http://www.yardbarker.com/content/team/33 Recent articles about the Cincinnati Bengals en-us This in depth analysis of the offensive line includes the projected starters for the upcoming season, statistics and injuries from the past season, an overview of players on the line and an outlook for the 2008 season. Thu, 15 May 2008 16:48:43 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267412 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267412 The Cowboys have a not backed down from picking up players with problems if they think the player will help them; Tank Johnson, Pacman Jones, TO. But despite a need at WR, \the Cowboys are not interested in pursuing wide receivers such as Koren Robinson or Chris Henry, according to an NFL source. The team wants either a top, No. 1 receiver, or they remain prepared to go with what they have. Thu, 15 May 2008 10:20:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267237 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267237 Despite the fact he was MVP just a couple of years ago, Shaun Alexander has not been offered a contract. His latest suitors, the Bengals, seem content with Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry. According to the Cincinnait Enquirer, Perry was on the field for the first time since fracturing his ankle in a November 2006 game at Cleveland, and his return bodes well for the offense, if he can stay healthy, and probably means the Bengals won't offer a contract to former Seahawks great Shaun Alexander. Keep hoping someone gets hurt Shaun, it's probably your only chance of playing this year. Thu, 15 May 2008 09:49:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267221 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267221 I finished my last final yesterday and now getting ready for graduation. Going through ceremonies on Saturday and my family is flying in. I can't believe college is ending. I have been spending the time lately reflecting and catching up with some friends. I won't be able to do much reflecting after graduation because I jump on a plane the next day and fly to Cincinnati and start working. It's on from here on out - time to move forward and start writing a new chapter. SC is filled with an eclectic group of individuals and you'd be remiss not to branch out beyond the locker room. I have a lot of friends from freshman year who are not athletes and it's been fun seeing them the last week and sharing stories. I was a bit of a wild child when I first came here and we've been laughing about those days. I remember one story when I first moved to LA. Matt Leinart was my roommate and he was out of town. I ended up borrowing his bike and wanted to make sure I had the route down to school. When I was riding I started wondering if I was wearing the wrong colors. I was from Florida, I had no idea. It's funny to think back on those days. Wed, 14 May 2008 23:03:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267130 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267130 As legend has it, sports broadcaster extraordinaire Al Michaels once proclaimed as to the prospects of working at ESPN that he won't be working for a four-letter network. Apparently, that vow still applies. Per a media source, Michaels has turned down an opportunity to serve as the play-by-play man for NFLN's regular-season slate of pro football games. Michaels was pursued by the league-owned network to replace Bryant Gumbel, the big name with small talent who handled the duties for the first two years of the NFLN effort. Michaels currently provides the play-by-play call for NBC's weekly Sunday night coverage. It's unclear where the NFL will go from here. Others who have been linked to the job include Tom Hammond, Brad Nessler, Marv Albert, and Pat Summerall. Other possibilities, in our view, would be Mike Patrick and Brent Musberger. We also are intrigued by one or more outside-the-box possibilities, such as our pal Dan Patrick, whose weekday radio show streams live on SI.com — and who from time to time allows us to pollute his air waves. Another possibility would be to hire both Albert and our other pal Boomer Esiason (who currently team up for a national radio broadcast of the Monday night games), and make it a three-man crew, with the incumbent Cris Collinsworth, a former teammate of Esiason's. Wed, 14 May 2008 21:43:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267100 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267100 Here are some tips for you to improve your drafting skills. It is a discussion so feel free to add some in the comments on the blog. Wed, 14 May 2008 15:40:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266959 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266959 The off-season is