Hey Who Dey Nation,

If you are like me, you've been restlessly sleeping these last few nights, thinking of "off-season priorities" like Frostee Rucker and Jonathon Fanene slip away. Even more startling is the fact that we could easily loose Reggie Nelson today to the J-E-T-S Suck Suck Suck! The market has been quiet on Sims, but if we lose him, we could have a monstrous holes in the defensive line.

Simultaneously, we are bringing in a few quality guys, such as the New Orleans Saints Tracy Porter, who, in my opinion, could be a solid #2, or #3 CB on this team. His main problem has been injuries as he has never played a full 16 game season in his career. But talent wise, he's a viable option. The other guys look like career backups, and I'm not sure are really worth mentioning.

So my question for you is this, if we sign Tracy Porter, will we drastically change our draft this year? Let me explain.

Continue reading this post »

Andre Caldwell has often been treated as the red-headed step child, or Harry Potter living with the Durslys under the staircase, in the Bengals offense.  Being a ginger myself, it is my goal to point out when injustices such as these take place.

Here's why I think this is true.  My argument is simple, Caldwell, like Simpson, has never really been given the chance to shine.  It is often said, NFL players take three years to reach their potential.  In 2008 Andre Caldwell was drafted in the third round by Cincinnati.  As a rookie he didn't play much, which one expects from the WR position.  However, in 2009, Andre's second year, his development took off despite the presence of a more seasoned Laveranues Coles.  Caldwell caught several game winning passes against Division rivals and all things considered showed tremendous improvement in his game.  You'd think, in his third season the coaches would be willing to give him a chance to see if his development would continue on the field.  Instead, they brought in not one, but two players on the downside of their career in Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens, drafted a slot receiver in Jordan Shipley, and a pass catching Tight end in Jermaine Gresham - effectively stunting Caldwell's growth. That is until the last three games of last year.  Here's what happened in those three games.

Continue reading this post »

Mikel Leshoure, RB Illinois.  For the write up on this pick, go here

Okay, before we get started, calm the rage, go into a zen like trance, and think about this for a minute.  Mocking the Draft has Leshoure rated as the 15th best player overall in the draft.  Here's a guy who averaged 6 yards a carry at Illinois over the course of his career, and did it in the Big 10.  He can catch out of the backfield and has great field vision. 

There, do you feel better about this pick yet?

Continue reading this post »

Hey BBV,
I thought I'd update you all on where we are in the Cincy Jungle Draft.  With the first pick in the draft, the Giants selected Akeem Ayers, OLB out of UCLA.  Here's the write up a did.  Now for round 2!

Here's where we're at in the Jungle draft.

1	Carolina	James Shively	Nick Fairley / DT
2	Denver	sexsalad	Patrick Peterson / CB
3	Buffalo	Elguapo09	Von Miller / OLB
4	Cincinnati	Jason Garrison ++	A.J. Green, WR
5	Arizona	Broski	Da'Quan Bowers / DE
6	Cleveland	Joe Goodberry	Marcell Dareus / DT
7	San Francisco	Heybrown	Prince Amukamara / CB
8	Tennessee	Oxalis	Cam Newton / QB
9	Dallas	Jim0ijk	Robert Quinn / DE
10	Washington	Pardon_My_French	Blaine Gabbert / QB
11	Houston	Joe27	Julio Jones / WR
12	Minnesota	CarsonOrBust	Tyron Smith / OL
13	Detroit	The_Black_Stripes	Cameron Jordan / DL
14	St. Louis	Jaegner	Aldon Smith / DE
15	Miami	JaredM	Mark Ingram / RB
16	Jacksonville	Whodatchemsit	JJ Watt / DE
17	New England (f. Oakland / R Seymour)	UpStateMike	Anthony Castonzo / OT
18	San Diego	Quickslant	Mike Pouncey / OG
19	New York Giants	TheDealio	Akeem Ayers / OLB
20	Tampa Bay	Doc Scratch	Ryan Kerrigan / DE
21	Kansas City	Indesignkat	Corey Liuget / DT
22	Indianapolis	Ddbumpus	Nate Solder / OT
23	Philadelphia	Buckeyenut12	Gabe Carimi / OT
24	New Orleans	FriarBob	Cameron Heyward / DE
25	Seattle	IgnatiusJReilly	Jake Locker / QB
26	Baltimore	FriarBob	Adrian Clayborn / DE
27	Atlanta	TruWhoDey	Justin Houston / DE/OLB
28	New England	UpStateMike	Muhammad Wilkerson / DL
29	Chicago	Bsmith4256	Derek Sherrod / OL
30	New York Jets	Polo_614	Phil Taylor / DT
31	Pittsburgh	Jason Garrison	Jimmy Smith / CB
32	Green Bay	Sean Weaver	Stephen Paea / DL
33	New England (f. Carolina / 2010 draft)	UpStateMike	Brooks Reed / OLB
34	Buffalo	Elguapo09	Allen Bailey / DE
35	Cincinnati	Jason Garrison ++	Christian Ponder / QB
36	Denver	sexsalad	Kyle Rudolph / TE
37	Cleveland	Jason Garrison	Torrey Smith / WR
38	Arizona	Broski	Rodney Hudson / OG
39	Tennessee	Oxalis	Marvin Austin / DT
40	Dallas	Jim0ijk	Danny Watkins / OG
41	Washington	Pardon_My_French	Jonathan Baldwin / WR
42	Houston	Joe27	Rahim Moore / FS		3/26/2011
43	Minnesota	CarsonOrBust	Ryan Mallet / QB
44	Detroit	The_Black_Stripes	Stefen Wiesnewski / C/G		3/27/2011
45	San Francisco	Heybrown		3/27/2011	3/28/2011
46	Denver (f. Miami / B Marshall)	sexsalad		3/27/2011	3/28/2011
47	St. Louis	Jaegner		3/28/2011	3/29/2011
48	Oakland	NoodleXV		3/28/2011	3/29/2011
49	Jacksonville	Whodatchemsit		3/29/2011	3/30/2011
50	San Diego	Quickslant		3/29/2011	3/30/2011
51	Tampa Bay	Doc Scratch		3/30/2011	3/31/2011
52	New York Giants	TheDealio		3/30/2011	3/31/2011

 

So what do you think?  What would be the Giants strategy for round 2?  BPA? Pick for need?  Is there a specific player you want?  Let me know and I'll try to get you your guy!

Hey BBV,
So I'm back in and the Mock Process has moved along nicely.  Here's what we've got so far.

Team Picked By Name/Positon of Pick Carolina James Shively Nick Fairley / DT Denver sexsalad Patrick Peterson / CB Buffalo Elguapo09 Von Miller / OLB Cincinnati Jason Garrison +2 A.J. Green / WR Arizona Broski Da'Quan Bowers / DE Cleveland Joe Goodberry Marcell Dareus / DL San Francisco Heybrown Prince Amukamara/CB Tennessee Oxalis Cam Newton/ QB Dallas Jim0ijk Robert Quinn/ DE Washington Pardon_My_French Blaine Gabbert/ QB Houston Joe27 Julio Jones/ WR Minnesota CarsonOrBust Detroit The_Black_Stripes St. Louis Jaegner Miami JaredM Jacksonville Whodatchemsit New England (from Oakland / Seymour) UpStateMike San Diego Quickslant New York Giants TheDealio
In my previous post you all listed OLB, OT, and OG as your top three needs.  With that said, here are some of the candidates that I'm considering for you guys.  Vote on the one you'd like the best!

Poll

Assuming all these players fall to the Giants, who would you like to see wearing the big blue on draft day?

