Bengals tidbits

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Cincy

5/5/06

Bengals notebook

How's the knee, Carson? Fine, thankyouverymuch

BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

<!--ARTICLE BODY TEXT-->Carson Palmer continues to rehabilitate his left knee and train during the Bengals' offseason strength and conditioning program. And he continues to answer the question.

"Yeah, everything's going great," he said Wednesday. "It's a long, slow process. I'm moving along as my leg gets stronger."

Asked how tired he is of answering questions about his knee, Palmer said, "Very."

BEN'S BACK: Center Ben Wilkerson was cleared medically at the end of the season and has been participating in offseason workouts. Signed as a rookie free agent a year ago, Wilkerson was the 2005 draft's top-rated center until suffering a serious injury to his left knee in his final game at LSU.

"I'm just anxious to get back on the field and get going again. It has been so long," said Wilkerson, who could challenge Eric Ghiaciuc for the backup center job if healthy.

QB OR WR?: The Bengals' top two receivers, Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, said they were excited about the addition of sixth-round draft pick Reggie McNeal, who played quarterback at Texas A&M but will be placed at wide receiver by the Bengals.

"Is he playing receiver?" Houshmandzadeh said of McNeal. "I think he can play quarterback, but you know how they do African-American guys? They want to move him to receiver because he's fast. It's the truth. I think he can play quarterback. He looked good to me in college.

"You know, if that's the case (McNeal plays receiver), yeah, he'll learn. Maybe we can do him like (Antwaan) Randle El. He's faster than Randle El; he's a better thrower than Randle El."

Randle El played quarterback in college at Indiana but has played primarily receiver as a pro.

TRYOUT: Andy Wellendorf, former Elder and Mount St. Joseph wide receiver, will get a free-agent tryout with the Bengals at their rookie minicamp May 13-15.

Former Boston College linebacker Ricky Brown, who also played at Elder, signed a free-agent contract with Oakland.

DRAFTED: Milford High School product Zach Strief was drafted in the seventh round (210th overall) by the New Orleans Saints out of Northwestern.

MORE FREE AGENTS: Running back P.J. Pope, Wyoming High School Class of 2002, signed a free-agent contract with the Bears. He had played at Bowling Green.

Former Miami University quarterback Josh Betts signed a rookie free-agent contract with Indianapolis. And former RedHawks wide receiver Martin Nance signed as an undrafted player with Buffalo. Former UC defensive end Adam Roberts signed with the Tennessee Titans as a rookie free agent. Rob Smith, a former Highlands High School offensive lineman, signed with Cleveland. And Kyle Ralph, an offensive lineman from St. Xavier High School, agreed to terms with Seattle.

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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

5/5/06

After all the talk before the draft about how the Bengals might switch to the 3-4 defense, it didn’t happen. Part of the uncertainty stemmed from the Bengals picking too late (24 th) to know which players would be available.

If North Carolina State defensive end/outside linebacker Manny Lawson, for example, had been available, the 3-4 would have been a more attractive option, but the 49 ers took Lawson at No. 22.
Marvin Lewis doesn’t think it is a big deal. His Bengals have used a base 4-3 defense, the system he used as defensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in 2000. But he began his NFL coaching career as linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who use a 3-4.

 

[sandgk]

Particularly good to hear that Ben Wilkerson is coming back strong. If not this season, he certainly could be gold in coming years.

 

[Folanator]

QB OR WR?: The Bengals' top two receivers, Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, said they were excited about the addition of sixth-round draft pick Reggie McNeal, who played quarterback at Texas A&M but will be placed at wide receiver by the Bengals.

"Is he playing receiver?" Houshmandzadeh said of McNeal. "I think he can play quarterback, but you know how they do African-American guys? They want to move him to receiver because he's fast. It's the truth. I think he can play quarterback. He looked good to me in college.

Huh??? Half the freeken QB's in the league are Black there TJ. Might want to just stick to catching footballs rather than giving social commentary.

 

[GoBucks89]

Huh??? Half the freeken QB's in the league are Black there TJ. Might want to just stick to catching footballs rather than giving social commentary.

Right. The coaches will play McNeal where he can best help the team. It's not about one guy, it's about 53.

 

[RB07OSU]

Right. The coaches will play McNeal where he can best help the team. It's not about one guy, it's about 53.

I doubt we have any intentions to play McNeal at QB. I was never impressed with his throwing ability at the college level and he definetly isn't a pro QB imo. He did run a great option attack for A&M though. I'm just excited about that speed.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

5/10/06

2007 will be year of free agency for Bengals

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer

No way were the Bengals going to pull off a sign-and-trade with wide receiver Kelley Washington. He's too valuable now that Chris Henry's future is as murky and muddy as Cincinnati's Mill Creek.