a crucial time in the NFL, that's where teams try to make moves to make their franchises better or simply to improve upon them. These moves can ultimately set you up to be a contender or cellar dwellers for years to come. With that said lets look at some of the moves that were made during the off-season. Ya know what to do click the link, and post ya comments. And yes the Eagles are on this list. Wed, 14 May 2008 07:36:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266749 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266749 This morning on the Murph and Mac show on KNBR 680, Fred Biletnikoff was gladly answering some of the tough questions that many might not expect from the legendary Raider. During Biletnikoff's 14 seasons playing and near 20 years coaching, he wasn't the most forthcoming interview normally carrying out the Raiders PR demands. Wed, 14 May 2008 00:52:02 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266717 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266717 NFL 2008 Power Ranker: Based on the draft, performance down the stretch, past records, and schedule. 1. Indianapolis Colts: Consistently elite, with Peyton, Wayne, Harrison, and Gonzalez the passing attack is still the best of the best, maybe some inter division competition from the Jags will help them. 2. San Diego Chargers: L.T. is too good to stay out unless he's really hurt, I think he'll be back to lead the bolts with a vengeance. The weak link Rivers, similar situation to the Giants as long as he doesn't hurt the team they will be fine. 3. New England Patriots:This was the hardest one and they could be at 17 the way the off season played out so far. I know they lost the SB but I just couldn't find a spot lower then three for a team that has Brady and Moss. 4. Cleveland Browns: On paper the Browns look like the division champs hands down but I don't know if last year was a fluke, but with the plethora of off season additions this team has reached elite status if they live up to the hype. 5. Pittsburgh Steelers: They won the SB a while ago, have a pro-bowl QB and WR, and a stout defense that while aging is still one of the best in the NFL. Mike Tomlin held down the fort well enough for his first year and the team should only adjust to him better so that's why there top five material. 6. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb's play towards the end of the year was top notch, and it translated through the team making them as good as any off the playoff teams down the stretch, the weak receiving corps is overshadowed by Westbrook and the offensive line. The addition of Asante to an already potent secondary helps put them in the top ten. 7. Dallas Cowboys: Romo's performance may be padded by the outstanding corps of Owens, Glenn, and Whiten, so I'm not sold on his ability yet, and being the only number 1 seed to lose in their first game of the playoffs doesn't help their cause. But 13-3 is still 13-3 so they make the top ten. 8. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees is still slinging, and with a healthy backfield of Bush, Duece, and Stecker this offense has great potential. 9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Not quite sold on them and Garrard but you cannot count out the playoff appearances, or Garrads' three picks in the regular season and Fred Taylors long awaited pro-bowl appearance. 10. Seattle Seahawks: The NFC West is arguably the weakest division in the NFL next to the AFC East if you exclude the Pats. The Seahawks have the division title to lose at this point and the only competition I see may be the Rams or the Cardinals and their high powered offenses, but their defenses are just to easy to score on so don't count on it. 11. New York Giants: They won the SB but I'm not sold on Eli yet it just didn't feel right. Their defense, along with their running game keeps them in the top 15. 12. Cincinnati Bengals: We'll see how the Ocho Cinco situation pans out, then we'll talk top ten. Carson Palmer still has Chad and TJ so until they go this is still a highly explosive offense. Bottom line: Don't count them out. 13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Garcia is aging and back injuries may hold his tenacious style of play back, Ronde Barber is no spring chicken either, but the division is still up for grabs. 14. Arizona Cardinals: What's there to say, Fitzgerald and Boldin at WR and Kurt Warner at QB. 15. Green Bay Packers: Without Brett I don't think the Packers' hearts will be with Green Bay for at least a year. 16. Washington Redskins: I'm not sold on Campbell yet but he played well enough with the WR's he had so I think the draftees will only improve their chances. Losses of Sean Taylor and Joe Gibbs will hurt the team in the long run. 17 St. Louis Rams: On paper the offense looks great but their record was horrible and I just don't know how they will come out of the gates after last year. 18 Denver Broncos: Looking to improve on a decent season with a more mature Jay Cutler and a solid defense they should improve. Brandon Marshall's health is the only question. 