild his throwing arm.

Look, if the question is 2010, that's a different response. But former new best friend is clearly pointing out this year. Vick can't help us. And the Mike Brown "has a soft spot for players trying to redeem themselves" is totally weak. True, Brown has done that in the past; but only with players that he feels that will contribute to this team. Like Cedric Benson on a disastrous group of running backs. Or Tank Johnson on a weakened defensive front. Even Chris Henry was brought in with the anticipation that T.J. Houshmandzadeh would leave and Chad Johnson's status up in the air. After that, the team's wide receivers were a mix of rookies and players with durability concerns. We're not talking about rookies the team drafts. We're talking about players off the street. And I have no reason to believe that Vick helps us, or any other team this year.

Kyle Cook at center, Nate Livings at left guard and (maybe) not worrying about Chris Henry anymore

Kirkendall — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:47:56 -0000

Is Chris Henry ready to dominate the Steelers secondary again?

Kyle Cook. Dan Santucci. Jonathan Luigs. Andrew Crummey. Digger Bujnoch. Bobbie Williams. The list isn't fearsome. Never has been. However, it is a list of potential centers heading into the 2009 season. We can scratch Williams off now. No way the Bengals replace their right guard. We can scratch Andrew Crummey off, and maybe Digger Bujnoch, if the team's depth with guards is set. The primary topic of who plays center in 2009 has always been a three-way discussion between Cook, Santucci and Luigs.

Cook got the call Tuesday morning. Geoff Hobson writes that Bob Bratkowski said the position is Cook's to lose. Carson Palmer is fine with that. "Kyle's smart enough and capable and athletic enough to step right in and take over and do a great job for us." Not bad, when you're endorsed by the God of Golden Arms. The only question is can the 300-plus pound Cook protect the God of Golden Arms, and open rushing lanes, against those big uglies in the get-your-face-kicked-in AFC North?

Also on Tuesday, Geoff Hobson writes, Nate Livings got the call to replace Whitworth, who is now the team's starting left tackle. He earned it. Once the Bengals had to replace players who fell to injury, the team's offensive line really solidified, which highly contributed to the team's three-game winning streak to close the season. Livings and Anthony Collins were a big part of that.

In other things that Hobson wrote that I really liked seeing.

Palmer predicted Henry will "have a great year," and he said he could see Henry playing 50 to 60 snaps a game in that spot (X) even though he's primarily worked out of three-receiver sets. Palmer said the first play out of the huddle Tuesday, Henry read the blitz and executed his "hot" route.

Could Henry be the Bengals' comeback player of the year, so to speak? We've never argued his talent. Through the first two seasons of his NFL career, 22.4% of his receptions went for a touchdown. In his first three career games against the Steelers, he was highly effective.

Date	Score	Rec.	Yards	TDs
December 4, 2005	38-31	5	52	0
September 24, 2006	28-20	5	69	2
December 31, 2006	17-23	4	124	1

Since 2006, he's been, well, troubled. With that trouble, from 2007 on, Henry hasn't recorded a 100-yard game (recorded 99 yards in 21-7 win over Baltimore) and only four total touchdowns in 18 total games played.

We know what Henry can do -- literally, in both possible scenarios. He can become troubled again. Or he can whip on the Steelers. I hope the latter, obviously. The most encouraging part is that he appears to be really rededicating himself. Other than having lingering memories of his mug-shot proudly wearing his Cincinnati Bengals uniform, there's little reason to suspect that Henry will embarrass us anymore.

Hopefully the Leon Hall curse doesn't return. Note: Leon Hall curse is now what I call it when I step on my soapbox or make a bold pronouncement and something happens that day, or the next day, to make me look utterly foolish. This doesn't include dumb things I might say, which we call the Peter King Incident.

Bengals cut Kirk Barton; now offensive line is in really bad shape

Kirkendall — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:21:49 -0000

On Thursday, the Bengals waived offensive lineman Kirk Barton. Joe Reedy calls him a guard. Chick Ludwig calls him a center. How does that shake up the roster, fully aware that cutting Barton hardly is "shaking up the roster". Right now, the Bengals have 12 offensive linemen; three centers, three tackles, three guards and three "tweeners".

Tackle	Guard	Center	Tweener
Levi Jones	Andrew Whitworth	Dan Santucci	Bobbie Williams - G/C
Anthony Collins	Nate Livings	Kyle Cook	Scott Kooistra - G/T
Dennis Roland	Evan Mathis	Andrew Crummey	Digger Bujnoch - C/G

Lewis: No doubt we have to develop depth on the offensive line

Kirkendall — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:06:39 -0000

So Marvin Lewis finally admitted what we've known for months now. The Bengals have to improve their offensive line. If not in free agency, then in the draft. Since the offensive tackles available were either worthy of competing against Scott Kooistra (not a knock against Scotty), or quietly aging grandfathers in the camps of sunset Pro Bowl careers, there really weren't any prized tackles worth entertaining. George Foster for a New York Minute, or an Ohio week, perhaps. A stretch at best. Available guards were so-so. Available centers were interesting, but cost, loyalty and the damned Ravens, knocked the Bengals out of the league.