Henry, whose off-the-field problems are well-documented, could face a suspension from the league office. Washington is needed for insurance purposes. After signing his one-year tender as a restricted free agent, Washington will play the role of good soldier this fall, then bolt — faster than a speeding bullet — when he becomes an unrestricted free agent next spring.

• Fans piling into Paul Brown Stadium this fall need to take a good, long look around. Plenty of Bengals won't be back in 2007.

Seventeen players are due to become unrestricted free agents in the spring if they don't get contract extensions. Here's a breakdown:

Offense
LT Levi Jones, RT Willie Anderson, LG Eric Steinbach, RG Scott Kooistra, C Rich Braham and C Larry Moore; TEs Reggie Kelly and Tony Stewart; TB Kenny Watson; and Washington.
Defense
LE Justin Smith; LBs Marcus Wilkins and Hannibal Navies; CBs Tory James and Rashad Bauman; SS Anthony Mitchell; and FS Kevin Kaesviharn.
• Wide receiver is by far the deepest and most talented position on the roster with perennial Pro Bowler Chad Johnson topping a list that includes T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Antonio Chatman, Washington, Tab Perry, P.K. Sam, Jamall Broussard and a trio of rookies in Ethan Kilmer, Bennie Brazell and ex-quarterback Reggie McNeal.
Kilmer could emerge as a safety, and don't be surprised if Brazell gets groomed as a cornerback. McNeal is a developmental wideout who could save the club a roster spot by becoming the third QB behind Carson Palmer and Anthony Wright. McNeal will cut his NFL teeth on special teams.
• For now, second-round draft pick Andrew Whitworth will play left offensive tackle because that's where he's comfortable. He's strong enough to push defenders off the ball and has the agility to move in space, but the jury is out on whether he can be trusted to handle the NFL's speedy pass rushers off the edge.
Whitworth is a valuable insurance policy in case either Jones or Anderson don't return in 2007.
• Of the 15 college free agents who signed last week, my favorites to stick on the 53-man roster are the "Killer B's" — Arizona punter Danny Baugher and Miami RedHawks linebacker-turned-strong safety John Busing. Baugher's foot can dethrone incumbent Kyle Larson, and Busing is a wrecking ball on special teams.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Cincy

5/10/06

Two more free agents sign with club

Bengals notebook
BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

<!--ARTICLE BODY TEXT-->The Bengals on Tuesday announced the signing of two more college free agents, bringing to 17 the total of undrafted rookies who have come to terms with the club.
The Bengals signed defensive end Eric Henderson of Georgia Tech and halfback Terrence Whitehead of Oregon.
Henderson (6 feet 2, 270 pounds) signed a two-year contract. Whitehead (5-10, 209) signed a one-year deal.
The Bengals announced the signing of 15 college free agents Friday. The new players will have their first workouts with the team during rookie minicamp May 15-17 at Paul Brown Stadium. Rookies and eligible first-year players will participate.
RUDI FUNDRAISER: The Rudi Johnson Foundation of the Bengals will host a celebrity Mother's Day concert and luncheon from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the Westin Hotel downtown.
The event will be a fundraiser for the foundation, which supports youth activities in the Cincinnati area and Johnson's native Virginia.
The foundation will honor actress Regina King as its celebrity mother of the year.
The event also will feature a performance by rhythm and blues artist Howard Hewitt, formerly of the group Shalamar. His solo career has produced songs such as "Say Amen" and "I'm for Real."
Several of Johnson's Bengals teammates will make guest appearances. Among them are quarterback Carson Palmer, wide receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson, linebacker Odell Thurman, running back Chris Perry and defensive tackle Shaun Smith. Other league players scheduled to appear are Cadillac Williams of Tampa Bay, Carlos Rogers of Washington and former Bengals linebacker Takeo Spikes of Buffalo.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is expected to make an appearance.
Ticket prices are $45 for general admission and $65 for VIP seating. Tickets: www.ticketweb.com or call (866) 468-3401.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Cincy

5/11/06

Prediction of excellence

BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

<!--ARTICLE BODY TEXT-->Chad Johnson was entertaining reporters in the Bengals' locker room Wednesday morning when Carson Palmer happened by.

Palmer put his left arm around Johnson's shoulders as the receiver was speaking. In a rare public display of humor, the Bengals quarterback, who is recovering from surgery on his left knee, nodded in agreement in an exaggerated fashion with every word Johnson said.