7%

Martez Wilson (MLB)

6 votes

17%

Tyron Smith (OT)

14 votes

13%

Anthony Castanzo (OT)

11 votes

28%

Mike Pouncey (OG/C)

23 votes

6%

Nate Solder (OT)

5 votes

20%

Akeem Ayers (OLB)

16 votes

6%

Other (specify below)

5 votes

80 votes | Poll has closed

Hey Big Blue View,

My orange and black striped compatriots over at Cincy Jungle are doing our annual mock draft and for the second straight year I've chosen to represent the Giants.  There is a problem however... I know nothing about your Giants!  Last year, at the behest of this community, I took Derrick Morgan, and as we all know you ended up with JPP (how do you think thats working out for you?).  If I were to start somewhere, I'd probably start with QB (... wait three seconds... JK, just trying to get a rise out of ya!).  Anyways, since you more or less steered me in the right direction last year, I thought I'd come back this year and get your opinion on who to draft. 

Over on Mocking the Draft, it seems to predominant wisdom is that OL is the biggest round 1 need, but I've also seen a few picks at RB (Ingram/Leshoure).  I've heard that linebacker is also a need.  Anyways, this year, the draft will be a 3 rounder (because after the 3rd round picks just get silly anyways) and it will last basically right up until draft day, so I'll need to know what you think the teams top needs are.  Again, this year I'll check in with you periodically to let you know whose been selected and which players you would like to take.

The Days I select are

3/14/11
3/30/11
4/15/11

Anyways, good luck to your Giants this year (assuming there is a year...)!

Dealio

Poll

What are the Giants primary team needs in the upcoming draft?

22%

OT

19 votes

13%

OG/C

11 votes

39%

OLB

33 votes

8%

MLB

7 votes

0%

RB

0 votes

3%

DT

3 votes

1%

DE

1 votes

0%

SS

0 votes

0%

FS

0 votes

0%

WR

0 votes

4%

QB

4 votes

6%

CB

5 votes

83 votes | Poll has closed

Hey Jungle,

Recently I posted on the Jungle about our draft needs both offensively and defensively.  I got a lot of positive comment which I appreciate, but after looking at the last three games, you should crumple that garbage up and toss it into the trash because the last three games totally messed everything up for us.  Let me show you what I mean

QB Pressure:  This year the Bengals were overall one of the worst pass rushing teams over the course of the year getting only 27 total sacks, and averaging 1.69 sacks per game.  In contrast, the top NFL team in sacks, the Steelers, averaged 3 a game.  Now check out the numbers below.

First 13 games: Total Sacks=18, Avg Per game: 1.38

Last 3 Games: Total Sacks=9, Avg Per Game: 3

Yikes!  What a difference a Dunlap makes!  Can't forget the stellar play of MJ, and Atkins either... So if this team has proved it can get to the QB at the same rate as the Steelers, why draft an end?  This coupled with the return of Odom, Tank, et. all, makes one wonder whether or not we will pursue a lineman early.

WR Play:  With the assumption that TO is gone and Chad is likely gone, I posited AJ Green might be the first selection.  Coupled with the overall play of Jerome Simpson and Caldwell, this seemed fair.  Darn you last three games!

Jerome Simpson:

First 45 Games: Total yards = 2,  Yards Per Game= .044, TD=0

Last 3 Games:  Total Yards= 277, Yards Per Game= 92.33, TD=3

Andre Caldwell:

First 13 Games: Total Yards=75 yards, Yards Per Game=5.77, Previous Career Long = 24

Last 3 Games: Total Yards= 270 yards, Yards Per Game=90, Long = 53, 44, 39

Wow!  What a turnaround! I guess we don't have to draft AJ Green... If Simpson is playing like a #1, Caldwell can stretch the field as well, and Chad likely returning for 1 more year as per rumors, It looks like we don't have to take a WR right away if we don't want to,

Do we have a QB? The first 13 games of this season were a disaster for Palmer, with numerous members of this site, including me, calling for a change.  However, it looks like the biggest change came in the last 3 games for Palmer.

First 13 Games:  60% completions, 245ypg, 21 touchdowns, 18 picks

Last 3 Games: 69% completions, 261 ypg, 5 touchdowns, 2 picks (both of which were deflected into Ed Reeds hands mind you).

Wow, I'd take that for a whole season please.  Plus with Andrew Luck electing to stay in college, there are no sure fire NFL prospects in this draft!  If Palmer plays like he did the last 5 games, do we really need the QB of the future?

O Line:  This has been a major area of concern from fans as well and was something I brought up in my last article.  The line the first 13 games of the year employed 3 undrafted lineman... blah blah blah.  Here's the numbers.

First 13 games:  28 total sacks, 2.15 spg

Last 3 Games:  0 Sacks, 0 spg

Just look what happens when you take an undrafted lineman and put in Collins at right tackle.  Keep in mind, during this stretch we played the leagues second ranked sacking team in the Chargers.  So with Collins playing well, Andre Smith coming back next year, how big of an issue is it really that we draft for OLine?

 

Ok, Obviously this post is a highly exaggerated and narrow view of our season and a lot of things still stand.  We could still use some help on both lines, we could pick up a safety round 1, and we could draft a QB for the future.  But who knows, we could also draft a RB, LB, or Kicker for all I know!  Anyways, I've kinda been having some fun with this, so take it where you will.  Who Dey!

Defensively this unit is tough to figure out.  They are young, talented, and this year underachieved immensely, yet have been coming on the last few games.

DE/DT - Whats our situation? Despite the recent surge in QB sacks, this team has struggled getting to the QB this season ranking 30th in the league.  This is a case of the old vs. the new.  The new guys: Dunlap (8 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 10 games played), Atkins (2.5 sacks, 12 games played), Sims (2.5 sacks), M. Johnson (3 sacks, 5 pass deflections).  The old guys: Odom (never had more than 8 sacks in a season, often injured), Fanene (never had more than 6 sacks), Tank (since 2005, has not collected more than 3.5 sacks),  Peko (never had more than 2.5 sacks) Geathers (Only in 2006 has he had more than 3.5 sacks), & Rucker (never had more than 1 sack in a season).  Of the older crew, NONE were drafted before the third round.  Fanene is a FA this year

The fact is, in a 4-3 defense, you HAVE to get pressure from your front four guys.  None of the old guys are sack machines anymore and if they can't get to the QB on their own then they don't deserve to be there.  Odom is owed 3.4 million next year, Geathers is owed about 2.6 million.  Is it possible we cut one or both of these guys next year?  

Who's there?

This draft has a couple of pass rushing studs on both the inside and outside.  Nick Fairley of Auburn (11 Sacks) is the consensus best DT prospect. Da'quan Bowers of Clemson (16 sacks) is the highest rated DE.  Both guys are freakish athletes and perfect for a 4-3 system.  Highly rated DE's are Robert Quinn (UNC), Adrian Clayborne (Iowa), Cameron Heyward (Ohio), and Allen Bailey (Miami).  Quinn seems to have the build of a 3-4 OLB, but Clayborne, Heyward, and  Bailey fit the bill of typical 4-3 DEs and any of them could slip into round 2.  The DT class, not named Fairley, includes Marcell Dareus (Alabama), JJ Watt (Wisc), Jurrell Casey (USC) and Stephen Paea (USC).  Dareus had a dissapointing season with only 4 sacks, but could be a dominant tackle in a 4-3. Where he goes in the draft will depend on his draft workouts.  This group appears to be very deep, especially at DE.  Can the Bengals afford to wait one round to pass up on the cream of the crop?

How important is it that we address DE or DT in this draft? 9/10 - This group has allowed 17 runs of 20 yards or more from scrimmage, for second worst in the league.  Third worst in QB sacks. It is hugely important we upgrade!  The question is, will having Odom and Fanene back next year be enough to draw attention away from Carlos Dunlap to allow him to continue after the Quarterback?  In my mind, this team has to invest in its front four, and that means getting a high draft prospect (first or second round) Somewhere on the line to compliment Dunlap.

How likely is it that we will address DE or DT in this draft?  7/10 - The only question is whether or not Mike Brown is willing to give up on his Odom/Geathers investment and start over.  Or if not, is he willing to pay multiple DE's millions of dollars if they're all not on the field at the same time.

Suggestion:  Elite teams have an elite front four (or three).  Cut Geathers, and spend a first or second round pick on a penetrating DE or DT.  I would love to see Da'Quan Bowers playing opposite of Dunlap or Fairly taking up the middle. Have Michael Johnson stay in the position as a 3rd down specialist.  Keep Odom (he's not getting paid too much next year anyway, his contract was front loaded) as insurance against a slow rookie development.

