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Only dropping his name By GEOFF HOBSON
June 9, 2006
Posted: 4:10 a.m.
<TABLE width=345 align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>
Houshmandzadeh: “I’ll take the hit for the catch” (Bengals photo)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The man they call the “The Football Scientist” has proven what Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh
already believed.
Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati’s No. 2 receiver opposite three-time Pro Bowler Chad Johnson, has the best hands in the NFL after dropping just three passes in 2005.
It certainly wouldn’t surprise two quarterbacks named Jon Kitna and Carson Palmer.
“I told Kit and then I told Carson,” Houshmandzadeh said, “I’ll take the hit for the catch.”
The observation comes from ESPN.com insider KC Joyner, who submits that Houshmandzadeh had the lowest dropped pass percentage in the NFL last season with 2.6 percent, leading a top five that includes the Pro Bowl trio of Marvin Harrison at No. 2 (3.2 percent), Jason Witten at No. 4 (4.5) and Steve Smith at No. 5 (4.7).
For a guy who has always felt his worth has been determined more by his seventh-round selection than his production, Houshmandzadeh appreciates the research.
“Drops and catches are cut and dried,” Houshmandzadeh said. “Saying who is the best receiver and all that is subjective. It’s not surprising to me. Everyone is going to know me after this season, but it means nothing for the new year.”
In his column, Joyner said that he divided the number of drops by the number of catchable passes to come up with the dropped pass percentage. Although Johnson wasn’t ranked in the top 20 in that group, the good scientist ranked him tied for No. 5 in the NFL with total yards per catchable attempt at 9.6. Johnson finished third in the NFL with 1,432 yards and fifth with 97 catches and he wasn’t the only leading receiver not on Joyner’s list.
Anquan Boldin of Arizona and the Rams’ Torry Holt (each with 102 catches), Washington's Santana Moss (an NFL-runner-up 1,483 yards), and San Diego's Antonio Gates (who led all tight ends with 89 catches) also weren’t ranked in the top 20 of lowest dropped pass percentage.
Which makes Houshmandzadeh’s season of 78 catches for 956 yards and seven touchdowns even more remarkable. According to Joyner, only Detroit’s Scottie Vines dropped as few as three passes. But Vines caught the minimum 40 catches to qualify, working out to a 4.8 dropped pass percentage.
“It was no surprise to see Marvin Harrison near the top of this list,” Joyner wrote, “ but I was somewhat surprised to see T.J. Houshmandzadeh rank No. 1 in this category. Houshmandzadeh is known as a very good possession receiver, but this chart shows he may be one of the best.”
Houshmandzadeh and Bengals wide receivers coach Hue Jackson have been talking like that for a couple of years. At 6-1, 200 pounds, Houshmandzadeh has a best-of-both-worlds physical grittiness and soft hands.
“T.J. is one of the best players in this league; Chad would be a guy that wouldn’t be surprised by this,” Jackson said. “He knows how good T.J. is day in and day out. This shows you that not many guys can do what he does, which is make the catches in close quarters and go up and get the ball and take it away from people. He’s a very smart receiver. I’ve seen a couple of scouting reports that say he’s not a smart player, and I don’t know where they get that.”
<TABLE width=90 align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>
Jackson </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Jackson, who can motivate with a needle longer than the Steelers’ winning streak, hasn’t hesitated showing Houshmandzadeh the reports.
“I don’t know who’s writing it, where it’s coming from, or whatever, but that guy needs to get fired. They shouldn’t be getting paid writing like that,” Houshmandzadeh said. “Being smart is one of my strengths. I laugh at these guys who look at film and say I’m not that fast. Any time you see a guy who’s running every route as fast as he can, I’ll show you a guy who’s having trouble getting open.
“It’s about changing direction. It’s about knowing when to settle, knowing when to run by, knowing where the hole is going to be. Put it this way; If I had an arm, I’d be a quarterback. I’ve been lucky. Even when I was in school and I was interested in a subject, I picked it up fast. It’s strange, because I didn’t always play football. But whenever I did watch it, I paid attention.”
Getting a late start
The man with the best hands in football came to the game late and the scouts have been even later coming to him. He played just one season of high school before the junior college route translated into him getting drafted in the last round of 2001.
“I always had pretty good hands,” Houshmandzadeh said. “I think a lot of it is being in shape. When you get tired, you lose your concentration. Fatigue has a lot to do with it, I think. The more tired you get, I think the more drops you’ll have.”
Joyner puts dropped passes into three categories: off an accurate pass, off an inaccurate pass (outside of the receiver’s frame but still deemed catchable) and off a ball stripped by a defender.
Houshmandzadeh said he dropped two off accurate passes, and one was stripped.
“See, I remember them all,” he said. “I dropped two five-yard routes. One was at home against Cleveland. I turned and it just went through my hands. The other one was in the playoffs against Pittsburgh, going toward our locker room, and I think it was on the same drive I scored a touchdown.
“I had one stripped in Kansas City. I thought they were going to call it a fumble because I thought I took two steps after the guy came from behind. I considered it a drop because I should have (protected the ball).”
Third-down receptions didn’t necessarily translate to the drops percentage. Houshmandzadeh tied Carolina’s Smith and Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald with five third-down touchdowns. Smith, who led the NFL in catches and yards, had seven drops for a 4.7 percentage that was good for fifth. Fitzgerald finished 16th with 10 drops for a 6.4 dropped pass percentage.
But the AFC’s top five third-down receptions leaders - Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, Laveranues Coles, Jerry Porter and Jimmy Smith - aren’t on Joyner’s list.
“It surprises me that Steve Smith had so few drops because I know how many chances he does get,” Houshmandzadeh said.