"No doubt we have to develop depth on the offensive line, whether that guy emerges as a starter or however it comes down between now and the draft," said Lewis.

Now, we're siphoning, at best, backup talent in free agency, which, at best, forces the team to base a scenario that possibly promotes weakening other positions. For instance, if you move Andrew Whitworth to left tackle, you need a left guard. Who the hell is going to snap the ball? All things considered, it's fairly obvious that the Bengals will draft at least two linemen in the 2009 NFL Draft, if not three. Three? Yes, possibly three. Maybe even four. My thinking is that the Bengals will address offensive tackle and center (um, duh). Maybe not for the purposes of starting immediately, but we're going to see other players reach contract seasons fairly quickly. Bobbie Williams, Kyle Cook, Nate Livings and Kooistra will be free agents after 2009; among other talent that will struggle to manufacture a spot on the roster during this season's training camp.

Editor's note: This is, by far, the most Scott Kooistra references in one post since Cincy Jungle came online in March 2006.

In fact, the only players signed in 2010 are Digger Bujnoch (Center/Guard), Anthony Collins (Tackle), Levi Jones (Tackle), Dan Santucci (Center), Andrew Whitworth (Guard/Tackle). And Levi Jones might not be a Bengal beyond September. This September.

That's it. Five. Four if you take out Jones.

Not only is drafting offensive linemen a forgone conclusion, but drafting several, likely more than two, is something you can bank on. I believe the team will draft three, and it wouldn't be surprising if they went with a fourth. You also have to consider that the Bengals will weigh heavily into the undrafted free agent market (rookies that aren't drafted), but linemen are one of the most prized positions in football. Rarely are good ones found post-draft.

I'm not saying that the team has to use half their draft on offensive linemen. I'd be strung up alive if I said such things, even though my man-crush with big uglies has been well-documented more than enough. However, along with the talent we have now and the free agents hitting the market after this season, one has to figure that the team will stock-up on linemen from this draft and probably the 2010 draft. We did it with the secondary, and it developed as well as one could have hoped. Overall depth is still a problem, but we have -- arguably -- more talent in the secondary than we do any unit on the team. Aside from Chris' struggles to separate a name with two faces, one of which shouts in defiance for Britney Spears, we've drafted most of that talent. Might be a good plan to do that with our offensive line, who took the brunt of the blame for having the league's worst offense. Now is as good as any to recommit yourself to the team's line depth.

Re-setting the Bengals offense, did they improve, get worse or stay the same?

Kirkendall — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:20:56 -0000

The madness of free agency typically can take fans through any different set of emotions; from frustration, to euphoria and everything in between and beyond its extreme. So after a week, our roster has changed. How much? Let's take a position by position look on offense.

Quarterback (Carson Palmer, J.T. O'Sullivan, Jordan Palmer)
With the signing of O'Sullivan, the Bengals filled an off-season need. The former 49ers quarterback threw seven touchdowns in the first five games in the 2008 season, so we know he can throw. After that, he had a two touchdown to seven interception ratio, which seems like a typical stretch of any Mike Martz offense. Jordan Palmer threw his first career regular season passes during three blowouts in 2008, completing seven of 12 passes and two interceptions for 41 yards passing. With Ryan Fitzpatrick gone to Buffalo, it's presumed that the Bengals lost his scramble ability. However, O'Sullivan rushed/scrambled 30 times for 145 yards for a yard-per-rush average higher than any Bengals running back on the roster last year.

In the end, I strongly believe that if Carson Palmer goes down, then the season is done anyway, no matter whom we have at quarterback.

Possible Changes: Another quarterback acquired to give Jordan Palmer competition.

Runningback (Cedric Benson, Kenny Watson, DeDe Dorsey, Chris Perry, James Johnson)
Cedric Benson re-signing was a top priority for the Bengals entering free agency. One could argue that it was T.J. Houshmandzadeh or his replacement, and that's fair. However, Benson was a higher target than Derrick Ward, whom most considered the best running back available in free agency while Houshmandzadeh had no real intention of re-signing and Laveranues Coles was singed only as a result of T.J.'s departure. So Benson has returned, looking to continue his maddening 282 yards rushing on 63 attempts closing out 2008.