LB - Whats the situation?  This group is pretty decent.  Rey, Rivers, and Muckelroy have all proved to be decent draft picks in years.  They are solid players, each has flaws.  Dhani still leads this team in tackles missed and the regular kind, (some of you may remember he was in the top 5 for number of missed tackles last year).  Overall, this is a solid, not spectacular crew.  B. Johnson and Dhani are free agents

Who's there?  From what I've read, not a real strong class of linebackers.  Von Miller leads the group, Robert Quinn is projected by some to be and outside linebacker in a 3-4

How important is it that we draft a LB ?  2/10

How likely is it that we draft a LB in this draft? 4/10 

Suggestion:  I hate to let Dhani go because he's a proven veteran, but its time to move on. Rey's pick against Rivers on Sunday is a perfect example as to why we should do this.  That's just not a play Dhani can make.  A good stat is that Dhani in his long career has never had more than one pick or two forced fumbles.  In two years, Rey has already had a season with 2 picks and another with 3 forced fumbles. Putting him in the center will give him more opportunities to make things happen.  Rey, is in his third year he should be able to anchor this crew.  No need to draft LB except maybe in the middle rounds.

CB/Safety? - Whats the situation?  Our best crew by far, even if we don't retain Joseph.  Hall, Adam Jones, and JJ

are all good to great CB's in the league.  Morgan Trent and Ghee are both very good for back up players.  Safety is another story.  Everyone at this position is just decent and hurt all the time.  Crocker is only OK, WIlliams is good,especially against the run, when healthy, Ndukwe should suffice as a career backup only and is a FA this year.  Reggie Nelson has shown some flashes and has a pick and a forced fumble in limited (albeit increasing) action this year.

via prod.static.bengals.clubs.nfl.com

Who's there?  This confuses our plans a bit because there is a lot of CB talent at the top of the draft this year.  Patrick Peterson and Amukamara are two highly rated draft picks and if Joseph walks both buys could be very enticing.  However, with Adam Jones behind JJ, its likely the team wouldn't draft another CB unless it was to convert him to safety.  Also important to note, there are no first round locks at the safety position this year.  Rahim Moore of UCLA (10 picks last year, 1 this year) and Kenny Tate of Maryland (3 picks, 3 FF) are the top safeties this year and both should be available in the second round.

How important is it that we draft a safety/CB this year?  5/10 - This is a tough question to answer.  Roy Williams is a good SS when healthy, Crocker is adequate, and Gibril was supposed to give us a lot of depth.  Everyone we have is adequate here, no one is good, everyone is injury prone.

How likely is it that we draft a safety/CB this year? 5/10 - Well, we didn't take a guy last year, not sure whether we will or not this year either.  If Gibril, Roy, and Crocker come back at near full strength, I think it becomes pretty unlikely we take a safety before the 3rd, especially considering the weak draft class and our high draft position in each of the rounds.

Suggestion:  Stay the course!  This team has too many other needs to use a high draft pick on a safety, and I guarantee our secondary will look much better with a pass rushing front 4.  Sign JJoe long term.  Since this draft is weak at safety, we should definitely not reach for one in early rounds 1 and 2.  Trading down is a possibility, but I'm a fan of quality over quantity.  Resign Williams to a one or two year deal, and pray that Wilson is healthy and Nelson lives up to his potential.  Continue praying that a talented safety falls in the draft to round 3 or 4.  Otherwise, rounds 4 or 5 should be the earliest we really look to safety.

All I want for Christmas is for Andrew Luck to be a Bengal!  But if that doesn't happen, this team has a lot of other needs on its Christmas wish list, and there are a lot of ways this team can turn around.

With all the extra free time I have during Christmas break, I thought I'd break down the Bengals draft needs for this year.  Hopefully, Santa's not overworked and overburdened ala Family Guy's portrayal in their disturbing Christmas Special (The elves hung themselves... really Family Guy?).

QB - Whats our situation?  Palmer is having the tale of two seasons.  On the one hand, He is arguably having his worst year as a pro and the heat is really coming down on him.  Is it his line?  Is it his mental game?  Is it the lack of a running game (which could be attributed back to the line)? 

Maybe the playcalling?  Is he hurt?  Who knows.  What we do know is that if Palmer keeps playing subpar ball we'll need a new QB sooner rather than later.  Our back ups, LeFevour and Palmer lite... probably aren't the answer.  On the other hand, Carson has looked damn sharp the last couple games sans T.Ocho.

Who's there? This is a QB heavy draft and unlike last year it looks like there will be quite a few QBs taken in rounds 1 and 2.  Stating the obvious, Andrew Luck is going to be the number 1 pick.  But Jake Locker, Cam Newton, & Ryan Mallet could all go in the first Round, or one or more of these guys could slip down to rounds two and three.

How important is it that we address QB in this draft? 7/10 - I'm still a believer that Palmer can turn things around.  Even so, it's time to start hedging our bets by making it a high priority to draft a QB in the next year or two.  That means drafting a guy in rounds 1-3 sometime in the near future.

How likely is it that we will address QB in this draft?  2/10 - The only way this team will address a QB early is if they cut or trade Palmer.  Despite the fact that Palmer still has high trade-ability (Hell, if Jason Campbell was worth a 4th rounder, Palmer has got to be worth at least a 2nd or 3rd) to teams like Oak, Sea, Ari, SF, Min, Ten, & Was, Mike Brown just doesn't have the stones or the vision to make this happen.  It's way more likely that Brown will stick by Palmer and continue upgrading the pieces around him through the draft. 

Suggestion: Only Draft a QB if his last name is Luck.  Drafting a QB is such a crap shoot that he's the only guy I'd be sold on.  I don't know that I'd bother with the other guys unless they fell to the third, which isn't likely to happen.  This team needs to be built on defense and the run game.

O - Line - Whats our situation? We have three undrafted lineman starting for us in Cook, Roland, and Livings.  While they've done a good job, they are certainly not elite.  Whit is a great player and on other teams he would be a pro bowler (might be anyway).  Flabs has shown flashes, but has had foot injuries and anyone who follows Yao Mings career knows the might not go away.  The running game has looked weak this year (3.7 ypc), though the pass protection has been OK allowing only 28 sacks this season (14th in the league).  Not bad considering how many times we're in obvious passing situations.  This crew could use a shot in the arm of athleticism (or steroids, whichever is more convenient).  Plus, Bobby Williams is getting old and it would be wise to draft his eventual replacement.

Who's there? This years draft class looks like one of the weakest in years.  According to Walter Football, there are no tackles projected in the top 10, and none that are a lock for the first round.  However, the prospect of moving a tackle who slips out of the first round to guard (ala what we did with Whitworth) is certainly a possibility and adds insurance if Andre Smith proves to be a bust.  Top Tackles are: Anthony Costonzo, Derek Sharrod, and Joseph Barksdale.  Top Guard/Centers are: Mike Pouncey, Marcus Cannon, and Benjamin Ijalana.

How important is it that we address the OL in this draft? 8/10 - It is very important for this team to upgrade at the "non-skill" positions.  As we saw against the Browns, when the Bengals win the war of the trenches they tend to win the game.  This unit has been solid, but needs an upgrade on athleticism.

How likely is it that we will address the OL in this draft? 6/10 - It seems really unlikely that this team will use their first or second round pick on a lineman with the money they've invested in Andre Smith (especially considering how early we pick).  However I would not be surprised if a highly graded lineman slips into the third or fourth rounds and we pick him up.

Suggestion:  Start looking O Line in the third round.