A look at Joyner’s top 10 for dropped pass percentage:
1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals: 78 catches, three drops, 2.6 percent
2. Marvin Harrison, Colts: 82 catches, four drops, 3.2 percent
3. Bobby Engram, Seahawks: 67 catches, four drops, 4.3 percent
4. Jason Witten, Cowboys: 66 catches, four drops, 4.5 percent
5. Steve Smith, Panthers: 103 catches, seven drops, 4.7 percent
6. Scottie Vines, Lions: 40 catches, three drops, 4.8 percent
7. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs: 78 catches, six drops, 4.9 percent
8. Eric Parker, Chargers: 57 catches, four drops, 4.9 percent
9. Keyshawn Johnson, Cowboys: 71 catches, six drops, 5.1 percent
10. Joe Jurevicius, Seahawks: 55 catches, four drops, 5.1 percent<SCRIPT> <!-- var FiltersEnabled = 1 // if your not going to use transitions or filters in any of the tips set this to 0 applyCssFilter() var link_text=[]; link_text[0] = "<table width='98%' align='center' cellpadding='2' cellspacing='0' bgcolor='#E5E5E5' style='border: solid 1px #A2A2A2;'><tr valign='top'><td width='75'>
</td><td><table width='100%'><tr valign='top' bgcolor='#A2A2A2'><td class='relatedlinksm'>Pos:</td><td class='relatedlinksm'>WR</td></tr><tr valign='top'><td class='relatedlinksm'>Ht:</td><td class='relatedlinksm'>6-1</td></tr><tr valign='top' bgcolor='#A2A2A2'><td class='relatedlinksm'>Wt:</td><td class='relatedlinksm'>197</td></tr><tr valign='top'><td colspan='2' class='relatedlinksm'>>> Click Here for Bio.</td></tr></table></td></tr></table>Related News Items on Bengals.com<table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Only dropping his name
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>T.J. seeks to go faster, stronger, calmer
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Notes: A year later, Wilkerson poised
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>TJ spells TDs
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Bengals help give Gift of Sight
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Ravens dare and T.J. responds
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Rudi, T.J. go national
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Notes: Houshmandzadeh in Prime slot
</td></tr></table>"; //--> </SCRIPT>
June 9, 2006
Posted: 4:10 a.m.
<TABLE width=345 align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>
Houshmandzadeh: “I’ll take the hit for the catch” (Bengals photo)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The man they call the “The Football Scientist” has proven what Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh
already believed. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati’s No. 2 receiver opposite three-time Pro Bowler Chad Johnson, has the best hands in the NFL after dropping just three passes in 2005.
It certainly wouldn’t surprise two quarterbacks named Jon Kitna and Carson Palmer.
“I told Kit and then I told Carson,” Houshmandzadeh said, “I’ll take the hit for the catch.”
The observation comes from ESPN.com insider KC Joyner, who submits that Houshmandzadeh had the lowest dropped pass percentage in the NFL last season with 2.6 percent, leading a top five that includes the Pro Bowl trio of Marvin Harrison at No. 2 (3.2 percent), Jason Witten at No. 4 (4.5) and Steve Smith at No. 5 (4.7).
For a guy who has always felt his worth has been determined more by his seventh-round selection than his production, Houshmandzadeh appreciates the research.
“Drops and catches are cut and dried,” Houshmandzadeh said. “Saying who is the best receiver and all that is subjective. It’s not surprising to me. Everyone is going to know me after this season, but it means nothing for the new year.”
In his column, Joyner said that he divided the number of drops by the number of catchable passes to come up with the dropped pass percentage. Although Johnson wasn’t ranked in the top 20 in that group, the good scientist ranked him tied for No. 5 in the NFL with total yards per catchable attempt at 9.6. Johnson finished third in the NFL with 1,432 yards and fifth with 97 catches and he wasn’t the only leading receiver not on Joyner’s list.
Anquan Boldin of Arizona and the Rams’ Torry Holt (each with 102 catches), Washington's Santana Moss (an NFL-runner-up 1,483 yards), and San Diego's Antonio Gates (who led all tight ends with 89 catches) also weren’t ranked in the top 20 of lowest dropped pass percentage.
Which makes Houshmandzadeh’s season of 78 catches for 956 yards and seven touchdowns even more remarkable. According to Joyner, only Detroit’s Scottie Vines dropped as few as three passes. But Vines caught the minimum 40 catches to qualify, working out to a 4.8 dropped pass percentage.
“It was no surprise to see Marvin Harrison near the top of this list,” Joyner wrote, “ but I was somewhat surprised to see T.J. Houshmandzadeh
rank No. 1 in this category. Houshmandzadeh is known as a very good possession receiver, but this chart shows he may be one of the best.” Houshmandzadeh and Bengals wide receivers coach Hue Jackson have been talking like that for a couple of years. At 6-1, 200 pounds, Houshmandzadeh has a best-of-both-worlds physical grittiness and soft hands.
“T.J. is one of the best players in this league; Chad would be a guy that wouldn’t be surprised by this,” Jackson said. “He knows how good T.J. is day in and day out. This shows you that not many guys can do what he does, which is make the catches in close quarters and go up and get the ball and take it away from people. He’s a very smart receiver. I’ve seen a couple of scouting reports that say he’s not a smart player, and I don’t know where they get that.”
<TABLE width=90 align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>
Jackson </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Jackson, who can motivate with a needle longer than the Steelers’ winning streak, hasn’t hesitated showing Houshmandzadeh the reports.
“I don’t know who’s writing it, where it’s coming from, or whatever, but that guy needs to get fired. They shouldn’t be getting paid writing like that,” Houshmandzadeh said. “Being smart is one of my strengths. I laugh at these guys who look at film and say I’m not that fast. Any time you see a guy who’s running every route as fast as he can, I’ll show you a guy who’s having trouble getting open.