Watson is a serviceable third down back, a favorite of Palmer. He blocks, he sneaks out of the backfield and when asked, he rushes the ball well. I complained last year, while the Bengals rushing offense was struggling, why he wasn't given more chances. After all, he was the team's best back in 2007 and recorded two 130-plus yard rushing performances.

Dorsey is the best of both worlds. He has talent, and the Bengals can't seem to keep him off the roster. However, the primary concern with Dorsey is his durability. Chris Perry and James Johnson are on a bubble; Perry specifically who is likely to be a salary-cap casualty.

Possible Changes: Bengals acquire another running back in the NFL Draft to give the offense a one-two punch complimenting Cedric Benson.

Wide Receiver (Chad Johnson, Laveranues Coles, Andre Caldwell, Chris Henry, Jerome Simpson, Antonio Chatman, Maurice Purify, Mario Urrutia)
The most commonly asked question right now is this. Did the Bengals improve, decline or even-out with Houshmandzadeh's department and Coles' arrival. There's arguments for all three. Coles has a better yard-per-catch average, and therefore can pick up more yardage. Coles isn't the type of reckless over-the-middle-body-sacrificing receiver to pick up a first down on third and three. In the end, they're both possession receivers and the biggest differences between them are minimal.

Johnson is expected to stick with the Bengals in 2009, unless another team makes an offer for Johnson that Mike Brown can't refuse. There was talk when Caldwell was picking up more playing time that he could be Houshmandzadeh's heir, given more experience. Henry is working with Carson Palmer to rebuild and re-brand himself to become a leading receiver on the team.

I'm not convinced that Chatman will make the cut heading into the regular season, while Simpson is the fifth receiver and the team doesn't always activate six receivers. Therefore, a case can be made that Chatman is released, that Urrutia is the team's sixth receiver and Purify returns to the practice squad.

Possible Changes: None expected after Coles signed. However, a late-round receiver could be drafted to give Purify and Urrutia competition.

Offensive Line (Anthony Collins, Andrew Whitworth, Bobbie Williams, Levi Jones, Dennis Roland, Nate Livings, Evan Mathis, Kirk Barton, Scott Kooistra, Dan Santucci, Kyle Cook, Andrew Crummey, Digger Bujnoch)
The offensive line is the least improved since the start of free agency -- each position has been addressed so far except the line. We think that big changes will happen, definitely during the and after the NFL Draft. However, don't be surprised that if the team can't secure a center in the draft that Dan Santucci and Kyle Cook battle it out for the starting gig. Both players were praised at one point in camp last year, only to lose their respective seasons to injury. In fact, there's another thought that should be promoted. Even if the Bengals draft a center, there's a likeliness that they won't put him in the starting lineup to start the season, giving him time to develop against the beasts in the middle of the AFC North. Of course, that depends on the center that we draft.

Overall at this exact point, I don't believe that the Bengals offense improved anything. Signing a backup quarterback is only judged if Palmer goes down; if he goes down, we're already in trouble anyway. With that said, I don't think that the Bengals got any worse either. If Benson didn't come back, it put a premium on finding a running back and the Bengals did find a receiver that could replace Houshmandzadeh.

Of course, free agency wasn't targeted to improve the team's offense. I don't believe that was ever the intention. The biggest judgment will come after the draft next month.

Possible Changes: Bengals could draft as many as four offensive linemen (that's a high number, I know). It's generally believed that they'll draft a tackle and center in the first two rounds. However, with Bobbie Williams playing on the final year under contract, they'll need to start thinking of his replacement and the team could go after another tackle for depth.

Tuesday afternoon links and notes; practice squad moved to offseason roster

Kirkendall — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:23:58 -0000

The Bengals signed seven players onto the offseason roster that were on the team's practice squad.

G James Blair
CB Marcus Brown (McNeese State)
C/G Digger Bujnoch (Cincinnati)
DE Victor DeGrate (Oklahoma State
WR Maurice Purify (Nebraska)
FB J.D. Runnels (Oklahoma)
WR Mario Urrutia (Louisville)

Mark Curnutte is leaving as the Bengals beat writer. No word on who's replacing him. We've never had a problem with Curnutte, he provided us with plenty of information. However, we think that the Enquirer has never fully understood the potential they have with their Bengals blog; where information meets opinion in a messy collision. That's a good blog.

Stacy Andrews, who plans on being back by training camp, is having surgery in Cincinnati on January 5.

Not only is Chris Henry looking to have an "uneventful offseason season", but he says his relationship with head coach Marvin Lewis is "repaired." Forgive us if we've heard that before and remain suspect.

Chick Ludwig agrees with CJ, Bob Bratkowski should be "under heavy scrutiny". But he also thinks tagging Houshmandzadeh would be a mistake.

Lewis' latest press conference proves it, he's no fun.