WR - Whats our Situation?  Anybody else get the sense this team is ready to move on?  Anybody else think Ocho is going to be a pain in the ass this offseason?  Where at one point it was worth it to put up with Ocho's shananigans, I would say Chad's not the same guy anymore.  He'd be a very strong #2 guy, but isn't unguardable anymore.  Shipley looks great but is only a slot receiver and needs someone on the outside to open up the middle.  It was great to see Caldwell and Simpson in action against the Browns/Chargers, hopefully one of those guys can step into a #2 role someday.

via cdn1.sbnation.com

Who's There?  AJ Green Baby!  The guy is projected as a Larry Fitzgerald/Calvin Johnson type of player worthy of a top 5 pick.  The rest of the class is deep as well with guys like Jonathon Baldwin, Julio Jones, and Michael Floyd projected to go in or near the first round.  The Bengals will very likely pick up a WR in this draft, the question is do we wait for round 2?

How important is it that we address WR this draft? 9/10 - Ocho won't stick around longer than he has to and nobody knows if TO is going to be around next year. A young #1 receiver must be a priority in this draft.  One possible scenario is to wait and see if a WR drops to the second round and find other positions of need.

How likely is it that we will address WR in this draft? 7/10 - But falling with the rise of Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell these last few games.  If those two light it up against Baltimore, the chances of us drafting AJ Green will drop like rain!  Still, elite WRs are tempting and using one of our first two picks on one seems likely considering who's there.

Suggestion: This team needs to build its D Line before anything else.  That being said, if AJ Green lights up the combine ala Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald, draft him.  Otherwise wait for one of the other top guys to drop to early round 2 or 3.  Pick up Ocho's last year and hope we can trade him for an early draft pick.  If not... let him "mope" for one more year and walk in 2012.

RB - This was recently addressed by Carsonorbust so I'll keep it short (again).  I think its VERY unlikely we pick up a running back in this draft.  If Benson walks, I have no doubt that this team would turn to a Peerman, Scott, and Leonard running back by committee. 

Who's There? Ahh.. Mark Ingram, LaMichael James... cricket cricket.  This is a weak draft class,

How important is it to draft a RB?: 2/10,

How likely is it that we draft a RB? 4/10 

TE - What's our situation? With Coffman and Gresham in stripes this team looks better than ever at TE.

How important is it that we address TE in this draft?? 0/10

How likely is it that we will address TE in this draft?  1/10. This team may not draft a TE for the next 10 years (knock on wood).  Though, Mike Brown just might be dumb enough...

 

Stay tuned for Defense!

Hey Everybody, James Walker has been putting together an action plan to turn this franchise around.  Aside from firing our owner (there has to be a way!) I'm not totally sure any one thing will work.  I was wondering what you guys thought.

 

Last month the AFC North blog said it was time to blow up the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Now we will explain how to rebuild this struggling franchise. 

Coming off a division title and playoff appearance in 2009, Cincinnati is having its most disappointing season in recent memory. The Bengals are 2-10 and headed toward one of the top picks in the draft. 

It will be a very interesting offseason in Cincinnati. The Bengals have key decisions to make on their coaching staff, as well as positions such as quarterback, running back and receiver. 

The AFC North blog put on its general manager hat and spent this week sifting through the Bengals' roster to determine who stays and who goes. We came up with a blueprint that will get this team headed in the right direction. 

Keep in mind, this is not a prediction of what the Bengals will do. It's our guide to what we believe the Bengals should do. 

Head coach 

Key Bengals free agents

Player	Position	Exp.
Johnathan Joseph	CB	5
Terrell Owens	WR	15
*Chad Ochocinco	WR	9
Cedric Benson	RB	6
Dhani Jones	LB	11
Chinedum Ndukwe	S	4
Brian Leonard	RB	4
* Bengals have team option for 2011.

Analysis: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has four games left on his contract, and to our knowledge there have been no recent negotiations. It's a good time for Lewis to step away. He has fought battles against heavy-handed ownership for eight seasons and done all he could, leading the downtrodden Bengals to two playoff appearances. There is already speculation Lewis may have interest in the head-coaching opening at the University of Pittsburgh, where he has local ties. He dodged that question earlier this week. Don't expect a big-name hire in Cincinnati. The Bengals don't want to pay the kind of money it takes to land someone like Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden, and big-name coaches wouldn't go to a team that doesn't have a GM, ownership makes the football decisions, and there are average facilities and very few scouts. Our best pick is Hue Jackson. He's a former receivers coach in Cincinnati and has done a great job in stops with Baltimore, Atlanta, Washington and Oakland. As offensive coordinator in Oakland this season, he has helped make the Raiders a playoff contender and is very familiar with the AFC North. Jackson is a rising star and would be an excellent choice. Mike Zimmer remains the best in-house candidate. He has the respect of the locker room and helped turn around the defense in recent seasons. Perhaps a Jackson (HC) and Zimmer (DC) tandem would infuse much-needed energy into this team. 

Quarterback 

Analysis: This is probably the toughest decision the Bengals will make this offseason, but it wasn't difficult for the AFC North blog. We're convinced it's time to part ways with quarterbackCarson Palmer. The QB, who is in the middle of a $118.75 million contract, will be one of the NFL's highest-paid players next season with a base salary of $11.5 million. We can't justify paying Palmer that type of money based on his production the past few seasons. The Bengals have a good shot at the No. 1 overall pick, and that's the perfect spot to draft a quarterback. We think Andrew Luck from Stanford is the best of the group. If the Bengals do not have the top pick, maybe Auburn's Cam Newton is another possibility later in the first round. If the Bengals can't land either, our next step would be sticking with Palmer and seeing whether he's willing to take a pay cut. It's a tough business. 

Running back 

Analysis: We like second-year running back Bernard Scott. But there are still questions about whether he can be a feature tailback. With Cedric Benson's contract expiring, it's time to search for a new running back. The Bengals got solid production out of Benson the past two years at little cost. But he's only averaging 3.5 yards per carry this year, and we need more from that position. We would find a bruising back and pair him with the quicker Scott . Pending free agentMichael Bush, 26, would be a good fit. He's the backup tailback to Darren McFadden and one of Jackson's main weapons in Oakland. The Bengals rarely spend a lot of money in free agency, but this signing would be worth it. Also, we would re-sign backup running back Brian Leonard, who is very good on third down. 

Wide receivers 

[+] Enlarge Mark Zerof/US PresswireWide receiver Terrell Owens is having a great season, but he's 37 and not a player the Bengals can build around for the future.

Analysis: We like Chad Ochocinco -- but not at the price the Bengals would have to pay him. A $6 million team option is a bit much for a 32-year-old receiver who's had two bad seasons in three years. We would let Ochocinco walk, but the Bengals will consider keeping him. Teammate and pending free agent Terrell Owens is an interesting case. He's having a great year, but he's 37 and probably wants the security of a multiyear extension. Another team may give it to Owens, but we're looking to get younger at receiver. This is a position we would attack in the draft, probably in the second or third rounds. This also gives Jordan Shipley, who is solid, a bigger role in the offense next year. You can't be strong everywhere when rebuilding. 

Tight end 

Analysis: No questions here. The Bengals drafted Jermaine Gresham in the first round this year and he has produced (47 receptions for 409 yards and three touchdowns). He's only going to get better next season and beyond. 

Offensive and defensive lines 

Analysis: The offensive line needs work. Tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard Bobbie Williamsare mainstays, but the other three positions could use depth. We would not extend Andre Smith's contract to six years. We're keeping his deal at four years to see whether we can get anything out of him at right tackle in the final two seasons. Some have suggested moving Smith, who broke his foot for the second straight year, to guard. But we're already paying Smith left tackle money to play right tackle. So we definitely wouldn't pay Smith left tackle money to play guard. We would upgrade center and one guard position via the draft and free agency. The defensive line must be more productive, but there are some good young players there. We likeCarlos Dunlap's recent production and would start him at defensive end in 2011. He's earned it with his play down the stretch. Geno Atkins has shown flashes and also would be in competition to start at defensive tackle next to veteran Domata Peko. End Robert Geathers hasn't been the same since micro-fracture surgery, and it's time to find his replacement. If the Bengals don't draft a quarterback in the first round, another pass-rushing defensive end would be the logical choice. 

