Peter King just visited Georgetown and had a couple comments on the team. King's article. He threw out his thoughts about the season outlook. Where they would finish, (middle of the pack), and then commented on Chris Henry and Leon Hall. Reading through, he basically does not say much, but what stuck in my crawl was this quote:

"I think we should all be a little mind-boggled the Bengals have had such a great player as Palmer on their team for the last four years, and yet, they've finished 8-8 in three of the seasons."

Well Pete. Couple things to point out: One, Carson does not play defense. Two, One of those 8-8 years Carson was on the bench watching Kitna. Three, the one year that Carson was playing, with a year under his belt and two good legs under him... he took the team to the playoffs with an 11-5 record.

But I do agree that Carson is a great player.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I took a look at Cleveland's site and had flashbacks to Bengal's years past. When we had less than nothing to be pumped about, but still found headlines to read during camp. Two tid-bits.

According to The Brown's team website, they have possibly their heaviest starting defensive line in history with nose tackle Ted Washington (375) and ends Orpheus Roye (330) and Robaire Smith (320). Combined, that's 1,025 pounds.

Awesome. Time to get excited. Not about a play off run. Or a sweet prospect. But get excited about the fattest collection of D-linemen ever. Although this is the Browns. So don't get too excited. They do say that they, "possibly" have the heaviest line ever. And knowing the Browns, one of the teams from years past has them beat by a pound.

Another story says that in 2007, wide receiver Braylon Edwards no doubt plans to be a better player than he was a year ago. But also on his list of improvements is to be a better person and teammate.

That is beautiful. Chad will be working on blocking. According to Bengals.com, Chad’s calling out linebackers to practice against. Meanwhile Edwards can focus on being a more encouraging player. Maybe he can work on his butt pat and test his skills at positive words. Here’s one: Who-Dey.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Cincinnati Bengals signed first-round draft pick Leon Hall to a five-year deal Saturday, that guarantees him $8.2 million and could be worth $13.6 million.

"Leon is very excited to have this finished and to get on with camp," agent Doug Hendrickson said. "He never wanted to miss any time at all, but he knew the business part had to be handled."

Hall wanted to wrap up a deal quickly.
"I didn't think it was going to go past today, so I wasn't too worried too much," Hall said. "Personally, I wasn't paying too much attention to it, but sometimes people would text me or my agent would call me to let me know the updates."

Hall, who was taken 18th overall, set a Michigan record for passes defensed (43) and tied for fourth in career interceptions (12).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So we don't get Odell back this year. Sucks for the Bengals, but really sucks for him. Lets hope the kid can stay out of trouble, avoid driving directly into DUI checkpoints or beating people senseless at house parties. Lets hope he gets the feeling that pretending to change and changing are two different things. Maybe take a glance at the guy drafted right ahead of him. His isn't playing either, but by no fault of his own.

So we don't get Odell back. Instead we get to start last years leading tackler, or a seasoned veteran in his place. Guys who are not the flashy explosive playmakers, but the do-your-job grunts. Guys who will not over-pursue around the corner. Guys who will make sure they do what they have to do, so the new phenom can make the plays in the middle.

So we don't get Odell this year, maybe next year. Hopefully he stays out of trouble, rejoins the team and has a productive career. Hopefully he comes back to Cincinnati with a heavy hitting style and the unique perspective of a pro, with super-star ability who understands that ability can only get you so far. Hopefully get Odell back, not because we need him, but because I think he needs us.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; THURS., JULY 26, 2007
FROM CINCINNATI BENGALS PUBLIC RELATIONS

The Bengals today signed four of the team’s selections in the 2007 Draft. Signing today were:
* QB Jeff Rowe (6-5, 221), fifth-round choice from Nevada.
* DT Matt Toeaina (6-2, 311), sixth-round choice from Oregon.
* C Dan Santucci (6-4, 304), seventh-round choice from Notre Dame.
* S Chinedum Ndukwe (6-2, 218), seventh-round choice from Notre Dame.
Still unsigned at this time are CB Leon Hall (first round, Michigan), HB Kenny Irons (second round, Auburn) and S Marvin White (fourth round, Texas Christian).

Inky Moore
Cincinnati Bengals
Public Relations Assistant
One Paul Brown Stadium
Cincinnati, OH 45202

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to Sports Illustrated HERE. Odell Thurman is going to have to sit out for another year. The article does not go on to say anything about the decision except "because of ongoing problems", but the last I heard was that Odell had done everything up to this point to be reinstated. I sure wish we could have the rookie year Odell back in Bengals stripes.

Labels: Odell Thurman

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to the Dayton Daily News, Bengal’s sixth-round draft pick, D-lineman, Matt Toeaina is ready to contribute to the team in any way possible. The Bengal’s have contacted Toeaina's agent, Angelo Wright, and a deal could be completed before the July 27 opening of training camp.

The buzz on this guy is that he is not athletic enough, arms too short, can't get the sack. But, what I like, even more than his versatility to play both end and tackle, or his big-time strength is that he is referred to everywhere as a team leader and captain.

Oregon's website calls him the unquestionable the leader of the defensive line and one of the team’s spokesmen. They go on to say that he practices and prepares for a game and understands the intensity needed to be successful at this level. Assumes ownership and pride with not only how well he plays but also the level of performance of the entire defensive line.

For years the Bengal’s have been drafting guys with checkered pasts, but huge athletic upside. I bet this guy isn't going to win us the Super Bowl. But I bet he could help us more than he would ever hurt us.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 6-4, 304-pound, Dan Santucci spent the past five years as a Notre Dame offensive lineman. Starting all 12 games at right guard in 2005, he could offer some depth and durability. Levi is still down with typical ambiguous clues as to the progress of his recovery. You never know with a rookie lineman, but her was one of the team's top scholar-athletes and moved from defensive tackle to offensive guard prior to the 2004 season. Got to think that with some brains and athletic ability he could help out in years to come. Don't know if he is going to do much for us this year. We can all breathe a little easier when Hall and Irons get on the field.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yahoo has released their pre-season rankings HERE. They have the Bengal’s ranked 7th and 8th in their two different polls. What’s more surprising is that they have 8 of the top 11 as AFC teams. Are the two leagues that separated in talent? I think with the Bengal’s schedule this year they should have no problem competing and finishing in the top 8. (Playoffs)


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to Joel we are now the proud owners of a Mini school bus. We are going to get her fixed up and will have her ready to go for the season opener. Stop by have a beer and introduce yourself.

Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------