19. Minnesota Vikings: ADRIAN PETERSON - VERY GOOD, TRAVARIS JACKSON - VERY BAD. Final result same as last year give or take a few games. 20. Tennessee Titans: Vince Young has some weapons lets see how he uses them. 21. Detroit Lions: John Kitna should stop making promises he cannot keep. Look for some friction in the locker room from the star wide outs this year. 22. Carolina Panthers: Steve Smith is in a tough place he's the shining star in a lackluster offense. Jake Delhomme will probably need time to get back to his usual level. 23. Houston Texans: Hey, they had their first non-losing season in franchise history they can only get better but I'm not betting on it. 24. New York Jets: QB controversy will hurt this team and someone needs to be named the starter before the beginning of the season or the Jets don't have much of a chance. 25. Buffalo Bills: Bright spots Marshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards, and that's about it, good news is it's not a hard division to get second place in, bad news is you get to play the Patriots twice a year. 26. Baltimore Ravens: Great secondary and LB core but the offense is in flux and a new head coach and a QB situation don't help the process of stabilizing for another run. 27. Miami Dolphins: Will only be better then last year but not by much. The rebuilding project will take a while to reap it's rewards. 28. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan is the key. If he can turn the franchise around much like Donovan McNabb did for the Eagles and Tom Brady did for the Patriots in 2000 he may very well be an elite QB. 29. San Francisco 49ers: I really don't want to talk about them because it makes me nauseous. Good news is Isaac Bruce that's it. 30. Chicago Bears: Rex Grossman has one more chance and with the loss of his starting WRs and an aging defense I don't see them being very good. Just pray Devin Hester touches the ball every time. 31. Kansas City Chiefs: No QB, Larry Johnson may be overrated or he's just overworked, and they don't have a Dante Hall to help them out of the mess they're in. Bright spot Tony Gonzalez. 32. Oakland Raiders: Until Al Davis leaves they are stuck at the bottom for a while. Tue, 13 May 2008 13:55:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266507 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266507 The Cincinnati Bengals opened their first voluntary OTA (organized team activitiy) today. The first of twelve the team will host this season. There were two pretty big names that didn't show up. TJ Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson both decided to skip out. Let's take a quick look at both. Tue, 13 May 2008 15:33:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266549 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266549 Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould has signed a five year contract worth $15.5 million to extend his contract through 2013. The deal also includes a $4.25 million signing bonus and makes him the highest paid kicker in NFL history. It trumps the $12 million paid to Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri and the $14.2 million paid to St. Louis Rams kicker Josh Brown. Gould signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Penn State in 2005 and became a fan favorite for his mixture of professionalism and personality. He frequently makes himself available to media and fans and has stayed humble through his popularity. He is mindful of his days getting cut by the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens and keeps a positive attitude. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2006 and has made 84 of 99 field goals for his career, an 85% success rate. His most notable kick came in the playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field in overtime that led the Bears to the NFC Championship Game. Gould has the fourth highest career field goal percentage in NFL history behind kickers Nate Keading, Mike Vanderjagt, and Shayne Graham. In 2006, Gould scored 143 points, ranking him 23rd for most points scored in a single season in NFL history. His 143 points also ranked him 2nd only behind LaDainian Tomlinson's 186 points for most points scored in the NFL that season. Last season, his 126 points was good enough to rank him 8th in the NFL in points scored. In 2006, Gould's 32 successful field goals ranked him in a tie for 1st with Jeff Wilkins