Bengals tidbits

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/16/06

FOOTBALL

Lewis saying go, Palmer saying no

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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CINCINNATI — Marvin Lewis said the final decision on when Carson Palmer returns to game action rests with the quarterback and that Palmer is physically ready to play.
Palmer said the Bengals coach has the final say and that he’s not ready.
Friction in Bengals land? Palmer said no.
"We’re on the same page," he said.
At a news conference yesterday, Lewis said Palmer had been given medical clearance to play on his reconstructed left knee.
"The doctor’s telling me he’s fine and he’s ready to go," Lewis said. "When he feels like he’s ready to go, unwrap him. But it’s up to him. There’s nothing medically, one way or another, that’s going to make a difference this week, next week, or two weeks from now." Five hours later, Palmer was asked whether he felt ready. "Not yet," he said. That would seem to indicate there is little chance of him playing in the team’s second preseason game, Friday in Buffalo. But Palmer wouldn’t make that judgment. "Marvin’s call," Palmer said. "Marvin will tell you. Ask him." Told that Lewis had deferred the final decision to him, Palmer replied, "I’ve since talked to Marvin, and it’s his decision. He’ll answer any questions on that." Such back and forth could lead to speculation that coach and quarterback have differing opinions.
Palmer said that would be incorrect.
"In the last week, we’ve had four or five discussions," Palmer said. "We’ve ended the talks with a handshake. Everything’s been fine. We’re not sure where this is coming from. We’re on the same page, and we know where we’re headed."
The controversy — if that’s what it is — began with comments analyst John Madden made Sunday night during the preseason opener. Madden said Lewis told him the Bengals would have to "fish or cut bait" in deciding whether Palmer would play in the Sept. 10 regular-season opener against Kansas City.
"If we’re going to fish," Madden quoted Lewis as saying, "then I want him to play in the preseason game (in Buffalo) next week."
Lewis was vague yesterday about what he told Madden.
"I didn’t say it with that kind of context," Lewis said. "If I did, I’m sorry I did put it that way."
He added that it was not necessary for Palmer to play against the Bills to start against the Chiefs. But Lewis said Palmer wouldn’t start against the Chiefs if he didn’t see any preseason action.
"He continues to progress physically," Lewis said. "He wants to get in and have that game action. He’s looking forward to running, sprinting, sliding and doing all the things you do at quarterback that he hasn’t had an opportunity to do as much of yet.
"We want him to feel comfortable when it’s time. He’s doing it in training, but he wants to do it on the football field and feel good about it.
"At some point, you have to take that leap of faith and do it. That’s what he is looking forward to."
Palmer said the first day of training camp that the earliest he believed he could return was Aug. 28 in the third preseason game against Green Bay. "That was the goal, to come back for Green Bay, and we’re still looking at that goal," Palmer said. "I can’t predict the future and tell you if it’s for sure or not. I’m not going to know until that week."
[email protected]

Dispatch

8/16/06

BENGALS NOTEBOOK

Tackle’s injury could put Palmer’s return on hold

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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CINCINNATI — If there was any question about the wisdom of Carson Palmer making his return Friday, a look at Levi Jones probably dispels it.
The left tackle sprained an ankle Sunday night in the preseason victory over Washington and is wearing a large boot on his right foot.
Jones had little to say about the severity of the injury.
"All injury questions have to go through coach (Marvin) Lewis," Jones said. "He ain’t told me yet what it is."
In practice yesterday, second-round draft pick Andrew Whitworth lined up as Jones’ replacement. Left guard Eric Steinbach also could move to that spot.
The idea of having a patched-up offensive line against the Buffalo Bills, especially with a rookie left tackle, wouldn’t be the best situation for Palmer’s return.
Palmer expressed confidence in any of Jones’ potential replacements, but he also knows the hazards of risking injury in a preseason game.
"That’s the last thing Marvin wants to do, this organization wants to do, that I want to do," Palmer said. "This organization has invested a lot of me in the future. They’re not going to risk it for one preseason game in August over hopefully a 10- to 15-year career."
Thurman returns

Odell Thurman practiced for the first time. The second-year middle linebacker, who has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games after violating its substance-abuse policy, had been limited to conditioning work during training camp in Georgetown, Ky.
"I’m ready to go," Thurman said. "I just can’t wait to get back out on the green. I’m going to work hard until I can get back on the field and do everything I can do until then.
"I feel great. I think I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in."
He said he weighed 235 pounds.
Linebackers coach Ricky Hunley gave him a solid early review.
"It’s like he hasn’t missed a beat," Hunley said. "He was real attentive in meetings, taking good notes."
He said Thurman was carrying himself as someone who wanted to gain the respect of his teammates.
Askew cut

The Bengals waived defensive tackle Matthias Askew, a fourth-round pick out of Michigan State in 2004.
"He wasn’t going to make our football team at this point," Lewis said, "so it’s better to give Matthias an opportunity to catch on with another team."
Askew added to the Bengals’ off-the-field woes in late July when he was Tasered by Cincinnati police after a parking incident. Askew was charged with obstructing official business. Askew’s lawyer has said the police were at fault.
Center Jesse Boone, an undrafted rookie, also was waived. The Bengals signed defensive tackle Daniel Watts as an international practice-squad player.
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/17/06

BENGALS NOTEBOOK
Esiason brushes aside Palmer worries
Former QB says flap over return date overblown