“It’s about changing direction. It’s about knowing when to settle, knowing when to run by, knowing where the hole is going to be. Put it this way; If I had an arm, I’d be a quarterback. I’ve been lucky. Even when I was in school and I was interested in a subject, I picked it up fast. It’s strange, because I didn’t always play football. But whenever I did watch it, I paid attention.”
Getting a late start
The man with the best hands in football came to the game late and the scouts have been even later coming to him. He played just one season of high school before the junior college route translated into him getting drafted in the last round of 2001.
“I always had pretty good hands,” Houshmandzadeh said. “I think a lot of it is being in shape. When you get tired, you lose your concentration. Fatigue has a lot to do with it, I think. The more tired you get, I think the more drops you’ll have.”
Joyner puts dropped passes into three categories: off an accurate pass, off an inaccurate pass (outside of the receiver’s frame but still deemed catchable) and off a ball stripped by a defender.
Houshmandzadeh said he dropped two off accurate passes, and one was stripped.
“See, I remember them all,” he said. “I dropped two five-yard routes. One was at home against Cleveland. I turned and it just went through my hands. The other one was in the playoffs against Pittsburgh, going toward our locker room, and I think it was on the same drive I scored a touchdown.
“I had one stripped in Kansas City. I thought they were going to call it a fumble because I thought I took two steps after the guy came from behind. I considered it a drop because I should have (protected the ball).”
Third-down receptions didn’t necessarily translate to the drops percentage. Houshmandzadeh tied Carolina’s Smith and Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald with five third-down touchdowns. Smith, who led the NFL in catches and yards, had seven drops for a 4.7 percentage that was good for fifth. Fitzgerald finished 16th with 10 drops for a 6.4 dropped pass percentage.
But the AFC’s top five third-down receptions leaders - Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, Laveranues Coles, Jerry Porter and Jimmy Smith - aren’t on Joyner’s list.
“It surprises me that Steve Smith had so few drops because I know how many chances he does get,” Houshmandzadeh said.
A look at Joyner’s top 10 for dropped pass percentage:
1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
, Bengals: 78 catches, three drops, 2.6 percent 2. Marvin Harrison, Colts: 82 catches, four drops, 3.2 percent
3. Bobby Engram, Seahawks: 67 catches, four drops, 4.3 percent
4. Jason Witten, Cowboys: 66 catches, four drops, 4.5 percent
5. Steve Smith, Panthers: 103 catches, seven drops, 4.7 percent
6. Scottie Vines, Lions: 40 catches, three drops, 4.8 percent
7. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs: 78 catches, six drops, 4.9 percent
8. Eric Parker, Chargers: 57 catches, four drops, 4.9 percent
9. Keyshawn Johnson, Cowboys: 71 catches, six drops, 5.1 percent
10. Joe Jurevicius, Seahawks: 55 catches, four drops, 5.1 percent<SCRIPT> <!-- var FiltersEnabled = 1 // if your not going to use transitions or filters in any of the tips set this to 0 applyCssFilter() var link_text=[]; link_text[0] = "<table width='98%' align='center' cellpadding='2' cellspacing='0' bgcolor='#E5E5E5' style='border: solid 1px #A2A2A2;'><tr valign='top'><td width='75'>
</td><td><table width='100%'><tr valign='top' bgcolor='#A2A2A2'><td class='relatedlinksm'>Pos:</td><td class='relatedlinksm'>WR</td></tr><tr valign='top'><td class='relatedlinksm'>Ht:</td><td class='relatedlinksm'>6-1</td></tr><tr valign='top' bgcolor='#A2A2A2'><td class='relatedlinksm'>Wt:</td><td class='relatedlinksm'>197</td></tr><tr valign='top'><td colspan='2' class='relatedlinksm'>>> Click Here for Bio.</td></tr></table></td></tr></table>Related News Items on Bengals.com<table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Only dropping his name
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>T.J. seeks to go faster, stronger, calmer
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Notes: A year later, Wilkerson poised
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>TJ spells TDs
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Bengals help give Gift of Sight
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Ravens dare and T.J. responds
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Rudi, T.J. go national
</td></tr></table><table cellpadding=0 style='padding: 2px;' cellspacing=0 border=0><tr><td><li type=square></td><td>Notes: Houshmandzadeh in Prime slot
</td></tr></table>"; //--> </SCRIPT>
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tibor75
Banned
Hilarious interview of Marvin by Bengal.com resident dumbass, Geoff Hobson. :
GH: In the wake of Ben Roethlisberger’s accident, the league and the fans are talking about player safety. How do you come down on it?
ML: Guys have to be careful about their profession.
GH: Do any Bengals have clauses in their contracts precluding them from doing dangerous activities?
ML: Everybody has that in their (standard) contract regarding an injury not related to football.
GH: What do you tell your guys about (off-field) activities?
ML: Guys know that they have to be in charge of their own corporation. Their health is important. That’s how they make their living, so that’s important.
GH: Do you talk to them specifically about motorcycles?
ML: No. They should be safe all the time.
GH: As you head into this mandatory minicamp, there should be a sense of euphoria since the Bengals are the defending AFC North champions. But the offseason that started with Carson Palmer’s knee injury has had more news than last year’s playoff run. There is a sense from fans, “Can it get back on track?”
ML: We’ve never been off track. Go play football. What we did last year doesn’t matter anyway. We start over.
GH: Have you spun it for your guys in a certain way?
ML: Our guys understand that we play football.
GH: In the past, you’ve said you start every season at zero. Are you less than zero now because you don’t have your quarterback?
ML: What do you mean we don’t have our quarterback?
GH: Well, Carson’s not cleared yet ...
ML: The quarterback is going to be fine. It doesn’t matter who we play with, we’ll be fine.
GH: Besides Carson, your top two running backs, Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry, have yet to be able to practice, although Rudi should be able to see some time this weekend.