Linebackers 

Analysis: Bengals outside linebacker Rey Maualuga has played out of position his entire pro career, and it's time to move him to his natural spot at middle linebacker next season. He will be a better player when he can use his best attribute -- his physicality -- instead of constantly chasing tight ends in coverage. Dhani Jones, 32, will be a free agent, and it's time to cut ties with him. Keith Rivers stays outside, but we need another outside linebacker. Maybe Michael Johnson can step into that role. He's not a natural linebacker, but he's athletic enough to play the position. We're also not sure we can trust his consistency for 16 games. We'd probably add someone else via the draft or free agency to compete with Johnson for the starting job. 

Secondary 

Analysis: The Bengals' secondary had a down year with a lot of injuries, but we still think it's in pretty good shape. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is the one free agent we believe the Bengals must re-sign. He's the Bengals best cornerback, and the secondary doesn't look the same when he's not playing. Joseph makes corner Leon Hall and the safeties better. There were some negotiations before the season between Joseph and the Bengals, but nothing came to fruition.Adam Jones will return from a season-ending neck injury and is a solid third cornerback. Starting safety Chris Crocker also had a season-ending knee injury and remains under contract.Chinedum Ndukwe, a pending free agent, plays hard and would be a good safety to keep for depth. Roy Williams is often injured and too one dimensional for our liking. So we would let Williams go and try to add another starting safety. 

Specialists 

Analysis: Punter Kevin Huber stays, although he hasn't had a great year. But the Bengals must find a dependable kicker. Mike Nugent did fine before he was injured, so maybe he's a candidate for training camp when he gets healthy. 

Whew! Now that was a major reconstruction. 

It's time for the Bengals to rebuild and turn the franchise over to younger players. It's not going to be a quick fix. But if the Bengals follow these moves, they will be better than they were this season and in solid position for long-term success.

 

What do you agree or disagree with?  That is all.

 

Dealio Out

I have to admit, I haven't been around the jungle too much lately.  Maybe its the grad school, maybe its the fully loaded schedule, or maybe its because I've been more depressed about the Bengals than a polar bear on his new beach front property. The truth is, once the losses start piling up the finger pointing starts.  And while it may not be helpful, I'm pointing the blame straight up at Mike Brown, who couldn't create a winning environment with Michael Phelps, Donald Trump, and The Gecko from those Geiko commercials (he's so charismatic... I'd buy anything from that guy) on his staff.

Here's how I see the problem

1) Bargain Bin Shopping - Mike Brown got a lot of praise for his bargain bin shopping last year.  Guys like Dhani Jones, Tank Johnson, and Chris Crocker were reasons for this.  But the problem with the bargain bin is that you usually get a few defects in the product.  Dhani misses tackles, Tank doesn't push up field, and Croker can't cover tight ends... whoops.  This year was more of the same.  Antonio Bryant could have been a steal at the price we got him if not for the fact that... oops, he couldn't even make the opening day roster because of his knee.  Adam Jones worked out well until he got hurt this last game against the Falcons.  The point is, if you continue to put an average product on the field you're going to get average results, and thats what we're looking at this year.

2) Draft Stragegy, "Take the guy nobody else wants." - The blame for this could go a number of ways, but I'm blaming it on ole MIkey Boy because he hasn't hired a GM and thus doesn't give the staff the adequate resources for drafting.  Regardless, our draft strategy goes like this, first look at all the guys that were hyped a lot before the draft.  Second, wait for one of those guys to start falling because of character concerns.  Third, Pick up that player.  Examples of this are... Andre Smith, Odell Thurman, and Rey Maualuga.  How is this working out for us?  Andre blocked Abraham last week... wait, no he didn't,  Odell is out of the league, and Rey looked he got hit by a Chevy truck whenever he tried to tackle Turner.  Of course the last few drafts we've found some gems, Shipley, Scott, Huber, etc. But without a GM and an adequate scouting department this team will never draft consistently enough to put elite talent on the field.

3) He won't get game changers (unless their on the bargain bin of course) - Do you think we'd be 2-4 if we'd gotten a Julius Peppers, Aaron Kampman, or Kyle Vanden Bosch? I don't.  How about Albert Haynesworth for a second round pick (not like we don't waste second round picks anyway)?  But despite the fact that each of these guys would be a perfect fit in a 4-3 system, we never heard a whisper about picking up any of those players.  TO has been a game changer this year, but don't you think a Brandon Marshall would look just that much better?  Do you think Brandon Marshall would have stayed in bounds on that bomb in the fourth from Palmer?  I do.  Maybe its complacency, maybe its something else, but what i know is that this team has to be more aggressive in free agency and the trade market to be considered elite.

Regardless, these are the pointless ramblings of a depressed man.  Despite Mike Brown, this team has a ton of talent and the ability to win games against the best teams in the league.  If only we could fire Mike! Who Dey!

Hey Everybody,

I was just listening to a little Sports radio today and heard one of the funnier bits about NFL training camp ever.  I laughed out loud because as soon as I heard each of these, I thought of one person on the Bengals.  I bet you will too as you read below!

1. The Fat Guy

Ohmigod! A lineman listed at 290 pounds showed up closer to 300! Let’s all FREAK OUT! Who could have predicted an incredibly overweight person would gain a few pounds over six months of down time? He needs to drop weight – and FAST! – to show that he is dedicated to his profession and his team.

(Then, once the season starts, he can pack as much weight as he wants to back on because no one will be weighing him so it won’t be an issue. And we need him to control the line of scrimmage. So, please, get heavy again!)

2. The Undrafted Superstar

This guy can run and jump like an Olympic superstar. For some unknown reason, he just didn’t get a lot of playing time in college. It was probably politics. But now he’s in your team’s camp and he’s going to light the NFL world on fire. A good 60-percent of the posts on team message boards are about this amazing prospect.

Oh. Turns out he didn’t play much in college because, while he can run and jump, he kind of … umm … sucks at football.

3. The Late-Round Project

Your team got this guy in the later rounds of the draft and he just has a few rough edges that need some burnishing. He could very well be your team’s missing piece – the one that makes them a legit title contender. Surely all the flaws in his game that weren’t fixed in four years of high school football and four years of college will be fixed in three weeks of training camp. Surely.

4. The White Fan Favorite

This guy is usually a combination between The Late-Round Project and The Undrafted Superstar. Except he’s white. And he probably already has sold 5,000 jerseys. But it’s not so much a racial thing, it’s just that … I don’t know … a lot of fans identify with him somehow.

It could be because chances are he’ll be just like them in a few weeks in that he also won’t be employed as an NFL football player.

5. The Veteran Who Just Wants To Win

This guy has been a featured player in the past when he was younger. But now he just wants to win. That’s why he’s taking a reduced role and less money than he’s ever made. Oddly, this decision on just wanting to win coincided with no NFL team wanting to pay him big money anymore for a featured role.

6. The “Best Shape of My Life” Guy

This player has shown up to camp in “the best shape of my life!” Hey, good for you, fella! Bad news, though – in three weeks, all the other players on the team will also be in the best shape of their lives. Looks like you wasted your offseason when you could have been having fun. Whoops.

7. The Injury Comeback

He missed most or all of last-season with a serious injury. But he’s been rehabbing non-stop in order to get back to where he was. He’s never wanted something so bad in his whole life. And the team has given him their full support. (Except for those three possible replacements they drafted.)

8. The Holdout

What a greedy a**hole this guy is. Who cares if the average NFL career lasts four years and many players suffer debilitating injuries? Take what the team is offering and get on the field! We’ve got the Titans in a month!

9. The Player Entering a Contract Year

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See that guy running full-speed past everyone else who’s jogging? That’s him.

Here are my nominees

1) The fat guy - Carson Palmer... Andre Smith.  Nobody else even comes to mind other than moobalicious himself  (I can't believe I just used the term moobalicious).  THIS GUY HAS GOT TO GET INTO SHAPE OR HE"LL BE OUR BIGGEST BUST EVER!  te-he... biggest bust...

2) The undrafted superstar - while not undrafted, Jerome Simpson fits the bill.  He's Tall, fast, can jump out of the stadium.  Just one problem.  He sucks at football!  But then again, this could be his year...