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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CINCINNATI — Before there was Carson, there was Boomer. And when Boomer Esiason talks, people in Cincinnati still listen.
Esiason, now a CBS analyst, was at the Bengals facility yesterday to conduct a previously scheduled interview with quarterback Carson Palmer.
As a quarterback familiar with media firestorms, Esiason was amused by the supposed controversy regarding Palmer’s return. Coach Marvin Lewis said Tuesday that Palmer had been cleared medically to play and that the timing of his return was up to the quarterback. Palmer said he didn’t feel ready and that Lewis had the final say.
Despite the contrasting words, Palmer said he and Lewis were in agreement about his status. Esiason agreed.
"The story hasn’t changed since I came out here in January after he got his surgery to when I interviewed him three months ago and then I did today," Esiason said. "The story has always been the same. The story is when he is 100 percent they’ll be ready to put him in there. I don’t think Marvin has deviated from that. I don’t think Carson has deviated from that."
Esiason took a playful jab at the NBC television crew for stirring up a story he doesn’t believe really exists. Analyst John Madden said that Lewis told him the Bengals had to "fish or cut bait" by Friday’s exhibition game at Buffalo in deciding whether Palmer would start the regular season.
Though Lewis wouldn’t say after yesterday’s practice whether Palmer or Anthony Wright would start Friday, Palmer said he wouldn’t play.
"They left a little wake in their trail after they left the city, but the story hasn’t changed one bit," Esiason said. "When Carson is finally out on the field, all of this garbage will be over with and everyone will be happy."
Esiason said he just wants to make sure Palmer doesn’t rush back. He cited the example of New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington, who played through a bad shoulder and now is fighting to hold on to his job.
"This should be a 10-year, Hall of Fame, couple Super Bowl career," Esiason said of Palmer, "and I think that’s what we’re all expecting. He’ll get out there when he’s ready, and that’s the way it should be."
Esiason is confident Palmer will be back good as ever.
The proof?
"I drafted him first in my fantasy league," Esiason said.
Chatman returns

Receiver Antonio Chatman, signed as a free agent from Green Bay, has returned to practice after missing most of training camp because of a pelvic strain.
Chatman had expected to be a leading contender for the third receiver spot, but his injury and Chris Henry’s strong play have made that almost impossible. Chatman still could become the team’s primary punt returner.
"Very frustrating," Chatman said. "Every day I was out there telling them I want to go, but I knew I couldn’t. The game against Washington, coach Lewis was teasing me, saying I could suit up but not play."
He said he’s still working through the injury.
"It’s getting there," Chatman said. "It’s not fully there."
Adams not buffaloed

Defensive tackle Sam Adams’ three years with the Buffalo Bills ended on a sour note. He started only one game the second half of last season. Part of that was attributable to a sore ankle, but there were also reports of friction with the coaching staff.
"I’m going to leave that in that house," Adams said about the reasons for his departure.
Adams has been nursing a sore leg, and Lewis said it’s doubtful Adams will play Friday.
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Cincy

8/17/06

It's official: Palmer to sit

BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

<!--ARTICLE BODY TEXT-->Once and for all, Carson Palmer said, he will not play Friday night in the Bengals' second preseason game at Buffalo.
Palmer on Tuesday hinted he would sit out the game. But that did not stop the barrage of questions about the health of his surgically reconstructed left knee and speculation about when he finally would return to play.
Coach Marvin Lewis smiled after the team's second practice Wednesday and said he was not going to announce who would start at quarterback Friday.
Look for Anthony Wright to start and play the first half, as he did in last Sunday's preseason opener against Washington.
Wright, who threw for 101 yards and one touchdown against the Redskins, needs as much work as possible to prepare for a possible start in the regular-season opener Sept. 10 at Kansas City.
Palmer practiced on the field Wednesday morning but worked out inside during the afternoon practice.
Between practices, during yet another conversation about his knee, Palmer was asked why he answered questions about his playing status so honestly.
"I'm not going to cover anything up. I've got nothing to hide," Palmer said. "I'm not going out there until I'm 100 percent. And I don't feel like I have to hide anything about that. If I was going to go out there and do something silly and try to play at 85 percent, then that's not the best thing for me or the organization. This organization wants me to be 100 percent."
Palmer has said all along he is targeting the Bengals' third preseason game, Aug. 28 at home against Green Bay, for his return.
Doug Johnson and rookie Erik Meyer are likely to play the second half at quarterback against Buffalo.
E-mail mcurnutte@ enquirer.com
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Cincy