ML: They’re doing really well. We should have, hopefully, everybody ready to go come training camp (on July 29).
GH: Will Carson be cleared for camp?
ML: Carson clears himself every day. The only thing that matters is what Carson feels. We’re not holding back Carson. It’s up to Carson. When he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go. Every day they have a program ready for him based on how he feels. They’ve never had to back off one time. Every day he answers the bell. They continue to progress with him from one day to the next and he accepts the challenge every day and does fine. He was injured, he’s recovering and he’ll be fine.
GH: So someone will come to you and tell you when he’s ready for camp?
ML: Carson will tell me when he’s ready. Every day, he’s been ready.
GH: Chemistry-wise, is this a different team?
ML: Every team is different, but I think our team this year is a more confident team. They’re excited to play, they know their strengths and limitations.
GH: It’s been in the fire of a playoff run, it has suffered a big loss at home in the playoffs, it’s been through serious adversity. Has that made them tougher mentally?
ML: They answer every time we ask them to do something. They just go do it, and that what’s good.
GH: After last season, you talked about how this team could no longer melt down in big games.
ML: It will be important that we play well in big games and we get a chance to prove that in the next 16 games.
GH: The character question has dominated the past few weeks (since the recent arrests of Chris Henry and A.J. Nicholson). Some of the criticism says the Bengals don’t have enough scouts to get the correct information about character.
ML: We have plenty of scouts. I’m very happy with our college scouting staff and the work they do. That has nothing to do with it. These decisions that have been made to draft these guys where we drafted them, these things had not come up basically in their past that way.
Whether they’re guilty or not, there has been an error in judgment on their part. Sometimes there is guilt by association. In my mind that comes with that a little bit. The way the league works, it has to be played out a little bit. See what happens. We were well aware of their backgrounds and all their incidents.
GH: So even if you had a bunch of West Coast scouts, you still would have had the same information?
ML: Everybody has the same information. We just don’t have four (scouts) falling over each at a school the same day, which is fine and I’m fine with that. I’m pleased with the information that I have. Nobody has any different information than what our guys gather.
I think they work very hard at what they do. They may cover more territory. That means they really sacrifice more and so they’re more devoted to their job, and I think that is something that is special. They bust their tails. It’s not 15 (scouts), but it easily covers the country and provides the right information for our coaches to begin to do their film evaluation and things they’re involved in. And provide enough information for me and (Bengals president Mike Brown) to make the final decision.
Mike is willing to give some guys a second chance. And I think that speaks volumes. He’s been in the NFL a long time and he’s not afraid to give a guy a second chance. And each guy is evaluated on that. They’re not lumped into one situation or one thing. Each case is looked at and heard independently, and then he makes the final judgment on whether or not he’s willing to take that risk.
GH: Do you have to change your philosophy; just don’t take guys who have had problems?
ML: Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you. (UH, ISNT THAT BACKWARDS?) At some point we’re probably going to ... but you never know. Anybody can have some of these things brought against them that have been brought against these guys.
Obviously, when a guy has multiple things, then there are things he’s not getting right or understanding it. But anybody can level charges against anybody.
It doesn’t affect our football team. These guys are very, very minor parts of our football team. We have enough skins on the wall, enough guys with substance to them that these guys don’t affect them or what they’re doing.
GH: You’ve taken a lot of heat over this. Are you surprised at how quickly the wind changes?
ML: I’ve taken no heat. There’s only one person that can give me heat.
GH: You’ve been criticized ...
ML: Criticized by who? The same people who turn around and criticize somebody else the next day over something else? The same people criticizing are the same people that are giving us the pat on the back for how well we’ve done. They’re fickle and they’re cynical, and that’s the way they are.
GH: You could decide to just red-flag those guys (in the draft).
ML: You can if you want.
GH: Would you do that?
ML: I’m not going to comment on what we’re going to do.
GH: Nicholson had multiple stuff before the draft, right?
ML: He pleaded to a drunk-driving charge. That’s all he’s had. He had a girl in his room after curfew and he was wrong and he paid a heavy price (sent home from a bowl game and he was threatened with a sexual assault charge that never materialized). He made a big error in judgment. There are rules for a reason. Just like there are rules here.
GH: How is Henry’s health?
ML: Chris is still bothered by his (sprained) knee, but by the time we open training camp he should be ready to go.
GH: Are you surprised that’s still lingering (from the last game)?
ML: Well, he’s got some things in there that don’t need surgery, but you have to give it time to heal.
GH: I guess it’s a PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), which can be bad.
ML: That’s kind of his business.
GH: We won’t see him this weekend?
ML: Probably not.
GH: Some of the other young wideouts have looked good.
ML: They’ve done really well. Reggie (McNeal) has been hampered by a sore groin (he should be back for the weekend), but Bennie Brazell has been outstanding. P.K. Sam, prior to him being injured, was doing well. Kelley (Washington) has come back and played outstanding. Antonio Chatman has done great. We’re better than we were.
GH: Are you better on defense?
ML: If we improve our tackling, we’ll be a better defensive team. If we don’t give up big plays, we’ll be a better defensive team. If we make more first downs on offense, we’ll be a better defensive team.
GH: You basically pick up three new guys in tackle Sam Adams and safeties Madieu Williams and Dexter Jackson.
ML: Three new guys that are competing for jobs, which is good for the other guys and adds some veteran presence. Two of the guys (Adams and Jackson) have won Super Bowls, so that’s a good thing.
GH: They should add to that veteran-ship that gives stability. Plus, (backup quarterback) Anthony Wright started in a playoff run.
ML: All the guys we’ve added have been to the playoffs and they come in here with something to prove. And that’s good.
GH: Any rookies stand out to you?