"He's in good spirits. He'll be ready," the wide receiver said after Palmer walked away. "He didn't have to say anything. I can see it in his eyes. He's ready. We are going to have an awfully good year."

Since returning to Cincinnati to participate in the team's offseason strength and conditioning program, Johnson has not missed a step with the media.

On Wednesday, the topic was his in-locker list of opposing cornerbacks.

"I'm upgrading this year," Johnson said of the list. "It'll be in color. There'll be pictures."

Johnson also advised fans not to be alarmed by new NFL rules that will penalize excessive celebrations after touchdowns.

"There will be plenty to celebrate," he said.

He also said coach Marvin Lewis would not object to the new list.

A week ago, Johnson predicted a big season for the Bengals, who are attempting to repeat as AFC North division champions.

The team will hold its rookie minicamp this weekend.

"Carson says he will be back (in) Week 1," Johnson told the media. "We addressed everything we needed to address on defense. We're going to be good. I'm back. T.J.'s (Houshmandzadeh) back. Antonio's (Chatman) here.

"If anyone feels we're not going to dominate the AFC North this year, something's wrong. Look at the numbers. Look at the players. Look at me.

"We are going to be great."
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Cincy

5/12/06

Bengals notebook

Robinson harbors high expectations for himself, as well as entire defense

BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

<!--ARTICLE BODY TEXT-->Bryan Robinson is preparing for his 10th NFL season.
With his first year as a Bengal behind him, the defensive tackle is looking forward to even better results in the immediate future.
"I'll be 32 (in June)," he said. "Richie (Braham) is 35. Willie (Anderson) is going to be 31. We have a short window. We can't wait two years to get (the Bengals to the Super Bowl)."
Robinson played 10 games with 18 total tackles for the league's 28th-ranked defense in 2005.
He wants the Bengals to be a top 10-ranked defense in 2006.
"It's a realistic goal," he said.
The reasons for optimism are the additions of free agents Sam Adams at defensive tackle and Dexter Jackson at strong safety, the maturation of second-year linebackers Odell Thurman and David Pollack and the return of free safety Madieu Williams, "who plays like another linebacker out there," Robinson said.
Adams will join Robinson, John Thornton and Shaun Smith as the expected rotation at defensive tackle. The team also drafted Domata Peko from Michigan State.
Adams, a 335-pound tackle who, Robinson said, has the fastest first step at his position in the NFL, is the focal point.
"He will help me, he will help John (Thornton), he will help Justin (Smith)," Robinson said. "Justin might get 10-plus sacks because of the havoc Sam causes in the middle of the line."
Robinson could be used as a defensive end early in series and come in on passing downs to spell Adams, Bengals defensive coaches have said. Robinson also wants the defense to take pressure off the offense because of the uncertainty of when injured quarterback Carson Palmer can return. Backup Anthony Wright is expected to start the season.
"Our offense did a lot to help us out last year," Robinson said. "We want to take on that role this year."
EARNINGS: Quarterback Erik Meyer of Eastern Washington received the biggest signing bonus, $5,000, of any of the team's 17 college free agents. LSU tight end David Jones was second with a signing bonus of $2,500.
MADIEU FOUNDATION: Williams, the Bengals defensive back, said the first fundraising event for his foundation drew about 250 people and was successful. The Madieu Williams Foundation, working through the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, will support existing organizations trying to improve African-American health.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Cincy

5/13/06

Bengal rookies get first taste

BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

<!--ARTICLE BODY TEXT-->The Bengals will practice five times this weekend with 26 rookies and three eligible first-year players in their annual rookie mini-camp.

The mini-camp will begin with practice from 10:30-11:55 a.m. today at Paul Brown Stadium. Camp continues through Monday morning. It is not open to the public.

All three of the first-year players are vying for roster spots, and the additional work will help their bids.

They are tight end Ronnie Ghent, who is trying to win the No. 3 tight end job after having spent the past two seasons on the practice squad.

Center Ben Wilkerson was cleared at the end of the regular season after spending 2005 on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List. Wilkerson was the nation's top collegiate center at LSU in 2004 before suffering a series knee injury. He could push second-year player Eric Ghiaciuc for the job of backup center behind Rich Braham.

The third first-year player participating is safety Herana-Daze Jones, who was on the practice squad last year but could win a special teams job.

The 26 rookies will include all eight draft picks from two weeks ago. Of interest will be the performance of sixth-round rookie quarterback/wide receiver Reggie McNeal from Texas A&M. He and rookie free agent Erik Meyer of Eastern Washington will be the only two quarterbacks in camp.