8/17/06

Adams iffy in Buffalo return
Bengals notebook

BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

<!--ARTICLE BODY TEXT-->Sam Adams spent three successful seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
The first-year Bengals defensive tackle was a Pro Bowl player after 2004 and an all-star game alternate last season.
Adams, though not physically cleared for the second preseason game Friday night at Buffalo, has fond memories of his stay there.
"Yeah, but I'm going to leave that in that house," Adams said of his stay in Buffalo. "I'm going to handle it as professionally as I can. I wish those guys luck and hope they have good careers, and we're going to move on."
Adams suffered an ankle injury toward the end of the season in Buffalo but came back to play. He has not been medically cleared to practice or play, but Bengals coach Marvin Lewis left the door open for the Adams to play against the Bills.
Will Adams play?
"You have to ask Marvin that," he said.
BOOMER'S VIEW: Boomer Esiason, a CBS Sports NFL analyst and former Bengals quarterback, was at Paul Brown Stadium to interview Carson Palmer.
Esiason was asked about Palmer's return Wednesday and the apparent conflict Palmer has with coach Marvin Lewis about his return.
"It's been blown out of proportion because (John) Madden rolled in here and (sideline reporter) Andrea Kremer asks him a question that he's unprepared for, meaning Carson, and (analyst) Jerome Bettis had a little firestorm going on here," Esiason said in reference to the NBC Sports telecast of the Bengals' preseason opener Sunday.
"They left a little wake in their trail after they left the city, but the story hasn't changed one bit. Did some of the language, some of the semantics of the discussion change? Sure, but that's because we're right here.
"I'm telling you, when Carson is finally out on the field, all of this garbage will be over with and everyone will be happy."
10-YEAR CLUB: Five Bengals veterans - center Rich Braham, right tackle Willie Anderson, cornerback Tory James and defensive linemen Bryan Robinson and Adams - have been given reserved parking spaces closest to the door in the players' parking lot at Paul Brown Stadium. Each of the five is in at least his 10th NFL season.
BOOK CLUB: Several players discussed the new Chad Johnson biography, by Enquirer columnist Paul Daugherty, Wednesday morning after practice.
"Is it fiction?" safety Madieu Williams asked of "Chad: i Can't Be Stopped."
"We've got to get a copy of that and pass it around," Williams said. "I'm not going to Barnes & Noble and spend $20 on it."
"Dawg," wide receiver Kelley Washington said, "you can buy it at Walgreen's."
DOG DAYS: Several players missed one or both of the practices Wednesday: left tackle Levi Jones (ankle), safety Kevin Kaesviharn (back spasms), wide receiver Antonio Chatman (pelvis), Anderson (rest), Palmer (knee) and linebacker Brian Simmons (knee).

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/18/06

Bengals to pay close attention to special teams

Friday, August 18, 2006

Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>MIKE MUNDEN DISPATCH </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>The Bengals’ kickoff coverage team was burned by the Bills’ Terrence McGee late last season after Cincinnati had clinched the AFC North title. </TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>

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CINCINNATI — For special teams coach Darrin Simmons, it’s the one game he doesn’t like pulling out of the Bengals’ 2005 catalog.
Fresh off clinching the AFC North championship, the Bengals suffered a major letdown in a 37-27 upset by the Buffalo Bills, their preseason opponent tonight.
Nowhere was the letdown bigger than on special teams. The Bengals allowed Terrence McGee to return a kickoff for a touchdown and allowed another long return on a reverse to open the second half. Buffalo also recovered an onside kick.
It’d be foolish to suggest that the Bengals’ special teams are seeking revenge tonight. It’s only the preseason. But Buffalo should provide a decent gauge for measuring Cincinnati’s progress in that area.
For the Bills, the performance against the Bengals was no fluke. According to The Dallas Morning News’ comprehensive special-teams ratings, the Bills had the best kicking game in the league last year. Cincinnati was 16 th.
"They’re the best," Simmons said. "It’s something we’re aspiring to. To be the best you’ve got to beat the best. We haven’t done that yet."
Simmons’ task is complicated because he’s not sure who’ll end up on his units. Most of the core special-teams players are backups, and they’re fighting for roster spots. For many of them, the best way to distinguish themselves is on special teams.
"There are several spots that are still very up in the air," Simmons said. "We have to get a look at these guys in these games (to decide) whether they stay or not."
The Bengals could get their first look at Antonio Chatman, projected to take over puntreturn duties when he signed as a free agent from Green Bay. Chatman missed most of training camp because of a pelvic strain.
Simmons should feel secure with his two kickers. Shayne Graham has established himself as a reliable field-goal kicker. He has made 77 of 88 kicks as a Bengal and made the Pro Bowl last season.
The one chink in his game has been short kickoffs. But last week against Washington, three of Graham’s four kickoffs went into the end zone, two for touchbacks.
He attributes his increased length to workouts he began after he pulled a groin muscle early last season.
"It’s a little stronger and feels good," Graham said. "I think it’s paying off because it’s translating into my kicking."
Although Graham’s roster spot was always secure, that wasn’t the case for punter Kyle Larson. The Bengals signed Danny Baugher, who had an NCAA Division I-high 47.5-yard average for Arizona last year before suffering a knee injury. But the competition never materialized. Baugher was the first cut of training camp, and Larson has had an excellent camp. He boomed several punts during an intrasquad scrimmage and set up a safety against the Redskins with a punt downed at the 2-yard line.
"On film last year, coach Simmons and I saw that my stride was a little bit too big," Larson said. "By shortening my steps, it allowed me to be more consistent. I really focused on that in the offseason, and it’s really paid off."
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

