The Cincinnati Bengals in my opinion had a great draft as they filled in some holes that were a problem last season. Did we land Ellis? No, so what! It turned out to be one of the best moves we made of the draft because it landed us both Rivers and Sims which will help our defense improve rapidly. Now when the Bengals take the field on defense the opposing teams offense is going to have Rivers, Brooks and Thurman hunting them down which in my opinion may be the best LB corpse in the NFL. In the previous years the Bengals have had trouble stopping the run, actually to be honest the Bengals haven’t been able to stop the run at all in the previous years. But with the additions of Odom, Sims and Shirley the Bengals may be able to have a legit defensive line to help stop the run and pressure the quarterback to allow mistakes and turnovers favor the Bengals.
When the Bengals selected Corey Lynch I had no idea who he was until I watched his highlight reel and was amazed at what he brings to the field, I see Lynch making a big impact right away and he reminds me a little of Ethan Kilmer and Kevin Kaesviharn which could be pretty exciting to watch.
Now on to the other side of the ball which would be the offense. I love the fact the Bengals drafted three wide receivers that look to be explosive and very athletic, these guys should have no trouble replacing Chris Henry and possibly Chad Johnson. Now some of you may ask why draft three wide receivers? Simple, Carson Palmer. When you have a pro bowl quarterback with an arm like his you have to surround him with weapons and build for the future, Palmer is now going to have many options when it comes to throwing the ball and let’s not forget about our new TE Ben Utecht who signed with us this past offseason and the other wide receivers we already have. Our offense should be able to put up more numbers this season than any other season Palmer has been here.
The Cincinnati Bengals success this season will depend on a few things: Will Thurman return to 05′ form? Will our defense stop the run and stay healthy? Will the new wide receivers step up and replace those who have left? The Bengals made the right moves and now it’s up to the players to follow.
Simply put: Yes.
USC Linebacker Keith Rivers fits in perfectly to a position that absolutely killed the Bengals last year. The linebacker corps for Cincinnati was plagued by injuries last season and Rivers, who missed one game last season (due to a sprained ankle), adds durability and power. (more…)
With the ninth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Cincinnati Bengals selected USC LB Keith Rivers. After their target (Sedrick Ellis) was taken by New Orleans when they traded with the Patriots, the Bengals opted to take another USC defender.
Odell Thurman has been reinstated by the NFL after being forced to sit out the 2006/2007 seasons.
“Odell has met the NFL’s conditions for reinstatement and has been added to our offseason roster,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. “It is now up to Odell to continue to meet all NFL guidelines, and to maintain a standard of personal responsibility that will allow him the chance to compete for a spot on our team.”
Odell Thurman has been reinstated by the NFL after being forced to sit out the 2006/2007 seasons.
“Odell has met the NFL’s conditions for reinstatement and has been added to our offseason roster,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. “It is now up to Odell to continue to meet all NFL guidelines, and to maintain a standard of personal responsibility that will allow him the chance to compete for a spot on our team.”
Odell Thurman has been reinstated by the NFL after being forced to sit out the 2006/2007 seasons.
“Odell has met the NFL’s conditions for reinstatement and has been added to our offseason roster,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. “It is now up to Odell to continue to meet all NFL guidelines, and to maintain a standard of personal responsibility that will allow him the chance to compete for a spot on our team.”
Dear Chad,
It’s time to remove the “20??” overcoat – you’re never going to be in the Hall of Fame. The NFL reserves that hallowed site for standouts like Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison – not just standouts on the field, but quality human beings.
Chad, if you would, crack open the dictionary and turn to “s”. “Selfish”: concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself : seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others.
Does that ring a bell? I understand that you don’t care about the fans, and I’m not asking for an apology. Your only care is taking care of Chad. I get the point.
However, you’re missing the big picture. Catching footballs on a field means nothing without 66,000 fans watching from the stands. You can’t take care of Chad without taking care of the fans. For better or worse, your life directly correlates with those willing to pay to see you play (myself included). Selfish doesn’t work in football.
It’ll be interesting to see where your selfish persona will lead you. Out of all of the owners and coaches out there, the group in Cincinnati is the one most likely to stubbornly stick to their guns. Your rant will not dissolve your contract. Mike and Marvin will likely choose to let you sit out the season before trading you. Your only hope is that there is a team out there desperate enough to give more than they’re going to receive. At this point, are you worth a first round pick or a top-tiered linebacker? If not, have fun in South Beach this fall.
I hope you’ve saved enough for retirement because a year or two out of this league will turn you into a nobody. If this organization sticks to their guns, Mike Vick will be on the field before you.
Chad, I don’t wish that for you. I hope you get traded. I hope we have two first round draft picks this year. You’re not wanted; you’re not welcome. And the next time you criticize a guy like Carson Palmer, realize that it takes more than just numbers to get to the Hall. It takes respect – you’ve earned zero.
Your once loyal fan,
Gary McDaniel
In an interview on Tuesday, Carson Palmer said that he had talked to Chad Johnson and that he told him that he planned to attend the mandatory workouts that are ahead. Today, Johnson completely denies what Palmer said.
“I want to make this very clear,” Johnson said Wednesday. “I don’t know where he got that. I made no assertion to Carson that I would do that. Nothing has changed from what I’ve been saying for three months that I don’t want to play for the Bengals.”
“I want to be traded before the draft, and if that doesn’t happen, I want to be traded as soon as possible,” Johnson said. “I don’t intend on reporting to anything.”
Johnson said he was surprised by Palmer’s comments about him possibly reporting to mandatory camp.
“I wish he would stay out of my business,” Johnson said.
Should the Bengals grant Johnson his wish? Is it worth the reported $8 million cap hit? As each day goes by and Johnson keeps running his mouth, I am beginning to think it is about time.
Today the league announced the 2008 Regular Season Schedule and the Bengals do not play any Monday or Sunday Night Primetime Games.Sun., Sept. 7, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Sun., Sept. 14, TENNESSEE, 1 p.m.Sun., Sept. 21, at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.Sun., Sept. 28, CLEVELAND, 1 p.m.Sun., Oct. 5, at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.Sun., Oct. 12, at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.Sun., Oct. 19, PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.Sun., Oct. 26 (BYE)Sun., Nov. 2, JACKSONVILLE, 1 p.m.Sun., Nov. 9, at Houston, 1 p.m.Sun., Nov. 16, PHILADELPHIA*, 1 p.m.Thurs., Nov. 20, at Pittsburgh (NFL NETWORK), 8:15 p.m.Sun., Nov. 30, BALTIMORE*, 1 p.m.Sun., Dec. 7, at Indianapolis*, 1 p.m.Sun., Dec. 14, WASHINGTON*, 1 p.m.Sun., Dec. 21, at Cleveland*, 1 p.m.Sun., Dec. 28, KANSAS CITY*, 1 p.m.*Subject to flex scheduling
Gabriel, 6′2 and 215 pounds, played college ball at Central Florida and is entering his fifth NFL season. He has played in 57 NFL games with 12 starts and has 101 career receptions for 1,550 yards and eight touchdowns. Gabriel also has 86 career kickoff returns for a 21.5-yard average and one touchdown.