3) The late round project - Dez Briscoe come on down!  Despite the fact that Briscoe ran a paltry 4.7 40, has a turtle like 32" vert, has only caught 1 pass for 11 yards this pre-season, he really did some good things in the Big 12 and is our best prospect in our WR core.  I'm sure our coaches are just not noticing hiding his talent so that nobody snatches him of the PS.

4) The white fan favorite - Oh if only Shipley hadn't been drafted then we could have given this award to Matt Jones.  Matt is the perfect athlete, and once he gets over that minor cocaine addiction scrape with the law thing, he'll transform our O! Our coaches just need to work on making him... less white looking and he'll be fine.

5) The veteran who just wants to win - there are a plethora of choices here.  Who should we pick.  Roy Williams, Tank Williams?  Bobbie Williams?  Dhani Jones?  Adam Jones?  Matt Jones?  On second thought, lets call it a tie between Jones and Williams.

6) The best shape of my life guy - Andre Smith Chad Ochocinco - Lucky for the Bengals, every year Chad is in the best shape of his life.  Last year it was boxing and racing animals.  This year, thanks to Chad's VH1 specials his sexual endurance is probably through the roof (though his football endurance was questioned a bit).  Way to go Chad!

7) The injury comeback - Carson Palmer.  After several years of injuries and excuses, the overachieving Palmer is now poised for a comeback and ready to go... as long as his ankle, knee, elbow, or thumb doesn't act up again this year.

8) The Holdout - See Bengals first round picks

9) Player entering a contract year - JJ and Ced - Man those guys sure can play

 

So those are my 9 guys.  Who are yours?

via prod.static.bengals.clubs.nfl.com

Hey Who Dey Jungle, Recently a great post by the Jungle's own raclark11986 addressed the question of, Who are the top players in our conference?  Now, most articles aren't good enough to create spin-off articles, but like Cheers is to Frasier, like Law and Order is to Criminal Intent, and like CSI is to CSI New York, Miami, LA, Boston, Cleveland, Baghdad, & Minot ND, so was I inspired to continue the debate from Clarkies article.  Simply put, when something gives you a good idea for an article, you have to take it.  So, Recently I got into an argument with a few members of the Baltimore Beatdown who... disagreed... with me when I said about Leon Hall...

he’s clearly among the top 5 Corners in the league right now.

Now, I'm not sure what the etiquette is on quoting yourself in your own article, but a writer who I know and admire once said

when something gives you a good idea for an article, you have to take it.

With these sage words of wisdom... I press on.

Poll

Is Leon Hall a Top 5 Corner in the League?

79%

Yes. Of course he is... Just look at the numbers!

113 votes

14%

No, the numbers don't tell the whole story, but he's at least top 10

21 votes

5%

Mmmmmmh.... Donuts......

8 votes

0%

Statistics and evidence don't affect my judgement, he's way outside theTop 10!

1 votes

143 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

As per request, her is my link to the Giants selection of Derrick Morgan on the Cincy Mock Draft. Obviously, I was hoping to draft guy like Rolando Mclain for you, but it just wasn't happening. Feel free to join up and leave some comments... or at least vote for Derrick Morgan to make me look good. Hopefully I represented you guys well! Good luck next season. The Dealio http://www.cincyjungle.com/2010/4/7/1408585/2010-cincy-jungle-mock-draft-the

1 --  Rams --  JohnnyK --  Jimmy Clausen
2 --  Lions --  Monkey Poop Battle --  Ndamukong Suh
3 --  Buccaneers --  patrick6h --  Gerald McCoy
4 --  Redskins --  jim0ijk --  Sam Bradford
5 --  Chiefs --  Mr. NC-17 --  Russell Okung
6 --  Seahawks --  jaydolla --  Bryan Bulaga
7 --  Browns --  Bernie19Kosar  --  Eric Berry
8 --  Raiders --  NextWhodey --  Joe Haden
9 --  Bills --  Mr. NC-17 --  Tim Tebow
10 --  Jaguars --  Kabash --  Jason Pierre-Paul
11 --  Broncos (from Chicago) --  BlitzAway --  Rolando McClain
12 --  Dolphins --  HanoverWhoDey --  Sergio Kindle
13 --  49ers --  80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME --  April 5th
14 --  Seahawks (from Denver) --  jaydolla --  April 5th
15 --  Giants --  The Dealio --  April 6th

Hey BBV,

I'm almost on the clock with the Giants pick in the Cincy Jungle mock draft.  These are the players who are off the board (I apologize for the Tebow Pick... its horrible, don't think badly of the Jungle for it).  Here's who I have on your interest radar (in no particular order).  Brain Price, Earl Thomas, Trent Williams, CJ Spiller, Anothony Davis, Derrick Morgan, Sean Weatherspoon, & Dan Williams.  If i had to put my finger on the pulse of your fans, I'd lean towards Derrick Morgan or Sean Weatherspoon.

As I see it, the Giants were almost dead last in the league in points allowed per game last year, despite being fairly average statistically in defensive categories.  Offensively you were surprisingly good ranking in the top 10 in ppg.  So my instincts tell me to go defense here... 

Anyways, let me know who you would draft in this scenario... I'll take it into considersation

Poll

Given the way the Cincy Jungle draft has played out, who would you draft in this scenario?

19%

Derrick Morgan

16 votes

40%

CJ Spiller

34 votes

18%

Sean Weatherspoon

15 votes

9%

Trent Williams

8 votes

3%

Earl Thomas

3 votes

6%

Dan Williams

5 votes

2%

Other (write in who you'd take below)

2 votes

83 votes | Poll has closed

Hey Giants Fans,

Coming up soon I'll be drafting the 15th overall pick for the Cincy Jungle Mock Draft and I was looking at getting the inside track on who your Giants are looking to select.  I've seen a lot of Rolando McClain picks from various mock drafts, but don't know how accurate that is to your teams needs. 

With that said, what are your team's needs?  Who would you select if you were GM?  And who who do you think the Giants will select on Day one?

The Dealio

Hey Bengal Nation,

This week I got into an lightly heated argument with my brother about Mike Iupati. No, it wasn't about his draft status or anything like that.  It was about his name.  He claimed he was named one Mike "Lupati", and I claimed Iupati, with an "i" at the beginning.  Without instant internet access, we weren't able to check the net and so carried out a debate in which I got thoroughly worked.  We both claimed to have double checked the net, but he correctly pointed out that nobody had corrected him on the Jungle and that it was more likely that I was wrong because an upper case "I" was more likely to be confused as an "L" than vice versa.  Anyways, I had all but conceded that he was right until we got home and I checked the web. Only a moment after checking the net - I did a river dance, put on a hall of fame jacket, and proposed to a cheerleader later in typical Cincy Bengals celebration fashion - because I was right.

I quickly calmed down because I realized... who cares? But, I noticed a few other people putting down Iupati as "Lupati" so I decided to clear it up once and for all that it was in fact spelled with an "I", not an "L."

Anyways, in order to make this post comment worthy..., with the acquisition of Antonio Bryant, do you think that Mike Iupati is on the top of Marvin Lewis' draft board?  He certainly would fit in well with what we need.  He's mean, big, and would improve both our pass protection and rushing game. Or do you think a defensive player, say a B. Price, Odrick, or Earl Thomas would be the 1st pick... perhaps taking our D from being very good to elite? Of course, as has been thoroughly discussed, the possibility of drafting TE is still alive, but are there any TE's that would really fit with the C'Nati Bengals?  Assuming all player ratings are about equal, who do you think Marvin will take?  Regardless, I love that the Bengals are in a position to draft the best player available.  Who Dey Baby?

Poll

Who do you think is at the top of M. Lewis' draft board?

25%

OL (assuming Iupati is around)

19 votes

2%

TE (becomes they will all be there...)