While Lewis complimented the veteran players for helping keep things stable, but also said "I can't have said it enough times that they weren't quite ready to go when we got started, and that makes a big difference. It's difficult to train on your own at the pace everyone else is keeping with the team." Chad and Houshmandzadeh were within his sights when saying that. We fully stand behind the head coach on that one.

Why Geoff Hobson is examining anything other than tackle for the upcoming NFL draft is beyond me. At the same time, I'm a little flaky on my stance if that means we can get a leader, a play-maker, on defense -- specifically the middle linebacker.

The 2009 schedule based on location.

B.J. doesn't seem too optimistic.

Changes on the offensive line, and a guy named Digger

Kirkendall — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:28:57 -0000

You force us to make bad conclusions. Levi Jones made this blogger characteristically jump to a the conclusion that he was pulled from Sunday's game because of poor performance, rather than, as Marvin Lewis said, struggle "a little bit with his leg." We believed Jones was hinting that he was pulled because of his performance, giggling a bit when Lewis was speaking during the post-game press conference. "What do you think," he replied either hinting at being pulled for performance, or us not believing it was injury related.

On Monday, Lewis was evasive when asked if Jones (and Whitworth) would be ready to play on Thursday. "I don't need to make that determination now. It's a short week. We'll see." And people wonder how we make our own conclusions. Therefore, my subsequent conclusion is that Jones will start at left tackle, while the team keeps his injury status quiet, like adding his name on the injury report under full practice. Anthony Collins couldn't play, to give room for our second-to-newest center, Andrew Crummey; not that it matters. Lewis is pretty content with having Kooistra as the team's third guard, and likely starting guard if Whitworth can't go.

When tearing plantar fasciitis is a good thing. Where the beer goes in, and where it comes out is about the summation of my basic understanding of the human body. Dealing with a foot injury that apparently got fixed during an NFL game, Chinedum Ndukwe tore the plantar fasciitis in the first quarter. Rashad Jeanty dealt with the same thing a "few weeks ago" and now you see he's playing. Ndukwe is still uncertain, dealing with the soreness of having a body part torn, which is apparently how they roll in the NFL. Either way, he's better off now with the torn plantar fasciitis.

Another placed on IR. Livings is back. UC center signed. Included with Andrew Whitworth's undetermined recovery, the Bengals choose to pull Nate Livings from the team's practice squad, and sign UC center Glenn Bujnoch to replace him. Abdul Hodge suffered an "arm injury" and was placed on Injured Reserve to make room for Livings.

Bengals press release (per C Trent)

Signed G Nate Livings to the roster from the Bengals practice squad. Livings (6-5, 335; Louisiana State) is classified a first-year NFL player. He has been on the practice squad for Games 1-10 after playing in all four Bengals preseason games. He was also on the Bengals practice squad for the full 2006 season and for Games 1-15 of 2007. He was signed to the roster in ’07 for the final regular season game, but was inactive for that contest.

Placed LB Abdul Hodge on the Reserve/Injured list. Hodge suffered an arm injury in yesterday’s game against Philadelphia at Paul Brown Stadium. Hodge played in six games (Games 5-10) after being signed from the Bengals practice squad and had four special teams tackles.

Signed rookie C Digger Bujnoch to the practice squad. Bujnoch (6-5, 285) is a Cincinnati native, a product of Elder High School and the University of Cincinnati. He is the son of Glenn Bujnoch, who played G for the Bengals from 1976-82. Digger Bujnoch entered the NFL on May 1 of this year as a college free agent signee of the N.Y. Giants. He played in all four Giants preseason games, but suffered a knee injury in the preseason finale and was waived/injured on Aug. 30. He reverted to the Giants’ Reserve/Injured list on Aug. 31. He was waived from the Reserve/Injured list with an injury settlement on Sept. 5.

Call 'em Digger, for he is center. Mr. Digger Bujnoch, son of former Bengals guard Glenn Bujnoch (1976-1982), joined the team's practice squad Monday afternoon. Reshirted in 2003, Digger became a tight end in 2004 to help out with injuries. Then he started the rest of his career at right tackle, partially injured throughout his career.

He suffered a knee injury with the Giants this preseason, waived a week later after receiving a settlement. Sports Illustrated wrote up draft analysis on him.

POSITIVES: Hard-working small-area tackle who projects to guard at the next level. Quick in all aspects of his game, makes terrific use of angles and body positioning, and attacks assignments. Stays square, effectively places his hands into defenders, and keeps his feet moving. Plays with a good degree of intelligence and keeps his head on a swivel.

NEGATIVES: Struggles to adjust and beaten by quick opponents. Lacks a dominant base and does not get much movement run-blocking.

ANALYSIS: Bujnoch has been a productive and mostly durable prospect in college, yet he must improve his playing strength for any chance at the next level.