Though the Bengals plan to use McNeal as a wide receiver, he will get work this weekend at quarterback.

Meyer received the highest signing bonus, $5,000, of any of the rookie free agents.

Another specialty player is Penn State's Ethan Kilmer. He was a star on special teams in college and could make the Bengals as a rookie because of his ability to cover kicks and play on return teams.

McNeal and Kilmer, along with seventh-round wide receiver Bennie Brazell and first-round cornerback Johnathan Joseph are extremely fast.

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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

5/14/06

Bengals shift QB to receiver

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>

</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>TONY TRIBBLE ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Reggie McNeal, right, was a quarterback at Texas A&M, but with the Bengals, he is beginning the transition to receiver. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


CINCINNATI — The Bengals’ rookie minicamp started yesterday, and they have given Reggie McNeal the No. 10 jersey. Oh, the irony.
That number is the one worn by Vince Young, with whom McNeal has been compared since their high-school days in Texas. Heading into their final college seasons, it was a tossup as to which player had the more promising NFL future.
But while Young led Texas to the national championship, McNeal struggled through a disappointing senior season at Texas A&M. In the NFL draft in April, Young was the third overall pick to Tennessee. McNeal had to wait 193 more picks before the Bengals picked him.
Not only that, McNeal will have to change positions to make it to the NFL. This weekend, McNeal is beginning his transition to receiver.
McNeal is philosophical about his change in fortunes and position.
"It works out that way sometimes," he said. "But I’m still blessed to have a chance to play in the NFL."
Yesterday was his first chance to make an impression. He dropped an easy pass in one drill but drew praise with his athleticism. After he showed improvement in a cones drill, receivers coach Hue Jackson yelled, "I’m going to make one out of him yet! "
McNeal is understandably raw but has tools that can’t be taught, starting with 4.32 speed.
"I can’t coach athletic ability and I can’t coach speed and quick-twitch muscle fibers and all that," Jackson said. "What I can coach is a guy who has that kind of athletic ability to become a receiver. He has exactly what it takes to become a very good receiver."
McNeal has not played receiver since his freshman year of high school. Though he spent pre-draft workouts hoping to prove he could be an NFL quarterback, he said he’s willing and able to make the transition.
"It’s not hard," McNeal said. "I’ve been labeled as an athlete for years now."
He said the hardest adjustment for now has been the seemingly endless repetition of routes.
"He just has to get himself in receiver shape, when you run all day," Jackson said. "You’re so used to playing quarterback, you throw the ball or hand it off and you get a couple plays off. When you’re a receiver, you run, run, run and run."
Quarterback Erik Meyer, a free agent from Eastern Washington, said McNeal didn’t look like a neophyte.
"He looked like he was getting it pretty good for the first time playing receiver," Meyer said. "It does seem to come naturally to him."
As McNeal continues his conversion, those comparisons with Young will fade. McNeal said he and Young are friends who frequently text-message each other.
"He comes to Texas and it’s Vince Young and Reggie McNeal, Reggie McNeal and Vince Young. We’ve always been the two compared to each other. I wish the best for him and I’m pretty sure he wishes the best for me."
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

5/15/06

Whitworth a big man with a soft heart

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer

CINCINNATI | Rookie offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth is a big, bruising blocker on the field. Away from it, he's a teddy bear.
The second-round draft pick from LSU spearheaded a team effort last fall to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.
"Even though I'm from the northern part of the state (West Monroe, La.), I thought it was important for me to uplift the people that I was around and cared about," said Whitworth, who will compete in the Bengals rookie minicamp today through Monday.
"Some teammates of mine got together with me to help. We got players to donate food and clothes, filled two 18-foot trailers within two days, and just donated our time when we had the chance. We were able to uplift our state and not worry about ourselves."
No wonder head coach Marvin Lewis called Whitworth "an outstanding guy" who will "brighten the room" with his engaging personality.
Pinball wizard
QB Erik Meyer lit up the scoreboard for Eastern Washington en route to winning the 2005 Walter Payton Award as top player in NCAA Division I-AA.
Meyer (6-1, 210) completed 269 of 411 passes (65.5 percent) for 4,003 yards, 30 TDs and 5 interceptions. That's an astounding 9.7 yards per attempt. He also rushed 92 times for 221 yards and 2 TDs.
His signature game came in a 34-20 victory at Montana when he was 28 of 40 for 395 yards and 5 TDs.
Freak accident
Arizona's Danny Baugher was leading the nation in punting with a 48.4-yard average when he blew out his right knee against Oregon on Oct. 27.
Baugher scooped up his blocked punt and raced 39 yards only to get flattened by Oregon defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 12th overall pick.
Baugher is here to push incumbent Kyle Larson for the Bengals' punting job.
Familiar faces
Strong safety Herana-Daze Jones, center Ben Wilkerson and tight end Ronnie Ghent are eligible to participate in the minicamp as first-year players.
They spent 2005 with the Bengals, but did not earn an accrued year of experience toward NFL free agency because they were not on the 53-man roster, the Reserve/Injured list or the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list for the required minimum of six games.
By the numbers
There are eight draft picks, 17 signed college free agents, 10 participants on a tryout basis, three first-year players and one rookie free agent — linebacker Rashad Jeanty, who signed in February after three seasons in the Canadian Football League — for a total of 39 players at minicamp.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