for most field goals made that season. In 2007, his 31 successful field goals ranked him in a three way tie for 2nd for most field goals made with Mason Crosby and Shayne Graham, and trailing Rob Bironas. Those are big numbers for a kid that was working as construction worker in Pennsylvania three years ago before signing with the Bears. Please visit: http://beargoggleson.com Tue, 13 May 2008 12:03:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266467 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266467 While the free agency purge and the NFL Draft have come and gone, teams hold minicamps and continue to evaluate their rosters as they look to shape the club they will bring to training camp late this summer. While the premier free agents have been plucked from the market, many players -- mostly experienced veterans - remain available to provide key depth or injury replacements. The Eagles are still looking for a premier WR. There a few WR on the free agent market right now that I think could come in and help out in the receving core even though the eagles are happy with the WRs that they have right now there are rumors going around that they are still trying to shop Lito around for a premier WR. I want to know what you think. Would you rather keep Lito on the team and sign one of the WRs on the market right now or trade Lito for a vetern WR. Again I know the Eagles said they are happy with WRs they have right now. I came up with some WRs on the market right now. I know these guys are not the premier WR that we are looking but I think any of them could come in and help us. Koren Robinson, WR: Just released by the Packers and young enough to still have a good career. He has return skills as well as being a big target. A team like Philadelphia should take a look at him. Eric Moulds, WR: Played in all 16 games last year, including eight starts, with 32 receptions for 342 yards. Keenan McCardell, WR: Put up 256 yards and one touchdown on 22 receptions with the Redskins. Chris Henry, WR: Even though he may be the most talented free agent on the street, teams will be hesitant to sign the former Bengal because of his off-the-field issue. Mon, 12 May 2008 16:12:05 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266163 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266163 1 Patriots 16-0-0 A healthy Tom Brady and a happy Randy Moss make the Patriots championship contenders this season and for years to come. 2 Colts 13-3-0 They haven't had a lot of offseason turnover and they already were very good. Continuity means a lot. 3 Chargers 11-5-0 If the Chargers can get over their injury issues, they could be in the Super Bowl mix all the way to Tampa. 4 Cowboys 13-3-0 Felix Jones should help the running game immediately. But who will emerge as the No. 2 receiver? Patrick Crayton wasn't up to the task in late '07. 5 Jaguars 11-5-0 They sometimes get overshadowed by division rival Indianapolis, but the Jaguars have an elite roster and an coach in Jack Del Rio. 6 Giants 10-6-0 Teams other than the Patriots aren't supposed to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Will Michael Strahan retire? Can they compensate for free-agent losses at LB? 7 Steelers 10-6-0 A very strong draft catapults the Steelers into Super Bowl contenders. RBs Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall should be one of the best 1-2 punches. 8 Seahawks 10-6-0 New O-line coach Mike Solari stands out as the Seahawks' top offseason acquisition, perhaps allowing them to keep their edge in the NFC West. 9 Browns 10-6-0 The 2007 darlings face high expectations. The offense will score. Can the D, anchored by additions Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams, hold up its end? 10 Packers 13-3-0 This is an unpredictable team in the wake of the retirement of Brett Favre. Who will step up and make the big plays this year? 11 Saints 7-9-0 The offense already was very good. Defensive improvements will make the Saints one of this year's biggest turnarounds. 12 Vikings 8-8-0 If they settle on a QB, the Vikes could become a playoff team. RB Adrian Peterson is at the top of the list for MVP candidates. 13 Eagles 8-8-0 Last season, they hit their stride when it was too late. With a fully healed Donovan McNabb and an improved secondary, the Eagles could be dangerous. 14 Redskins 9-7-0 Too many questions: a new coach, young QB and a pair of rookie WRs. Hard to get a good read. 15 Buccaneers 9-7-0 They didn't make any splash offseason moves. But RB Warrick Dunn's return is going to help more than many recognize. 16 Titans 10-6-0 They didn't get as much help from QB Vince Young as they should have. But he's going to become good enough to carry the offense. 