The Bengals have reportedly agreed to terms with both Pac Man Jones and Gibril Wilson, according to the Bengals web site. Wilson agreed to a one-year deal, while Jones’ deal will cover two years. The moves bolster the Bengals depth in the secondary and give the team options behind the starters at both cornerback and safety. I’m much more excited about the pickup of Wilson, given the age and injury histories of starters Roy Williams and Chris Crocker. Jones will join a crowded group of cornerbacks led by starters Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall and backups Morgan Trent, David Jones, and rookie Brandon Ghee.
The moves also give Mike Zimmer’s “Scrap Heap” defense even more firepower. The Bengals defense, which finished seventh in total yards/game last season, will feature five first-round picks this season (Jones, Joseph, Hall, Williams, Keith Rivers) and two second-rounders (Rey Maualuga and Tank Johnson).
Perhaps a lot of these players come with baggage (even Southwest wouldn’t let it fly for free), but the talent assembled on the unit is unquestioned. Maybe the Bengals’ commitment to winning has been questioned in the past, but that complaint is moot this year.
The team is certainly trying to win. They’re just trying to do it with some players who have troubled pasts.
For what it’s worth, Paul Daugherty hates the signing of Jones. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of it, but I’ll be the first to wish Pac Man luck in rearranging his life.
Perhaps he – and the Bengals – can both turn around things around in the same season.
Original Story:
http://stripehype.com/2010/05/07/seco...