ML: I’ve been pleased with all of the rookies. You just have to get into playing games in the preseason when playing with pads, when things matter a little more. People get a false sense of euphoria on paper or in shorts. It doesn’t matter. The NFL is played on Sunday.
GH: Should we get excited about this weekend, then, since it’s not in pads?
ML: It’s always exciting every time we hit the practice field.
GH: What can you tell without pads?
ML: You can tell what guys are learning, their jobs, their assignments. That’s all we can do right now is learn what we’re supposed to do and how we do it, then you have to apply it when it becomes live football.
GH: With Deltha O’Neal recovering from a knee scope, plenty of guys have gotten a look at the cornerback spot opposite Tory James. How has first-round pick Johnathan Joseph played?
ML: Jonathan has been outstanding. You’ve seen the things why we drafted him. He has the talent to be an outstanding corner in the NFL.
GH: Does he have a shot to be third corner?
ML: He should be competing for the first corner. You don’t draft a guy to sit on the bench.
GH: Who would have believed a week ago that the Ravens would have the most stable quarterback situation in the division? How do you think the addition of Steve McNair helps the Ravens?
ML: That’s their team.
GH: How does McNair going to Baltimore affect the division?
ML: That’s their team.
GH: How do you see the division?
ML: We’re all chasing Pittsburgh. We’re all trying to beat the world champions.
GH: In the wake of Ben Roethlisberger’s accident, the league and the fans are talking about player safety. How do you come down on it?
ML: Guys have to be careful about their profession.
GH: Do any Bengals have clauses in their contracts precluding them from doing dangerous activities?
ML: Everybody has that in their (standard) contract regarding an injury not related to football.
GH: What do you tell your guys about (off-field) activities?
ML: Guys know that they have to be in charge of their own corporation. Their health is important. That’s how they make their living, so that’s important.
GH: Do you talk to them specifically about motorcycles?
ML: No. They should be safe all the time.
GH: As you head into this mandatory minicamp, there should be a sense of euphoria since the Bengals are the defending AFC North champions. But the offseason that started with Carson Palmer’s knee injury has had more news than last year’s playoff run. There is a sense from fans, “Can it get back on track?”
ML: We’ve never been off track. Go play football. What we did last year doesn’t matter anyway. We start over.
GH: Have you spun it for your guys in a certain way?
ML: Our guys understand that we play football.
GH: In the past, you’ve said you start every season at zero. Are you less than zero now because you don’t have your quarterback?
ML: What do you mean we don’t have our quarterback?
GH: Well, Carson’s not cleared yet ...
ML: The quarterback is going to be fine. It doesn’t matter who we play with, we’ll be fine.
GH: Besides Carson, your top two running backs, Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry, have yet to be able to practice, although Rudi should be able to see some time this weekend.
ML: They’re doing really well. We should have, hopefully, everybody ready to go come training camp (on July 29).
GH: Will Carson be cleared for camp?
ML: Carson clears himself every day. The only thing that matters is what Carson feels. We’re not holding back Carson. It’s up to Carson. When he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go. Every day they have a program ready for him based on how he feels. They’ve never had to back off one time. Every day he answers the bell. They continue to progress with him from one day to the next and he accepts the challenge every day and does fine. He was injured, he’s recovering and he’ll be fine.
GH: So someone will come to you and tell you when he’s ready for camp?
ML: Carson will tell me when he’s ready. Every day, he’s been ready.
GH: Chemistry-wise, is this a different team?
ML: Every team is different, but I think our team this year is a more confident team. They’re excited to play, they know their strengths and limitations.
GH: It’s been in the fire of a playoff run, it has suffered a big loss at home in the playoffs, it’s been through serious adversity. Has that made them tougher mentally?
ML: They answer every time we ask them to do something. They just go do it, and that what’s good.
GH: After last season, you talked about how this team could no longer melt down in big games.
ML: It will be important that we play well in big games and we get a chance to prove that in the next 16 games.
GH: The character question has dominated the past few weeks (since the recent arrests of Chris Henry and A.J. Nicholson). Some of the criticism says the Bengals don’t have enough scouts to get the correct information about character.
ML: We have plenty of scouts. I’m very happy with our college scouting staff and the work they do. That has nothing to do with it. These decisions that have been made to draft these guys where we drafted them, these things had not come up basically in their past that way.
Whether they’re guilty or not, there has been an error in judgment on their part. Sometimes there is guilt by association. In my mind that comes with that a little bit. The way the league works, it has to be played out a little bit. See what happens. We were well aware of their backgrounds and all their incidents.
GH: So even if you had a bunch of West Coast scouts, you still would have had the same information?
ML: Everybody has the same information. We just don’t have four (scouts) falling over each at a school the same day, which is fine and I’m fine with that. I’m pleased with the information that I have. Nobody has any different information than what our guys gather.
I think they work very hard at what they do. They may cover more territory. That means they really sacrifice more and so they’re more devoted to their job, and I think that is something that is special. They bust their tails. It’s not 15 (scouts), but it easily covers the country and provides the right information for our coaches to begin to do their film evaluation and things they’re involved in. And provide enough information for me and (Bengals president Mike Brown) to make the final decision.
Mike is willing to give some guys a second chance. And I think that speaks volumes. He’s been in the NFL a long time and he’s not afraid to give a guy a second chance. And each guy is evaluated on that. They’re not lumped into one situation or one thing. Each case is looked at and heard independently, and then he makes the final judgment on whether or not he’s willing to take that risk.
GH: Do you have to change your philosophy; just don’t take guys who have had problems?
ML: Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you. (UH, ISNT THAT BACKWARDS?) At some point we’re probably going to ... but you never know. Anybody can have some of these things brought against them that have been brought against these guys.
Obviously, when a guy has multiple things, then there are things he’s not getting right or understanding it. But anybody can level charges against anybody.
