The Cincinnati Bengals thought they only had to worry about Carson Palmer's rehabilitation during the off-season when they lost in the playoffs last winter. How wrong they were. The Bengals created a world of problems for themselves by bringing in a host of players with character issues. The first was Chris Henry, who entered the league with red flags a-waving. He's proved his critics right by finding himself in trouble time and time again. Odell Thurman had quite a nice rookie season, but he entered the league with some baggage and is now the proud owner of a four-game suspension to begin 2006. If that wasn't enough for the Bengals front office, they went out and drafted Frostee Rucker and AJ Nicholson, two players with questionable judgment and recently gave up their third round pick in 2007 to acquire Ahmad Brooks (who was kicked off the Virginia Cavaliers squad because of numerous issues).

The middle-linebacking corps for the Bengals now goes three deep: Thurman, Nicholson, and Brooks. (And they released Wyatt Gayer???)

Don't be surprised if things get worse quickly for the Bengals. It looks like there isn't a whole lot of discipline going on in the locker room there.

I think they go back to earth and are 8-8..again.

I am thinking they will go 10-6 at worst if Palmer stays healthy.

Yikes. The muffed extra-point. I feel bad for you, Cincy fans... that must have hurt...

I am a Cinci fan and even though we are 1-3 right now we are still gonna win the Super Bowl

I really think the Bengals could still win the AFC North. They barely lost to Seattle on the road and New England isn't even a real team anymore, they are like an all-star team.

If the defense can play a little better, I think the Bengals can still go 10-6...

I don't think they'll struggle at all at Arrowhead this Sunday... Anyone have any thoughts?

IMHO, the Bengals severely need a OT, because when Willie or Levi aren't able to play then Palmer gets sacks 137 times a game...lol. However, I applaud Whitworth on his play, not great but good. Also, although Chris Henry has enormous athletic ability, he's still not worth minimum wage. If they EVER sign him to another contract, I'm moving to Indianapolis...lol. (j/k) He's exactly what the Bengals DON'T need though, now or in the future.
I actually think that the Bengals defense is decent, just banged up. And might I add, they're still better overall than some of the teams out there, maybe not so much on paper, if that makes sense. They've just had alot of unfortunate injuries leaving them now with little depth to help them out in the time of need. With new players constantly having to be added, learning so much so quickly its starting to show that its just way too much right now for them to handle, but give them a few games and that should improve drastically. My advice to the Bengals' defense...think tackle first guys, then think about stripping the ball. Geez.
I do agree with Marvin Lewis though, there is way too much of 'me' on that team and not enough 'us'.
What's up with Chad's route running? Has he been hangin' around Chris Henry too much? (puff, puff) I still predict a 9-7 season with a division title, followed by a first round lose. And last but not least, I'd like to commend Robert Geathers on his play at OLB, he did pretty good, all things considered.

In the '08 draft they need to address that crazy LB situation, but get that OT first. As far as a WR in the draft, I like Harry Douglas out of Louisville, he's got excellent character and is a very diciplined individual. He'd be perfect for the Bengals and an excellent target for Carson in the slot. But then again I'm somewhat biased toward Louisville players...lol. Early Doucet out of LSU is another good fit as well.

Marvin Lewis has not improved this defense in the four years he's been in Cinncy. It's still a D that can't stop the run. I don't think he'll lose his job over it, but good teams have their way running the ball.

Are the Bengals going to keep Rudi around or do they let him go and use Watson and Irons? I know they were looking for Irons to be a change of pace for Johnson this year before he got hurt, would he do the same for Watson or vice versa?

As for the draft, where do you start?

The NY Post is reporting the Dewayne Robertson deal is all but final...finally.

Some players the Bengals are looking at...

Purdue Pro Day (March 7)

Twelve players worked out and there were almost as many Bengals coaches there -- Cincinnati sent eight coaches, including Jonathan Hayes (TEs), Jeff Fitzgerald (LBs) and Mike Zimmer (defensive coordinator). In all, 23 NFL teams were represented, along with one arena league team, as prospects worked out indoors on Field Turf ...

» DL/OLB Cliff Avril (6-2 ¾, 250): Had a 36 ½-inch vertical jump and 4.31 short shuttle. Ran position drills and stuck with his combine numbers for everything else.

» WR Dorien Bryant (6-9 ¾, 173): Ran the 40 in 4.44 and 4.45 and had a 6.51 cone drill. Ran position drills and stuck with his combine numbers for everything else.

» LB Stanford Keglar (6-1 5/8, 235): Ran the 40 in 4.55 and 4.56. Had a 39-inch vertical jump, 4.17 short shuttle, ran position drills and kept his combine numbers for everything else.

» TE Dustin Keller (6-2 3/8, 238): Had a 41-inch vertical jump, 3.94 short shuttle, ran position drills and kept his combine numbers for everything else.

how do the bengals reject the reported trade offer by the washington redskins for carson palmer of a 1st and 3rd round pick? If im the gm i am definitely snatching that up for the player who seams to be causing all the problems and drama one does not want or need around the team to be successful. I seriously think the Bengals should deal #85 and move on from where they are right now. Will see what they do and how Chad will respond to what they do? What would you do?

http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/bulldogs/story/641580.html

This story is about the DUI of Jason Shirley it's a few days old. However, right now the jury is hung and in CA he'll probably get off. Interesting details about the whole thing.

Here's the link about the jury is now hung. (Insert sophmoric joke at your wish)

http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/bulldogs/story/650942.html

Palmer really struggled. I didn't see the game but one thing I've noticed teams doing to Carson Palmer is blitzing the A gap on both sides and coming right up the middle on him. His lack of mobility hurts him here as well. A lot like what everyone was doing to Drew Bledsoe at the end of his career.

Whoa, even before his knee was 100% again he was WAY more mobile than Bledsoe, he was a sub 4.7 guy pre-knee. I think he is very frustrated and it maight be time to blow the whole thing up and and start over. Can you finish higher than 3rd in the division anytime soon? If not, retool!

Errr..I think you missed my point Bill. I was just pointing out what teams are doing to him now. Bringing pressue straight up the middle. Watch for this in games and let me know if this is not happening.

Sorry, yes especially with safties or Mike backers.

Well we are currently 3-11-1. There is one game left to play.Win it and we will probably pick eighth.Lose it and we could pick fourth.Doesnt look like we will get Andre Smith the OT from Alabama.He will most likely be gone.We should now take the ILB from USC and grabe the Off Tackle from Baylor in rnd 2.

If you are referring to Jason Smith, I'd be shocked if he is not gone by the late 1st around #30. Fenuki Tupou is likely to be there for you in the 2nd.