The 4 defensive starters in their contract years are free safety Madieu Williams, weak-side linebacker Landon Johnson and defensive ends Justin Smith and Bryan Robinson.
Some key backups headed into their final contract years, are middle linebacker Caleb Miller, cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, linebacker Ed Hartwell and defensive tackle Kenderick Allen.

If Madieu can return to form I say sign him for the future. This defense needs an identity, and Madieu, with our twin first round corners; Ahmad Brooks and Peko are the foundation to build on.

We need guys with a swagger. And I’m sorry but that is not Landon Johnson. He is a serviceable guy, but I would not give him a big payday. I’d say goodbye to Smith and Robinson as well, unless either would sign for less.

I’m okay with Keiwan. He is having a good camp. And you might remember TJ calling him out as a person who deserves to be a starter during the off-season. But I sign him, provided he doesn’t want starter money (which he probably does). As to the rest, I would wait and see how Hartwell and Allen play before I make an offer. Goodbye Caleb Miller.


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Well, I think any chance that Odell's going to be part of the Bengals plans ever again went out the window with the news that he missed a meeting with his probation officer.

This happened on Monday the 24th of July, and on Thursday of that week it was announced that he wouldn't be back. Could it possibly be the case that one led to the other? Did the league know he missed this meeting, and went ahead and suspend him? Seems like a quick turnaround, but I've still yet to hear an official reasons for tagging another year on his suspension.

I'm giving up on Odell. But many of his teammates aren't, as this report from Bengals.com tells us. Money quote:

When (Bryan) Robinson and (Justin) Smith heard the news, they looked at each other and Smith said, "You've got to be kidding me."

The team wasn't counting on him this season, so maybe it's not a big loss. I think now, they'll either release him or let him play in Canada. But I don't think he'll figure in their plans for next season either.


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I just read an interesting article over on MSNBC that starts off as an article about Marvin Lewis potentially being in the hot seat if the Bengals don't perform this year and then trails into how the Bengals have trouble finishing a season.

While I disagree Marvin's job is in jeopardy, I do think in order for the Bengals to have success this year they need to play as strong in the last three games as they play in the first three. Remember, one year ago, one win in the last three games would have changed an average season into a winning / playoff season.

Lastly, it has not been said on the blog and I feel it is long overdue, I do not like the Steelers, and more importantly, do not like Steeler fans.


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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.


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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.


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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).

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