5/15/06

Better late than never for USC's Rucker

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer

CINCINNATI — Frostee Rucker's late arrival to Bengals rookie minicamp fell into the "excused absence" category.
The defensive end from Southern Cal graduated on Friday — he sat next to Cleveland Browns DB Daylon McCutcheon at the ceremony on campus — then things got a little crazy.
"I had a red-eye (flight) and got bumped off," Rucker said. "So I had to make due, get another flight and buy my own ticket so I could get here as fast as I could."
Armed with a bachelor's degree in sociology, Rucker competed in Saturday's afternoon practice and got up to speed on Sunday.
"I'm the first person in my whole family tree to graduate, let alone go to college. I'd just like to say I'm living a dream," he said. "(McCutcheon) sat right next to me. He gave a little speech, too. I teared up, but enough about that. What I want to bring to the team is just my enthusiasm to learn."
Three amigos
Defensive back Tez Morris and wideouts Andy Wellendorf and Glenn Holt are here on a tryout basis.
Morris, a free safety from Pitt and Hamilton High School, got a shock when he arrived.
"They said they want to try me at corner, so I have to step up to the challenge," he said. "I'm adjusting, learning and just going all out."
Wellendorf is hanging onto every word from wide receivers coach Hue Jackson.
"I've probably learned as much in the last two days as I've learned in 15 years — just how to run your routes and how to approach a defender when he's jamming you," he said. "It's a great experience."
Added Holt: "It's way different than college. The expectations are a lot higher. The coaches are more demanding about everything — from having your shirt tucked in to knowing your alignment. Everything is timing, so if you're not in your right split, you can mess up the whole play."
Straight arrow
Quarterback Erik Meyer's accuracy at Eastern Washington has carried over to his first NFL camp. He's taking every snap and his arm is holding up well heading into today's fifth and final practice.
"It's going to be money," he said. "I've been throwing leading up to this camp, making sure I was going to be ready for this. I come from a Division I-AA school, but I definitely have the talent and mental preparation to play at this level."
Little big man
DeDe Dorsey earned NAIA All-America honors at free safety (2004) and tailback (2005) at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. His resume includes 18 blocked kicks (nine field goals and nine punts).
He welcomes the challenge of being a punt returner in the NFL.
"I'm trying to expand my horizons and do everything I can to get on the field," he said.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

5/15/06

Joseph on the ball at Bengals minicamp

Rookies learn it is the small things that make a big difference.

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer

CINCINNATI — A voice keeps ringing in cornerback Johnathan Joseph's ear during Bengals rookie minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium.
It belongs to defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle, who is teaching the first-round draft pick the nuances of the cat-and-mouse game cornerbacks play against wide receivers.
"He's just been drilling it in my head about technique and fundamentals," Joseph said. "Whenever he sees me out of position or not using the technique I've been taught, he tells me: 'Focus and think about what you're doing. Go back to your techniques and trust them. You'll be much better off.'"
Even for diaper dandies such as Joseph, this minicamp is about taking baby steps, not quantum leaps. But he has eagerly climbed aboard the learning curve as the installation process on offense, defense and special teams proceeds.
"It's pretty much what I expected," he said. "The game's coming real fast at you. You're trying to learn and play at the same time. The fundamentals — as far as the pre-snap reads, your focus and your footwork — are things they teach at all levels. But here you can't be lazy and sloppy and just forget. You've got to use your technique at all times."
Making quick breaks on the ball at sharp angles and hustling all over the field, Joseph is showing the kind of fast, fluid, athletic moves that made him the 24th overall pick in the NFL draft. He said he can hardly wait for the live contact with receivers at training camp, where "you can slow 'em down and re-route 'em with your hands."