It doesn’t affect our football team. These guys are very, very minor parts of our football team. We have enough skins on the wall, enough guys with substance to them that these guys don’t affect them or what they’re doing.
GH: You’ve taken a lot of heat over this. Are you surprised at how quickly the wind changes?
ML: I’ve taken no heat. There’s only one person that can give me heat.
GH: You’ve been criticized ...
ML: Criticized by who? The same people who turn around and criticize somebody else the next day over something else? The same people criticizing are the same people that are giving us the pat on the back for how well we’ve done. They’re fickle and they’re cynical, and that’s the way they are.
GH: You could decide to just red-flag those guys (in the draft).
ML: You can if you want.
GH: Would you do that?
ML: I’m not going to comment on what we’re going to do.
GH: Nicholson had multiple stuff before the draft, right?
ML: He pleaded to a drunk-driving charge. That’s all he’s had. He had a girl in his room after curfew and he was wrong and he paid a heavy price (sent home from a bowl game and he was threatened with a sexual assault charge that never materialized). He made a big error in judgment. There are rules for a reason. Just like there are rules here.
GH: How is Henry’s health?
ML: Chris is still bothered by his (sprained) knee, but by the time we open training camp he should be ready to go.
GH: Are you surprised that’s still lingering (from the last game)?
ML: Well, he’s got some things in there that don’t need surgery, but you have to give it time to heal.
GH: I guess it’s a PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), which can be bad.
ML: That’s kind of his business.
GH: We won’t see him this weekend?
ML: Probably not.
GH: Some of the other young wideouts have looked good.
ML: They’ve done really well. Reggie (McNeal) has been hampered by a sore groin (he should be back for the weekend), but Bennie Brazell has been outstanding. P.K. Sam, prior to him being injured, was doing well. Kelley (Washington) has come back and played outstanding. Antonio Chatman has done great. We’re better than we were.
GH: Are you better on defense?
ML: If we improve our tackling, we’ll be a better defensive team. If we don’t give up big plays, we’ll be a better defensive team. If we make more first downs on offense, we’ll be a better defensive team.
GH: You basically pick up three new guys in tackle Sam Adams and safeties Madieu Williams and Dexter Jackson.
ML: Three new guys that are competing for jobs, which is good for the other guys and adds some veteran presence. Two of the guys (Adams and Jackson) have won Super Bowls, so that’s a good thing.
GH: They should add to that veteran-ship that gives stability. Plus, (backup quarterback) Anthony Wright started in a playoff run.
ML: All the guys we’ve added have been to the playoffs and they come in here with something to prove. And that’s good.
GH: Any rookies stand out to you?
ML: I’ve been pleased with all of the rookies. You just have to get into playing games in the preseason when playing with pads, when things matter a little more. People get a false sense of euphoria on paper or in shorts. It doesn’t matter. The NFL is played on Sunday.
GH: Should we get excited about this weekend, then, since it’s not in pads?
ML: It’s always exciting every time we hit the practice field.
GH: What can you tell without pads?
ML: You can tell what guys are learning, their jobs, their assignments. That’s all we can do right now is learn what we’re supposed to do and how we do it, then you have to apply it when it becomes live football.
GH: With Deltha O’Neal recovering from a knee scope, plenty of guys have gotten a look at the cornerback spot opposite Tory James. How has first-round pick Johnathan Joseph played?
ML: Jonathan has been outstanding. You’ve seen the things why we drafted him. He has the talent to be an outstanding corner in the NFL.
GH: Does he have a shot to be third corner?
ML: He should be competing for the first corner. You don’t draft a guy to sit on the bench.
GH: Who would have believed a week ago that the Ravens would have the most stable quarterback situation in the division? How do you think the addition of Steve McNair helps the Ravens?
ML: That’s their team.
GH: How does McNair going to Baltimore affect the division?
ML: That’s their team.
GH: How do you see the division?
ML: We’re all chasing Pittsburgh. We’re all trying to beat the world champions.
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tibor75
Banned
In other shocking news, there's a warrant out for Chris Henry. 
Chris Henry Charged Again
First posted: 6/14/2006 1:27:16 PM
Chris Henry turned himself in at the Kenton County Justice Center around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday after the District Court Clerk issued an arrest warrant for the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver in the morning.
Henry's reported with his attorney and faced a bond of $2,500. He had no comment as he made his way inside.
The warrant is related to incidents alleged to have transpired at the Courtyard Marriott in Covington in April and the clerks office said he is charged with three counts of unlawful transaction with a minor.
Court officials said the charges stem from supplying three underage girls with alcohol. They also indicated that there may be more charges to come.
The initial investigation stemmed from a claim from one of the girls that Henry raped her in the hotel room. Monica Beamon, 18, later recanted the allegation and admitted that the sex was consentual.
Beamon has been charged with filing a false police report and had also recently been arrested on prostitution charges.
This is the latest incident in a series for the troubled wide receiver. In the past few months, Henry has been charged with drug possession, operating a vehicle under the influence and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Stay with WCPO.com and WCPO-TV for updates to this story. Please click "refresh" on your browser to view the most recent version of this story
Chris Henry Charged Again
First posted: 6/14/2006 1:27:16 PM
Chris Henry turned himself in at the Kenton County Justice Center around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday after the District Court Clerk issued an arrest warrant for the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver in the morning.
Henry's reported with his attorney and faced a bond of $2,500. He had no comment as he made his way inside.
The warrant is related to incidents alleged to have transpired at the Courtyard Marriott in Covington in April and the clerks office said he is charged with three counts of unlawful transaction with a minor.
Court officials said the charges stem from supplying three underage girls with alcohol. They also indicated that there may be more charges to come.
The initial investigation stemmed from a claim from one of the girls that Henry raped her in the hotel room. Monica Beamon, 18, later recanted the allegation and admitted that the sex was consentual.