8/18/06

BENGALS NOTES
Bengals' Adams has no problem being former Bill

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Sam Adams likes Buffalo ... in his rearview mirror.
The 13-year NFL veteran, who spent the past three seasons with the Bills, signed with the Bengals in April.
"I'm going to handle it as professionally as I can," Adams said about tonight's Bengals preseason game in Buffalo. "I wish those guys (Bills) luck and hope they have good careers and we're going to move on."
Adams admires Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes, who played for the Bengals from 1998-2002. Spikes suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the third game of 2005, but has returned to the starting lineup.
"We did a lot for each other," Adams said. "That's what a band of brothers does for each other on the field. If they can get that concept down there, they'll be successful."
Do the Bengals have that band-of-brothers chemistry?
"Yeah, we've got that here," Adams said. "We just have to eliminate mental mistakes and grow up a little bit. We're going to be all right."
Jump start
Bengals kicker Shayne Graham made his NFL debut for Buffalo in the 2001 season, converting six of eight field-goal attempts (.750) with a long of 41 yards.
Graham called it the turning point in his career because it gave him the exposure he needed. He replaced Neil Rackers as the Bengals' kicker in 2003. Rackers (Arizona) and Graham were Pro Bowlers in 2005.
"(Graham) got an opportunity here when Neil was in between whatever was going on with him and his mind," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "He seized the opportunity and the moment, and he's never looked back. He's done nothing but get better."
Simply Peerless
Bills wide receiver and Dayton native Peerless Price has returned to Buffalo, where he played from 1999-2002 after the Bills' made him their second-round draft pick (No. 53 overall) in 1999.
The former University of Tennessee star from Meadowdale High School spent 2003-04 with Atlanta and 2005 with Dallas.
In his last season with the Bills, Price recorded 94 receptions for 1,252 yards and nine TDs.
Quick hitters
• Bengals right offensive tackle Willie Anderson trains with Spikes in the offseason in Atlanta. They were teammates at Auburn.
"It's always good to see Takeo," Anderson said. "I'll be more happy to see him on the field because I know how hard he's worked this offseason to come back."
• The Bengals lead the Bills 5-4 in preseason play with the visitors controlling the series. The Bengals are 3-1 at Buffalo; the Bills are 3-2 in Cincinnati.
• Buffalo wide receiver Martin Nance and Bengals safety John Busing were teammates at Miami University.

DDN

8/18/06

Visit to Buffalo brings back bad memories

Bills ruined home finale for playoff-bound Bengals last season behind two big plays by cornerback Terrence McGee.

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The last time the Bengals and Bills hooked up, it wasn't a pleasant day for Cincinnati.

Go back to Christmas Eve 2005, when Buffalo cornerback Terrence McGee turned Paul Brown Stadium into his personal playground in a 37-27 Bills victory, spoiling the Bengals' regular-season home finale.
With a 99-yard kickoff return in the third quarter and a 46-yard interception return with 35 seconds remaining, McGee became the first player in NFL history to return a kickoff and interception for touchdowns in the same game.
Bengals cornerback Patrick Body wore goat horns. He failed to contain his outside lane in kickoff coverage and whiffed attempting to tackle McGee, who sailed up, then down, the left sideline.
"I took a gamble," Body said. "Instead of hitting the guy in front of me, I felt I got down there fast enough so I could get around him and make the tackle. When I got around him, (McGee) was already exploding up past me. So I couldn't hit him clean and I missed."
Bengals special teams coach Darrin Simmons still has nightmares about the play. It's the only kick return — punt or kickoff — the Bengals have yielded for a TD in the Marvin Lewis era, which began in 2003.
"That's the worst play we've had since I've been here and the worst play I can possibly fathom," Simmons said. "It's a lot different than a turnover because of the emotion that goes with it. It's such a game-changing play. It's hard to overcome those. Obviously, I never want that to happen again."

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/19/06

BENGALS 44 BILLS 31

Bengals see good, bad
Defense accounts for 20 first-half points in victory over Bills

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The number of standout Cincinnati Bengals on the sideline almost matched that of key players who ventured onto the Ralph Wilson Stadium turf last night.
The Bengals didn’t seem to miss the departed all that much. Their defense forced four first-half turnovers that resulted in 20 points and Cincinnati rolled over the Buffalo Bills 44-31.
Quarterback Carson Palmer didn’t play, nor did offensive tackles Levi Jones (ankle) and Willie Anderson (hamstring), receiver Chris Henry (hamstring), defensive tackle Sam Adams (leg) and linebacker David Pollack (hamstring).
Despite that, the Bengals (2-0) rolled to a 44-17 lead before the Bills added two late touchdowns. But lest anyone believe Cincinnati is a juggernaut without much to do, there was enough bad to go with the good.
First, the good.
The defense scored two touchdowns. Dexter Jackson returned a fumble 72 yards for a touchdown and Whitehall graduate Keiwan Ratliff scored on a 26-yard interception return.
Cincinnati added two field goals after fumble-causing sacks by Justin Smith and Domata Peko to take a 27-17 halftime lead.
On offense, quarterback Anthony Wright looked to be more comfortable with the offense, particularly in his chemistry with Chad Johnson. Held without a reception in the preseason opener, Johnson made several acrobatic catches. He somehow kept his feet inbounds in the corner of the end zone on a 9-yard touchdown catch made possible by a scramble by Wright.
"Great play by Anthony," Johnson said. "Great scramble, great focus, great throw."
For the second straight game, Wright did not commit a turnover, though he flirted with it twice. He completed 9 of 19 passes for 99 yards.
"Each time we play, I feel more comfortable," Wright said. "The more reps and snaps, obviously I build confidence."
Now for the bad.
Cincinnati’s running game continued to sputter. With the Bengals using rookie Andrew Whitworth at left tackle and Stacy Andrews at right tackle, Rudi Johnson gained only 3 yards on three carries and backup Quincy Wilson averaged only 2.6 yards while playing with the starters. The Bills stuffed Wilson twice on runs from the Buffalo 1 and Cincinnati settled for a field goal.
"We did some good things, but we’ve got a long way to go," right guard Bobbie Williams said.
The defense again allowed too many big plays. Willis McGahee scored on a 61-yard touchdown run. Ratliff was burned by speedy Lee Evans on a 46-yard bomb for a touchdown.
Evans earlier gained 47 yards after catching a short pass and weaving through the Cincinnati defense.
"We did some good things, but I’m not all that pleased with anything right now," Lewis said. "We’re talking about how we’ve got to eliminate the explosive plays on defense and the penalties on offense."
The Bengals had six offensive penalties, three of which were declined or offset by Buffalo penalties.
Bengals backups dominated most of the second half. Doug Johnson played well for the second straight game, leading Cincinnati to a 44-17 lead before Buffalo scored the game’s final two touchdowns.
The Bengals appeared to have suffered only one significant injury. Backup cornerback Rashad Bauman, who’d been playing well, was on crutches after the game with an apparently significant knee injury.
[email protected]