2 votes

10%

DL (no, neither Suh nor Mcoy is here... but this is supposedly the deepest draft for DL in years)

8 votes

54%

S (assuming Mays or Thomas is there)

41 votes

6%

Wild Card Option (Mike Brown has a heart attack and slips into a coma, thus anything is possible and Lewis drafts up to get a top 5 guy)

5 votes

75 votes | Poll has closed

So lets be clear, I am totally and completely aware that the guy who tips his waitress less than 10% and cleans the lint out of his own belly button to save money on kindling (Mike Brown) is not about to hire a GM.  But for the sake of argument, if Mike Brown hired me as GM for a day, this is what I would do.

First, a few reminders: The specific rules of restricted free agency vary among the major professional sports, but in principle, it means that a player is free to solicit offers from other teams for new contracts. However, before this player is allowed to sign with the new club, the current club has a chance to match (or come within 10% in some leagues) the terms of the new contract in which case the player must remain with the original team

Lets analyze the needs of our team vs. the availability of players on the market..

Team Needs:  WR, TE, S, DE?, DT?, k?, CB (for depth), OL (for depth),

Priority 1 - Address offensive needs.  I personally would do this via free agency, bring in some proven commodities to give Carson some new weapons.  Sooo...

WR in RFA: Vincent Jackson, Miles Austin, Brandon Marshall, Braylon Edwards, Malcom FLoyd, Lance Moore - Of this Group, only Brandon Marshall, Malcom Floyd, and Lance Moore seem realistically available.

UFA - Terrel Owens, Antonio Bryant, Kevan Walter, Derrick Mason, Nate Burrelson, Chris Chambers - An interesting group of players, several could be an upgrade to what we have currently,  but clearly a step down from the RFA group.

TE in RFA -Owen Daniels, Bo Scaife, Tony Scheffler, Anthony Fasano - There are some kickers and girl scouts who could play TE for us (in fairness to our guys, I've never that much arm hair on a girl before...).

UFA - Ben Watson, Randy McMichael, Alge Crumpler, Brandon Manumaleuna.

My Solution?  Trade for Brandon Marshall!  OK, the guy has had some issues for sure but thats the kind of player that would completely change the dynamic of our offense.  He's most likely not going back to Denver next year, so why not send him our way?  To get him, I'd give up a 1st rounder, L. Coles,  and maybe a future third round pick (not this year).  Putting him alongside Chad would give us one of the sickest WR combos in the league, not to mention two of the biggest basket cases in the league (oh wait... thats a bad thing?).  But seriously, I think its worth a risk.  If we can't get Marshall, I would take a long hard look at Antonio Bryant, Chris Chambers, or Malcom Floyd.  As for tight ends, I'd pick up any of these guys who we can get on the cheap.  I'd definitely drop Coats, and maybe Foschi, and let Coffman develop underneath our new TE, & Reggie Kelly.

Priority 2 - Since our primary offensive needs are addressed, I would build Defense of the future through the draft.  If there is one thing that M. Lewis has been great on through the years, its drafting defense.  So lets stick with that. 

Round #1 - If pick is not traded for Brandon Marshall -  DT Brian Price UCLA

Round #2 - S - Morgan Burnnett GT

Round #3 - DT- Torrel Troup UCF (only if we trade pick #1, if not then move up DE to this round)

Round #4 - WR - Eric Decker MN

Round #5 - DE - Jemaine Cunningham FL (if DE is already picked in round 3, find a Lineman or CB)

After that, I think you just draft for potential.  Anyways, these are my rambling.  What would you do as GM?

Hey Bengal Lovers,

There has been a lot of talk about our offensive "woes" which I think is largely legit.  But check this scoring trend out against teams we're favored to beat...

Scoring by half

Week 2: First- 21, Second- 10

Week 4: First- 14, Second- 9 (including OT)

Week 6: First - 17, Second - 0 (granted we lost this big but we were up in the first half)

Week 7: First - 31, Second - 14

Week 9: First - 17, Second - 0

Week 11: First - 14. Second - 3

Week 12: First - 13, Second - 3

Week 13: First - 17, Second - 6

 

Anyone else notice a little trend?  We're slowing down more than a skinny kid on seconds.  While I do think our "O" is missing Hoosh and Henry, I'm going to re shift the blame for our sluggish offense to our second favorite whipping boy Bratowski (M. Brown being the first) away from Purify, Coats, and Coles (though clearly these guys have not produced to par).  Our game plan is pretty obvious, once we get a two, maybe three score lead we go all Rush Limbaugh conservative and run the clock to zero.  Thus I think that we are a better offensive team than perhaps we let on.  As for the other games, they were trend changers mostly  because we still needed to score in the second half, something we accomplished numerous times when necessary.

Anyways Bengaldom, do you have any thoughts?  Do you agree and/or disagree that most of our "problems" stem from game planning rather than personell?

Who Dey Baby?

Hey Bengals Fans:  Chill!  It was one game.  Our team is 4-2 on the season.  We've beat the Steelers, Ravens, Browns, and Packers (and should have beat the 5-0 Broncos).  I know we are jumpy fans... years and years of losing will do that to you, but this is a very good team.  Its like we're lab rats who have been shocked over and over by a piece of cheese thats attached to a battery... we just don't know how to enjoy cheese when its not hooked up. Remember how the Bills almost beat the Patriots in the beginning of the year  (or how the Jets did)?  How are those teams doing lately?  The fact is the Texans are Very Good Offensively and have had our number the past two years.  Sure, losing Odom stings me like a fissure in my ass, but isn't that exactly why we drafted Michael Johnson, to get pressure on the QB?  And yes, Carson and our offense have not been as sharp as they have in years past, but look at Peyton Manning last year.  How did his team start and how did they finish?  As you may recall, Peyton, with his knee injury, and the Colts stumbled out of the gates.

Carson is not Manning but what I'm saying is the offense needs time to get into rhythm.  Also, Johnson brings a whole new element of speed, as opposed to power, to our D line. Who knows, that could make it better. 

My point is that you can't take one game and draw broad conclusions.  Our body of work this year tells us that this is a very good team that has room for improvement in certain areas (TE... cough cough put in Coffman).  So yes, the next three games are all tough and will be another test of where we are at as a team.  But based on what I've seen, I'm confidant we'll get back on track and play some good football.

Who Dey?  We Dey Baby!

Hey Who Dey Fans,

While running through the hallways of my apartment complex with my shirt off this afternoon screaming "who dey baby, WHOOOOOOAAAAA!!!!" and chest-bumping my brother, I thought, "maybe we're being a bit too enthusiastic here."

This Sunday the Bengals played awful football through three.  We were smoked up and down the field both on O and D.  Palmer was missing throws and the D line was getting dominated by Willie Parker and Co.  We got torched by some guy named Mike Wallace and some other guy named Hines Ward.  We couldn't touch Big Ben for pretty much the entire game... and this is our "Super Bowl Team?"  After a sensational pick return (which can really be attributed to Santonio Holmes) our long snapper for the second time this year sailed one over Kevin Hubers Head keep it at 20-9.

And make no mistake, its not just the "Behind the Steel Curtain" blog that is calling the Cincinnati Bengals mediocre.  Writers everywhere will be chalking this one up to a Steelers loss, not a Bengals win.  But here's the thing, it was a Bengals win... wasn't it?

The Bengals dominated the fourth quarter, totally turning the game around.  Cedric Benson was amazing on those two touchdown drives.  Palmer was nearly perfect.  And  who dominated the Steelers D line in the fourth?  The Bengals O line.  And while Pittsburgh is pissing and moaning about getting two field goals in the red zone... who was it that held them to two field goals?  Oh yea, that was our D.

My point is this.  While this team could easily be 3-0 and this point, we could also easily be 1-2, or even 0-3 after the near debacle at the end of the packers game.  This team is good, but can't focus on Super Bowl aspirations after a week 3 win.  We have to get better every week and for now, lets just concentrate on beating the Browns.

Who Dey?  Dey da Bengals!!!

I went to the zoo today (true story) and I saw a Bengal Tiger pacing back and forth in its cage.  My first thought when seeing a Tiger like that all locked up is, "thats sad, that tiger has had a bad string of luck, if only he'd been able to escape into the jungle with Baloo or something." Then I looked that Tiger straight in the eye... and you know what i saw?  I saw a wild animal, not some mopey defeated creature.