Beamon has been charged with filing a false police report and had also recently been arrested on prostitution charges.
This is the latest incident in a series for the troubled wide receiver. In the past few months, Henry has been charged with drug possession, operating a vehicle under the influence and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Stay with WCPO.com and WCPO-TV for updates to this story. Please click "refresh" on your browser to view the most recent version of this story
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wow.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=20>
</TD><TD><!--#########################################################################E N D H E A D E R H E R E#########################################################################--><!--#########################################################################B E G I N F O O T E R H E R E#########################################################################--><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>Palme in heaven in 7-on-7 By GEOFF HOBSON
June 15, 2006
Posted: 1:25 p.m.
<TABLE width=220 align=right bgColor=#f54b1e><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE width=35 align=left><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>VIDEO (6/15/06):
Bengals trainer Paul Sparling
http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/bengals/demand/sparling060615.rm&proto=rtsp>>>Play video </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Carson Palmer continues to progress and his rehab has now advanced to focusing on his football timing as he took part in 7-on-7 for the first time this spring.
On the first day of the Bengals' mandatory minicamp, Palmer wore his helmet and No. 9 jersey for the first time since ripping up his left knee in the Wild Card Game against the Steelers.
Palmer said he felt unathletic and knew he couldn't explode into his drops in 7-on-7, where receivers run routes against linebackers and the secondary. Palmer said he wasn't happy with his timing, but offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski thought he looked, "sharp," after his first extended efforts working against a defense.
In the first in-depth comments by the Bengals about Palmer’s injury, trainer Paul Sparling said Thursday it’s conceivable Palmer could start the Sept. 10 regular-season opener in Kansas City because he’s a quarterback and not a wide receiver, running back or defensive back.
But it will be up to Palmer to tell the Bengals how he feels. The opener marks the eight-month anniversary of his reconstructive surgery on his left knee that repaired a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn medial collateral ligament.
Sparling also said Palmer had some minor cartilage damage, but said the injury to the kneecap that had been called major is not an issue because he suffered some tears of the connective tissue around the patella tendon “not uncommon” with an ACL injury. Sparling said it’s difficult to say if Palmer is weeks ahead of schedule, but he said he’s a model patient and that despite suffering some “minor bumps in the road” like swelling and stiffness, he hasn’t been held back.<SCRIPT> <!-- var FiltersEnabled = 1 // if your not going to use transitions or filters in any of the tips set this to 0 applyCssFilter() var link_text=[]; //--> </SCRIPT>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=20>
</TD><TD><!--#########################################################################E N D H E A D E R H E R E#########################################################################--><!--#########################################################################B E G I N F O O T E R H E R E#########################################################################--><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>Palme in heaven in 7-on-7 By GEOFF HOBSON
June 15, 2006
Posted: 1:25 p.m.
<TABLE width=220 align=right bgColor=#f54b1e><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE width=35 align=left><TBODY><TR><TD>
Bengals trainer Paul Sparling
http://play.rbn.com/?url=nfl/nfl/open/bengals/demand/sparling060615.rm&proto=rtsp>>>Play video </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Carson Palmer continues to progress and his rehab has now advanced to focusing on his football timing as he took part in 7-on-7 for the first time this spring.
On the first day of the Bengals' mandatory minicamp, Palmer wore his helmet and No. 9 jersey for the first time since ripping up his left knee in the Wild Card Game against the Steelers.
Palmer said he felt unathletic and knew he couldn't explode into his drops in 7-on-7, where receivers run routes against linebackers and the secondary. Palmer said he wasn't happy with his timing, but offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski thought he looked, "sharp," after his first extended efforts working against a defense.
In the first in-depth comments by the Bengals about Palmer’s injury, trainer Paul Sparling said Thursday it’s conceivable Palmer could start the Sept. 10 regular-season opener in Kansas City because he’s a quarterback and not a wide receiver, running back or defensive back.
But it will be up to Palmer to tell the Bengals how he feels. The opener marks the eight-month anniversary of his reconstructive surgery on his left knee that repaired a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn medial collateral ligament.
Sparling also said Palmer had some minor cartilage damage, but said the injury to the kneecap that had been called major is not an issue because he suffered some tears of the connective tissue around the patella tendon “not uncommon” with an ACL injury. Sparling said it’s difficult to say if Palmer is weeks ahead of schedule, but he said he’s a model patient and that despite suffering some “minor bumps in the road” like swelling and stiffness, he hasn’t been held back.<SCRIPT> <!-- var FiltersEnabled = 1 // if your not going to use transitions or filters in any of the tips set this to 0 applyCssFilter() var link_text=[]; //--> </SCRIPT>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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stxbuck
Woody wore Sambas
Bengals initiate new discipline policy
http://www.thebrushback.com/bengals_full.htm
CINCINNATI--Frustrated by the recent arrests of linebacker AJ Nicholson and receiver Chris Henry, the Cincinnati Bengals have adopted a tough “Six-Strikes-You’re-Out” rule to deal with players who get in trouble with the law. Henry has been arrested three times so far and is dangerously close to being the first casualty of the new rule. Nicholson, too, is just five arrests from a substantial fine.
“At some point you’ve got to put your foot down, you’ve got to take a stand,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “The players need to know that when they put that uniform on they are representing this organization and this city. That’s why we’ve decided, after a long and careful deliberation, to enact a ‘Six-Strikes-You’re-Out’ rule. Six offenses and you’re getting a fine, whether you’re the star quarterback or some rookie on the practice squad. It’s called ‘tough love’ people. Get used to it.”
Lewis, who came to the Bengals in 2003, has vowed to change the culture of the Bengals to remove the sense of entitlement that often goes along with being a professional football player. He compares the new rule to a “zero tolerance policy” multiplied by six.