 

[sandgk]

Well one thing is becoming clear. The defense finally looks to have teeth.
The pitiful running game is an area of critical concern. Even without Jones in the line they should be able to get more out of RBs.

 

[buckeye247]

I just heard on wkbw1220 that Marvin Lewis got arrested for having a gun in his vehicle.
Actually im just kidding but it would fit their current status.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/20/06

BENGALS ANALYSIS

Season rides on Palmer’s left knee

QB will see first game action Aug. 28

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>DAVID DUPREY ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Anthony Wright has filled in well, but the Bengals don’t want to see him under center when the season begins. </TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>

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The Cincinnati Bengals are halfway through the preseason and already much can be gleaned about them.
It also can be said that nothing definitive can be gleaned.
That’s because the biggest question about the Bengals’ season remains unresolved: Can Carson Palmer return from reconstructive left knee surgery and be the quarterback he was last year?
Palmer has made impressive progress, but the true test — the only real test — will come in game competition. That won’t happen until at least Cincinnati’s next preseason game, Aug. 28 against Green Bay.
Only then will it be revealed how healthy Palmer’s knee is, and perhaps more important, how healthy his psyche is. Though he said recently that he’s no longer worrying about the knee during practice, it’s easy to say that when there’s no risk of defensive ends crashing into it.
Until Palmer returns, any accurate prognostication about the Bengals is hazy. If Palmer doesn’t return as close to the player he was last year, Cincinnati’s season might be doomed. The Bengals, along with the New York Giants, face the toughest schedule in the NFL based on 2005 records.
An encouraging sign is that Anthony Wright has shown he can succeed as a stopgap solution. Though he doesn’t have Palmer’s presence or accuracy, Wright has a decent arm and has done an admirable job learning the offense.
Wright said he would need an entire year to fully grasp the intricacies of offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski’s scheme, and he only has had four months. Still, he quickly has developed some chemistry with receivers. The touchdown pass he threw to Chad Johnson on Friday in the 44-31 victory in Buffalo is a good example. Wright scrambled away from pressure and hit Johnson in the corner of the end zone. Wright said the Bengals began working on the scramble drill only last week.
Of course, it helps to have someone as talented as Johnson to throw to. In previous stints with Dallas and Baltimore, Wright had a weak cast surrounding him. Cincinnati’s offense is star-studded.
Though the running game has struggled in both games, nobody seems all that concerned. In six carries, Rudi Johnson has negative total yardage. But he’s the type of runner who is more effective the more carries he has, and the Bengals were without tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson on Friday.
The situation on defense is much the same as it is on offense. It can’t be accurately assessed because of missing pieces. Defensive tackle Sam Adams, signed to be a bulwark against the run, hasn’t played yet while he nurses a leg injury and gets into better shape. Outside linebacker David Pollack is recovering from a pulled hamstring. Middle linebacker Odell Thurman, suspended for the first four regular-season games, also hasn’t played.
So far, the defense has been a mixed bag. It creates a lot of big plays. It also has allowed far too many.
"We’re not where we need to be, but we’re on the right road," safety Dexter Jackson said. "We need to get to the end of that road."
That can be said about any team at this point. There’s always reason for optimism and cause for concern. But most teams have a solid sense of the team they’ll trot out for the regular-season opener.
The Bengals can’t say that. That’s why even more than in most preseasons, after two games Cincinnati has barely provided even a prologue to its 2006 season.
[email protected]

 

[ScriptOhio]

