Two days after signing and ending a lengthy holdout Cincinnati Bengals first round pick Andre Smith breaks his foot in a non contact drill. Why does it seem that this team can not catch a break? Josh over at CincyJungle wonders if Smith might be a bust? He even dares to mention the name Ki-jana Carter. (How dare you!)

There are reports that the injury keeps Smith out 7 to 10 days only. While this may seem like good news it just piles on the time before this kid can crack the starting lineup. I know there are factions that think this will affect the line negatively but this guy is a great lineman. He was the premiere Offensive Lineman in the NCAA the past two years and you don't get that kind of recognition for being a chump.

I never voiced my opinion on the contract or the holdout. Many people blame the Brown family for the holdout this year. While I can agree that the Bengals notoriously are one of the last teams to sign their picks so that they can use the slotting system to base their offers on, this year I think the Bengals did a good thing. Paying a guy 20% + more than the same pick the year before (reports show this is what Keels was asking for) is insane. The Bengals did not toss out the slotting system, the DHB deal did. The Bengals probably low balled at the beginning but that is what any negotiation consists of, trying to get the most for the least.

I understand Bengal's fans are fed up and want change, 1 winning season in 18 years is unacceptable. However, I am not some bitter fan that thinks every decision the organization makes is terrible. I am happy with Marvin Lewis as the head coach, I am ecstatic that Zimmer is the D coordinator. I loved this years draft (Andre Smith included). I think the Bengals field a much better team this season compared to last. These same fans that complain constantly and berate anything the Bengal's do would complain whether or not Smith signed on day 1 or day 101. (I now step off my soapbox).

Let's get Carson and Andre healthy and play some football.

WhoDey