“This is similar to a zero tolerance policy except we do tolerate it up until the sixth time,” Lewis said. “Once you get arrested for that sixth time, watch out. The hammer’s coming down, and it’s coming down on your head. I hope Chris is listening loud and clear to this warning. This is the last straw – the third to last straw, actually. But you’re running out of them. You know what happens when you run out of straws? People go nuts. Just ask that Dunkin Donuts over on Beechmont Ave.”
Henry was charged with marijuana possession in December but avoided jail time by agreeing to enter a drug rehab program. In January he was arrested once again and charged with pulling a gun on a group of revelers. Early Sunday morning, he was pulled over by police and charged with speeding and driving under the influence.
Nicholson, on the other hand, had a troubled history coming out of college, but the Bengals took a chance on him when he swore he’d learned his lesson. He was arrested on Saturday and charged with burglarizing the home of a former Florida State teammate.
The Bengals feel that the bad behavior will reflect poorly on their organization and want to “nip the problem in the bud.”
“We just want the players to know that we won’t tolerate this kind of behavior,” said Bengals owner Mike Brown. “I think this sends a message to the team and to the rest of the league that the Cincinnati Bengals are a team of integrity. When you put on that Bengals uniform you have to carry yourselves in a professional, law-abiding manner – especially if you’re some third string receiver or rookie linebacker. Players like that are not above the law.”
For the rest of the Bengals, the “Six-Strikes-You’re-Out” rule could not have come any sooner. Many of them have grown tired of being associated with criminals and have been waiting for management to take some kind of stand.
“It’s about time,” said running back Rudi Johnson. “It’s not really fair to the rest of us to have these guys getting into trouble and giving us a bad name. Still, I do wish they had a gone a bit further than six strikes. I mean it’s a start but that still leaves a lot of wiggle room for these guys. In my opinion if you break the law once you should be off the team. Zero tolerance. Not counting the time I got caught pissing in the bushes behind that strip club.”
Quarterback Carson Palmer, who has undergone grueling rehab in an attempt to come back from ankle surgery, resents his teammates for putting the organization in a bad light.
“I’m over here working my ass off to get back into shape and Chris Henry and some tool from Florida State are making us all look bad,” said Palmer. “We’re supposed to be focused on winning the Super Bowl. Last year we had a bad break, but this year I am on a mission – kind of like Peyton Manning was on a mission with the Colts last year. Okay, maybe not exactly like that.”
http://www.thebrushback.com/bengals_full.htm
CINCINNATI--Frustrated by the recent arrests of linebacker AJ Nicholson and receiver Chris Henry, the Cincinnati Bengals have adopted a tough “Six-Strikes-You’re-Out” rule to deal with players who get in trouble with the law. Henry has been arrested three times so far and is dangerously close to being the first casualty of the new rule. Nicholson, too, is just five arrests from a substantial fine.
“At some point you’ve got to put your foot down, you’ve got to take a stand,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “The players need to know that when they put that uniform on they are representing this organization and this city. That’s why we’ve decided, after a long and careful deliberation, to enact a ‘Six-Strikes-You’re-Out’ rule. Six offenses and you’re getting a fine, whether you’re the star quarterback or some rookie on the practice squad. It’s called ‘tough love’ people. Get used to it.”
Lewis, who came to the Bengals in 2003, has vowed to change the culture of the Bengals to remove the sense of entitlement that often goes along with being a professional football player. He compares the new rule to a “zero tolerance policy” multiplied by six.
“This is similar to a zero tolerance policy except we do tolerate it up until the sixth time,” Lewis said. “Once you get arrested for that sixth time, watch out. The hammer’s coming down, and it’s coming down on your head. I hope Chris is listening loud and clear to this warning. This is the last straw – the third to last straw, actually. But you’re running out of them. You know what happens when you run out of straws? People go nuts. Just ask that Dunkin Donuts over on Beechmont Ave.”
Henry was charged with marijuana possession in December but avoided jail time by agreeing to enter a drug rehab program. In January he was arrested once again and charged with pulling a gun on a group of revelers. Early Sunday morning, he was pulled over by police and charged with speeding and driving under the influence.
Nicholson, on the other hand, had a troubled history coming out of college, but the Bengals took a chance on him when he swore he’d learned his lesson. He was arrested on Saturday and charged with burglarizing the home of a former Florida State teammate.
The Bengals feel that the bad behavior will reflect poorly on their organization and want to “nip the problem in the bud.”
“We just want the players to know that we won’t tolerate this kind of behavior,” said Bengals owner Mike Brown. “I think this sends a message to the team and to the rest of the league that the Cincinnati Bengals are a team of integrity. When you put on that Bengals uniform you have to carry yourselves in a professional, law-abiding manner – especially if you’re some third string receiver or rookie linebacker. Players like that are not above the law.”
For the rest of the Bengals, the “Six-Strikes-You’re-Out” rule could not have come any sooner. Many of them have grown tired of being associated with criminals and have been waiting for management to take some kind of stand.
“It’s about time,” said running back Rudi Johnson. “It’s not really fair to the rest of us to have these guys getting into trouble and giving us a bad name. Still, I do wish they had a gone a bit further than six strikes. I mean it’s a start but that still leaves a lot of wiggle room for these guys. In my opinion if you break the law once you should be off the team. Zero tolerance. Not counting the time I got caught pissing in the bushes behind that strip club.”
Quarterback Carson Palmer, who has undergone grueling rehab in an attempt to come back from ankle surgery, resents his teammates for putting the organization in a bad light.
“I’m over here working my ass off to get back into shape and Chris Henry and some tool from Florida State are making us all look bad,” said Palmer. “We’re supposed to be focused on winning the Super Bowl. Last year we had a bad break, but this year I am on a mission – kind of like Peyton Manning was on a mission with the Colts last year. Okay, maybe not exactly like that.”
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