Palmer's status unclear; questionable for opener

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=10></TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD noWrap>Aug. 20, 2006
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
</TD><TD width=10></TD><TD align=right><SCRIPT language=JavaScript><!--//var dclkFeaturesponsor='http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/sponsorships.spln.com/fs/stories/'+vTag+';'+vTarget+';'+uID+';sz=234x42;tile=5;ord='+random+'?';if (switchDclk != 'off') { if (location.search.substring(1).indexOf('DCLK')>-1) document.write('<input type="text" value="'+dclkFeaturesponsor+'" style="width:">
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<NOSCRIPT>[URL="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/sponsorships.spln.com/fs/stories/nfl;arena=nfl;feat=stories;type=psa;user=Anonymous;cust=no;vip=no;sz=234x42;tile=5;ord=177581156126613?"]http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/sponsorships.spln.com/fs/stories/nfl;arena=nfl;feat=stories;type=psa;user=Anonymous;cust=no;vip=no;sz=234x42;tile=5;ord=177581156126613?[/URL]</NOSCRIPT> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>CINCINNATI -- Bengals coach Marvin Lewis declined to say Sunday whether Carson Palmer will play in Cincinnati's next preseason game, leaving the quarterback's status unclear for the season opener.
The game against Green Bay on Aug. 28 is important for Palmer, who had reconstructive knee surgery seven months ago. Lewis has long maintained that Palmer needs to play the last two preseason games to be ready for the season opener.
Last week, Palmer said he wasn't ready to get into a game and take his first hit.
"He wants to make sure he can perform his job the way he knows how to perform it when he steps out onto the field," Lewis said Sunday. "He doesn't want to go out there before he feels like he is whole to do his job. That's a good thing. We have time, and I think that's what he's very conscious of."
Lewis declined to say whether Palmer could still play in the Sept. 10 opener at Kansas City if he sits out the Green Bay game.
Anthony Wright has started the first two preseason games in place of Palmer, with Doug Johnson next in line. Wright is expected to start against Kansas City if Palmer isn't ready.
Lewis indicated Sunday that running back Chris Perry probably won't be ready for the season opener. Perry had surgery on his knee and ankle in the offseason.
"He's about on schedule where the doctors thought he would be," Lewis said.
Reserve cornerback Rashad Bauman is expected to have surgery Monday to repair a torn patella tendon, which he injured during a 44-31 victory at Buffalo on Friday night.
Also Sunday, the Bengals waived No. 4 quarterback Erik Meyer and safety Tony Bua, who was on the practice squad last season.
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/9611206

 

[tibor75]

Carson sounds more optimistic than Marvin...

8-20-06, 6:05 p.m. After taking the majority of snaps in practice and a 40-minute stint in the weight room, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said Sunday he expects to play in Monday night’s Aug. 28 preseason game against the Packers at Paul Brown Stadium “I’ll see how I feel later on in the week, but right now I’m expecting to play,” Palmer said. “As long as I don’t have a bunch of swelling and tenderness, I’ll be ready to roll."

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/21/06

Palmer planning to play next game

Associated Press

<!-- begin body-content -->CINCINNATI - Carson Palmer said Sunday he expects to play in the Cincinnati Bengals' preseason game next Monday against Green Bay, provided he doesn't have any swelling in his surgically rebuilt knee this week.
Coach Marvin Lewis was noncommittal Sunday about whether Palmer would get on the field for the first time. Later, Palmer said he plans to be under center.
"I'm preparing to play. I'm practicing to play," Palmer said. "That's been part of the plan, part of the schedule. I'll see how I feel later in the week, but right now I'm expecting to play."
Palmer said he's had a little bit of swelling in the left knee, which was severely damaged during the Bengals' playoff loss to Pittsburgh last January. He has been working out during training camp without significant setback, but didn't play in either of the first two preseason games.
"The thing we keep worrying about is swelling," Palmer said. "That's one of the things we need to worry about. As long as we don't have a bunch of swelling and tenderness, I'll be ready to roll."
The game against Green Bay on Aug. 28 is important for Palmer. Lewis has insisted that the quarterback needs to play the last two preseason games to be ready for the season opener.
Last week, Palmer said he wasn't ready to get into a game and take his first hit.
"He wants to make sure he can perform his job the way he knows how to perform it when he steps out onto the field," Lewis said Sunday. "He doesn't want to go out there before he feels like he is whole to do his job. That's a good thing. We have time, and I think that's what he's very conscious of."
Lewis declined to say whether Palmer could still play in the Sept. 10 opener at Kansas City if he sits out the Green Bay game.
Anthony Wright has started the first two preseason games in place of Palmer, with Doug Johnson next in line. Wright is expected to start against Kansas City if Palmer isn't ready.
Lewis indicated Sunday that running back Chris Perry probably won't be ready for the season opener. Perry had surgery on his knee and ankle in the offseason.
"He's about on schedule where the doctors thought he would be," Lewis said.
Reserve cornerback Rashad Bauman is expected to have surgery Monday to repair a torn patella tendon, which he injured during a 44-31 victory at Buffalo on Friday night.
Also Sunday, the Bengals waived No. 4 quarterback Erik Meyer and safety Tony Bua, who was on the practice squad last season.
<!-- end body-content -->

ABJ

8/21/06

Palmer's status unsure for season opener

Associated Press

<!-- begin body-content -->CINCINNATI - Bengals coach Marvin Lewis declined to say Sunday whether Carson Palmer will play in Cincinnati's next preseason game, leaving the quarterback's status unclear for the season opener.
The game against Green Bay on Aug. 28 is important for Palmer, who had reconstructive knee surgery seven months ago. Lewis has long maintained that Palmer needs to play the last two preseason games to be ready for the season opener.
Last week, Palmer said he wasn't ready to get into a game and take his first hit.
"He wants to make sure he can perform his job the way he knows how to perform it when he steps out onto the field," Lewis said Sunday. "He doesn't want to go out there before he feels like he is whole to do his job. That's a good thing. We have time, and I think that's what he's very conscious of."
Lewis declined to say whether Palmer could still play in the Sept. 10 opener at Kansas City if he sits out the Green Bay game.
Anthony Wright has started the first two preseason games in place of Palmer, with Doug Johnson next in line. Wright is expected to start against Kansas City if Palmer isn't ready.
Lewis indicated Sunday that running back Chris Perry probably won't be ready for the season opener. Perry had surgery on his knee and ankle in the offseason.
"He's about on schedule where the doctors thought he would be," Lewis said.
Reserve cornerback Rashad Bauman is expected to have surgery Monday to repair a torn patella tendon, which he injured during a 44-31 victory at Buffalo on Friday night.
Also Sunday, the Bengals waived No. 4 quarterback Erik Meyer and safety Tony Bua, who was on the practice squad last season.
<!-- end body-content -->