I guarantee you given the opportunity that Bengal Tiger would bust out of that cage first chance and eat every single man woman, child, and mini donut there. Then afterwards he would do 500 push ups with an American flag bandanna around his head while listening to Neil Diamond sing a song about freedom on his ipod. (thats what I'm talking bout!)

My point is that as Bengals fans, we spend a lot of time boo hooing about having terrible luck, having the worst owner in the NFL, and losing for almost 20 straight years.  I won't argue the point.  I've commiserated about this as well.  But is that what a Bengal tiger would do?  Clearly, as illustrated above, it is not.  In the past, we've had our fair share of excuses for why we couldn't win.  But thats the past.  No more excuses.

But hey, its a free country.  If you want to jump onto some Steelers or Cardinals bandwagon be my guest.  Me, I am going to take the Road of the Tiger (aka the Whitworth Road) and focus what can happen today. 

Can I get a hell yea?

 

Who Dey!?

Amidst all the hype over Hard Knocks, I think the Jungle  has overlooked one very important piece... Football starts today!  Thats right, jaw crunching hits, long bombs, and the entire pre-pre-season anticipation and work is finally coming together for some "real" football games.  And while the pre-season tends to be overlooked, I thought it would be fair to put together a list of all the things to watch for in our pre-season debut against the Saints.

A) Offense Line work.  While the saints "D" has been slightly worse than mediocre the past few years (Otherwise known as the Michael Bay ratio) l I think we all know that it is CRUCIAL to see how the O line holds up this year.  Last year's group was the worst in the league, maybe even little league, but Anthony Collins has shown some promise as has Witworth.  If this group can keep Carson upright and pop open a few holes for Cedric then I have to assusme in the next few weeks we'll all think Andre the Giant is referring to that big guy in the Princess Bride

B) Getting to the QB -  Unlike the Saints "D" their "O" line is perhaps the best in the game.  Opposing teams had a grand total of 13 sacks against a pass happy team. With all the talk about our improved "D" the Bengals got to the QB as often as the shy kid gets the hot girl at prom.  If our line can put pressure on Brees (maybe one or two sacks) and slow the running game in the first half, then our "D" will have gone a long way towards reaching legitimacy.

C) Life after Hoosh - I know we are all missing Hoosh, but I am excited to see if Chris Henry and L. Coles can fill the void.  Cason hooking up with those guys for one or two deep passes would be a great sign for our offense

Again, to most, pre-season doesn't mean anything.  But for a Bengals fan, I'm excited to see sings of life after a dismal 08 campaign.  With Carson back, a revamped O line and an up and coming "D" I'm more excited to shout "Who Dey Baby?" than I have been in years.

Hello Fellow Bloggers, as i sit here writing a football blog at the end of June, I realize that real football fans are very single minded.  We eat, breathe and sleep football.  If you are like me, (and I honestly hope you're not)  your break from work during the middle of the day is to go onto ESPN.com to see if The Ocho has made any further Super Bowl predictions.  This somewhat sad existence is replicated by true fans across the league and is made worse by the fact that between OTA's and training camp, their is essentially nothing going on.  Football fans are in some strange stage of limbo while the NFL goes into hibernation.  Every fan copes with this down time differently and fills in the gaps.  For example, we all know that during this time of year Patriots fans burn incense and candles to a likeness of Tom Brady's butt stashed away in a closet or attic somewhere.  Lions fans spend a lot of time throwing garbage at Matt Millen's old house (so do Vikings fans in the form of Daunte Culpepper). And Steelers fans mostly stay at home because Troy Palamalu  wanders Pittsburgh nailing random pedestrians as they cross the street.

So I was wondering what you, the true Bengals fan, do during the offseason?  Also, may I suggest throwing out a few suggestions as to what other team's fans are doing this time of year.

Regardless of what you're doing right now, I know for sure we are all doing one thing... ROOTIN' for Dem Bengals!  Who dey baby?

Poll

What do most Bengals fans do with their free time?

5%

Weep uncontrollably

2 votes

20%

The Ickey Shuffle

7 votes

11%

Hunt wild Zebra to feed to Anthony Munoz

4 votes

42%

Ponder why next year, is going to be our year

15 votes

20%

Throw darts at the likeness of Joe Montana

7 votes

35 votes | Poll has closed

Bengals fans are eternal optimists... every year looks better than the last (how could it not?) and almost every year, like the poor kid at Christmas wishing for a new bicycle, we wind up feeling a little bit disappointed when we end up with a used car tire and a dead possum. (but hey, we make the best of it right?)  With that said, I am a die-hard Bengals fan, and perhaps because its the offseason... I can be optimistic once again! I've decided to look backwards when things started to go bad and try to shine a light of optimism on some of our bad luck the last few years.

2006

Offense: 8th

Defense: 30th

Important Draftees: Jonathon Joseph, Andrew Witworth, Domata Peko

The Bright Side: 2006 was a painful year as we started out 8-5, and then proceeded to lose our last three games, driving us out of the playoffs.  But we learned something about ourselves that will prove critical, Our defense was a train wreck... except train wrecks hit hard.   We would never have been legit contenders without a legit "d."  We needed to rebuild.  Enter Jonathon Joseph and Domata Peko.  Witworth should now sound familiar as well.

 

2007

Offense: 10th

Defense: 27th

Important Draftees:  Leon Hall

The Bright Side:  Correct me if I'm wrong, but this season was the one where every single linebacker we had on the team got hurt and we were picking up guys on the street.  (I even heard rumors that we made a move for John Madden to linebacker for us... though it went unsubstantiated).  This is also the year that caused OchoCinco to whine, complain, and demand to be traded so that he can further pursue his career as a Diva.  The brightside?  A soft and pudgy 08 Ocho has apparently led to a determined turnaround in 09.... also led to the drafting of Keith Rivers.  Nice.

 

2008

Offense: 32nd

Defense: 12th

Important Draftees: Keith Rivers, Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell,

The Bright Side:  This is the year that seemingly everything fell apart.  But I want you to notice something about last season.  Teams we played last year: Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Tennessee, Dallas, and Indianapolis.  Not only is a list of teams we played, but its also a list of the top 1,2,3,4,5, 7, 8, and 11 defenses in the league.  That accounts for 10 of our games played last year.  Its no wonder our offense was ranked 32nd in the league with no Carson. 

Also, don't make the conclusion that our poor "O" made our D look better than it really was because teams got up huge and then slowed down the game.  Take a look at KC (O-24, D-31), Detroit (O-30 D-32), Oakland (O-29, D-27) Cleveland (O-31, D-26) St. Louis (O-27, D-28) and others. All of their offenses were bad last year, yet none of their defenses excelled by any standard.  May I also keep in mind we played the giants into OT, tied the eagles, beat the redskins with a beat up Carson Palmer.  Granted we looked pitiful at times against the likes of Houston, The Jets, Indy, and so on, but there were some bright spots even through all of that.  Cedric emerged as a reliable back, the D carried us to three wins at the end of the season.  Now this year, with a healthy Carson Palmer, and emergent back, a host of new defense aces added to last years cure (hopefully... ) I think we're looking again at a bright Bengals future.

 

2009

Offense: ? Where do you think the O will be at the end of next season

1-10, 11-20, or 21-32

Defense? Where do you tink the D will be at the end of next season

1-10, 11-20, or 21-32

Important Draftees/pickups:  Rey Mauluga, Bernard Scott, Andre Smith, Tank Johnson, A revived OchoCinco, Michael Johnson, & Roy Williams,

Bright Side:  My question for you guys is, whats your bright side?

 

Who Dey Baby!?

Poll

What do you think our offensive and defensive ratings will be this year?

36%

Both 1-10

17 votes

26%

Both In the Middle

12 votes

23%

Only D=Top Ten

11 votes

8%

Only O=Top Ten

4 votes

4%

They're both going to suck this year, why not just give up?

2 votes

46 votes | Poll has closed