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

DDN

8/21/06

bengals notes
Wright finds connection with 'unstoppable' Chad

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer
CINCINNATI | More than a 44-31 preseason victory over Buffalo, Cincinnati Bengals fans witnessed the developing chemistry between quarterback Anthony Wright and wide receiver Chad Johnson.
Johnson, shut out by Washington a week ago, caught five passes for 73 yards, including a long gain of 24 and a nine-yard touchdown.
"We wanted to get Chad involved," Wright said. "The Redskins rolled coverage to him, trying to double him and take him out. But in this game, the defense didn't really dictate that we throw it the opposite way. Anytime you get a chance to throw it to him, you have to take advantage of it."
Said Johnson: "I'm not talking — but I can't be stopped."
Grievous error
Tab Perry sinned when he fielded a punt at the 1-yard line.
"I didn't think I was drifting back as far as I did," he said. "I know you're not supposed to field the ball inside the 10, and I did. I made a mistake and I've got to learn from it."
Perry said the coaches "gave me an earful when I got over to the sideline, They said, 'Just don't let it happen again.' This game shows how we're going to be this year. When somebody makes a mistake, somebody's got to make a play. You've got to pick each other up, and they picked me up."
Family night
Rookie safety Ethan Kilmer's cheering section included his parents, Mike and Louann Kilmer, plus aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
"It was good to know I had some support behind me," the native of Wyalusing, Pa., said. "My hometown was looking out for me."
Who paid for the tickets?
"Luckily," he said, "most of them got their own."
Bauman banged up
The post-game locker room was void of celebration because backup cornerback Rashad Bauman was on crutches with a serious left-knee injury.
"You hate to lose guys in these games," head coach Marvin Lewis said.
Quick hitters
• DE Justin Smith led the defense with seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.
• The Bengals have forced seven turnovers (4 interceptions, 3 fumbles) and yielded one — Reggie McNeal's fumble at Buffalo — for a plus-6 turnover ratio.
• LB Landon Johnson: "We made some plays and we gave up some plays. We have to keep making them and quit giving them up."

DDN

8/21/06

Palmer appears set to debut against Green Bay

He has recovered from knee surgery; tailback Chris Perry will likely be on PUP list.

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer
CINCINNATI — Five newsy items that emerged from Cincinnati Bengals training camp at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday:
1. Barring any setbacks, quarterback Carson Palmer will make his 2006 season debut against the Green Bay Packers a week from today on Monday Night Football.
"I'm preparing to play and practicing to play," said Palmer, who had reconstructive left knee surgery on Jan. 10. "That's been part of the plan, part of the schedule. I'll see how I feel later on in the week, but right now I'm expecting to play."
2. Tailback Chris Perry criticized the club's medical staff. He'll likely to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP)/Reserve list and miss the first six weeks of the regular season.
"It's not likely that (Perry) will play in a preseason game," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "Chris is not going to play in a game until he's practiced. And right now he's not able to practice."
3. Right offensive tackle Willie Anderson denied a report on the club's Web site that his agent and the team are negotiating a contract extension.
"There's no talking going on," Anderson said.
4. Rookie quarterback Erik Meyer and safety Tony Bua were waived. Meyer's release means Doug Johnson is the third-string QB behind Palmer and Anthony Wright.
5. Cornerback Rashad Bauman, who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee, is scheduled for season-ending surgery today.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253
or [email protected]

DDN

8/21/06

bengals notes
Chris Perry criticizes team's medical staff

By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer
CINCINNATI — Tailback Chris Perry blasted the Bengals' medical staff on Sunday, saying the severity of his knee injury was misdiagnosed and he wished he'd had arthroscopic surgery earlier than April 28. Later on, Perry underwent surgery to have his ankle cleaned out.
Perry said he insisted on a second medical opinion regarding his knee when he continued to feel soreness during offseason workouts.
"I came in here and got an MRI, and they said everything was fine with the knee," Perry said. "I kept on working out, and it kept on hurting. I had to get something done to it. The second opinion confirmed what I thought — that it was more than what they were saying.
"If they would have told me about (needing surgery) in February, it would have happened in February. I knew it was hurt, but to the extent that it was, I had no clue. So then I went and got a second opinion and found out how hurt I really was."
Perry is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP)/active list, meaning he can't practice until he passes the team's physical exam.
If he goes on the PUP/reserve list, he'll miss the first six weeks of the regular season.
How frustrating is it?
"It's like having a lottery ticket and having every number except the last one," Perry said.
Closer to playing
Defensive tackle Sam Adams is getting close to playing. Like quarterback Carson Palmer, Adams could make his season debut against Green Bay on Aug. 28.
"I think we'll be OK with Sam," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "But we'll make that determination."
Could Adams miss the entire preseason and still play in the Sept. 10 opener at Kansas City?
"There's not much chance of that happening, so I don't have to worry about that," Lewis said.
Injury report
Safety Anthony Mitchell (sprained foot), defensive end Frostee Rucker (shoulder) and tailback Terrence Whitehead (sprained toe) are out against Green Bay.
Cornerback Rashad Bauman is expected to go on Injured Reserve, ending his season. He'll have surgery today to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee.
"Our heart goes out to him," Lewis said. "We all know what he means to everybody here. It's just so unfortunate."
Numbers game
The release of quarterback Erik Meyer and safety Tony Bua takes the roster down to 81 players. Rosters must be cut to 75 on Aug. 29 and 53 on Sept. 2.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/21/06

Knee, ankle injuries keep Perry on sidelines
Monday, August 21, 2006
Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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CINCINNATI — More than three weeks have passed since the start of Bengals training camp, and running back Chris Perry is not close to returning.
Perry likely won’t be ready for the start of the season. One option would be for the Bengals to place the former first-round pick on the physically unable to perform list. That would make him ineligible to return until the sixth game.
Perry had knee surgery in April followed by ankle surgery later in the spring. He said he wishes he’d had the surgeries earlier but that he didn’t get the proper diagnoses until he sought second opinions from independent doctors following exams by the Bengals.
"They checked (the knee) out and said nothing was wrong with it and came back and told me something was wrong with it," Perry said. "Same with the ankle.
"If they had told me about it in February, (surgery) would have happened in February. I knew it was hurting, but to the extent that it was, I had no clue. … I went and got a second opinion and found out how hurt I really was."
Exactly what was wrong remains unclear. The Bengals discourage players from detailing injuries with the media, and Perry wouldn’t give specifics.
Perry emerged as a dangerous complementary back to workhorse Rudi Johnson last year, particularly as an elusive passcatcher. Because making sharp cuts is vital to Perry’s game, the Bengals don’t want to rush him back.
Coach Marvin Lewis praised Perry’s diligence during rehab and said he wasn’t surprised that he’s missed so much time.
"When he had the surgery that he had ... he’s about on schedule where the doctors thought he would be," Lewis said.
Bauman injury serious

Cornerback Rashad Bauman suffered a ruptured right patellar tendon Friday in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Lewis said Bauman will have surgery today. He almost certainly will be placed on injured reserve and miss the season.
Lewis said safety Anthony Mitchell, injured in the preseason opener, has a serious sprain in his foot that could cause him to miss the season.
Third-round pick Frostee Rucker missed the Buffalo game with a shoulder injury. Lewis hopes to have the defensive end back for the final preseason game at Indianapolis.
Bengals bits

Right offensive tackle Willie Anderson said a report on ESPN.com that the Bengals have offered a three-year contract extension is false. "There’s nothing going on," Anderson said. … The Bengals waived safety Tony Bua and quarterback Erik Meyer.
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/22/06

BENGALS
Rookie handles big assignment

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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CINCINNATI — It could be said it’s a reflection of the Bengals’ trust in Andrew Whitworth that they started the rookie at left tackle in Friday’s preseason victory at Buffalo.
Or not.
"It means he’s the only guy we had," offensive line coach Paul Alexander said.
He was joking, kind of. The Bengals could have used Pete Lougheed or left guard Eric Steinbach, but they invested a second-round draft pick in Whitworth and are eager to see what they have.
The Bengals certainly aren’t coddling him. Whitworth, a left tackle at LSU, has played tackle and guard in training camp. In the preseason opener against Washington, he played guard in the middle quarters and tackle in the fourth. With Levi Jones nursing an ankle sprain, the Bengals put Whitworth at left tackle against Buffalo.
The complexity of NFL protections often overwhelms rookie offensive linemen. That isn’t an issue for Whitworth. He’s so bright that he doesn’t even take notes of Alexander’s instructions during meetings.
"When he describes things on the board, I can remember it, and usually anything I hear I tend to remember," Whitworth said. "I’ve always been pretty good at that. If I visualize something, I can remember it word for word."
Alexander vouches for that.
"I’m waiting for him to screw something up so I can say, ‘See, you should have written it down,’ " he said. "He’s very, very bright. He was calling out the blitzes in the game."
Against the Bills, Whitworth lined up against defensive end Aaron Schobel, a speed rusher who had 12 sacks last season. Whitworth, with some help from Steinbach, kept Schobel without a sack.
His performance wasn’t flawless. On one run play, he missed a block when he took a bad angle on a blitzing defensive back. The play exposed Whitworth’s lack of raw quickness, but Alexander isn’t overly concerned about that. He believes Whitworth can compensate with his 6-foot-7, 340-pound frame.
"You can get from point A to point B with quick feet or you can be just so big that you’re already there," Alexander said. "He has such long reach. It looks like he’s lined up offside all the time, but he’s not. He’s just so tall."
Ideally, Whitworth will spend this season as a backup learning behind a veteran line. But with Steinbach and right tackle Willie Anderson eligible for free agency after this season, Whitworth’s time should come soon enough.
"It was good to go out and play and play well, but I want to play great," Whitworth said. "I want to play as good as I can play. For me, it’s still the drawing board to see how I can play better."
Bengals bits

As expected, the Bengals placed cornerback Rashad Bauman on injured reserve yesterday. Bauman had surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon suffered Friday. … The twoweek window for receiver Chris Henry’s trial in Florida began yesterday without the case being heard. Henry is facing charges of carrying a concealed weapon. It is one of three cases pending against him.
[email protected]