17 Cardinals 8-8-0 Ken Whisenhunt and staff changed the culture in Arizona. Kurt Warner provides top-notch insurance at QB. Depth along the O-line and on defense in general remain the question. 18 Panthers 7-9-0 The return of QB Jake Delhomme might be enough to get them to the playoffs. But there are no guarantees with Tommy John surgery. 19 Bills 7-9-0 Marcus Stroud turns 30 this summer and his starts have declined over three seasons. Will he be healthy enough to help the Bills in December? 20 Texans 8-8-0 They reached respectability in 2007. Improving will be difficult because their division is so tough. 21 Jets 4-12-0 An offseason spending spree upgraded the roster without answering the Jets' most pressing question: Do they have the right QB? 22 Ravens 5-11-0 Are the 2008 Ravens more like the 13-3 team in 2006, or the 5-11 unit last season? This is certain: QB play is key. 23 Broncos 7-9-0 This is the second-best team in the AFC West. That is an indictment of the division, not a pat on the back for this team, which has many holes. 24 Bears 7-9-0 Seems like ages ago the Bears were NFC champs. For better or worse, fans will have to endure another season of good Rex Grossman and bad Rex Grossman. 25 Bengals 7-9-0 If WR Chad Johnson sits out, the Bengals will suffer. If Johnson shows, he's a distraction. Neither situation is good. 26 Raiders 4-12-0 The Raiders' offense won't make people sick anymore, but their defense might. 27 49ers 5-11-0 New offensive coordinator Mike Martz provides credibility on offense, but head coach Mike Nolan still must prove he can manage the team more smoothly. 28 Rams 3-13-0 Quietly, Jim Haslett has turned the defense into a respectable unit. The Rams could contend for a playoff spot if their offensive line can keep Marc Bulger healthy. 29 Lions 7-9-0 QB Jon Kitna says it will be a disappointment if the Lions don't win 10 games this season. Perhaps he doesn't realize Detroit hasn't won 10 games since 1995. 30 Chiefs 4-12-0 The Chiefs' rebuilding project has begun, but it's unrealistic to believe they will become contenders anytime soon. 31 Dolphins 1-15-0 A rookie head coach and an unsettled QB situation add up to growing pains, even though the Dolphins have upgraded their talent base. 32 Falcons 4-12-0 New coach Mike Smith is the right guy to turn this team around, but it's going to take a few years. Mon, 12 May 2008 06:52:15 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265930 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265930 Kenny Phillips never played football with Sean Taylor. And even though they were both safeties at the University of Miami, they'd never met. Yet there was a bond between them. And when Taylor was murdered last November, Phillips felt a loss. "It touched all of us," Phillips said. "We are a big family down there at the University of Miami. He was our brother and when we lost someone we were really sad." That's why when Phillips, the Giants' first-round draft pick, took the field for the Giants' rookie mini-camp this weekend, he was wearing No. 21. That may have been Tiki Barber's old number with the Giants, but it was also the number Taylor wore with the Washington Redskins. The 21-year-old Phillips said he's wearing it "out of respect" to him. "He was a guy who my whole career, even in high school, I had pictures of him in my locker," Phillips said. "I wanted to get a chance to meet him, and I never did. I watch him on film and he was just an exceptional athlete. The plays he made were crazy. I just wanted to pay my respects by having his number and trying to live up to that." Of course, as a Miami safety, Phillips has a lot of expectations to live up to. Taylor was just 24 when he was shot on Nov. 27 and was only just beginning to come into his own as an NFL player. Ed Reed, another Miami safety, became a Pro Bowler in Baltimore. And Brandon Meriweather, yet another Miami safety, was a first-round draft pick last year. Miami has been a pipeline to the NFL for years. When the Giants took Phillips with the last pick of the first round in April, it marked the 14th straight year at least one Hurricane had been taken in Round 1. The safeties have been particularly good in recent years. They've set the bar pretty high for Phillips. "Of course anytime you think of the safeties from Miami you think about the late Sean Taylor, Ed Reed, Benny Blades, and Brandon Meriwether, and of course you want to live up to that tradition," Phillips said. "They all have been doing well and they did well in college and went to the league. I don't want to say there is any pressure because in the end I can only be myself." The Giants expect Phillips to compete for a starting job quickly, especially since they lost Gibril Wilson to free agency in March. One safety spot seems to have been secured by the signing of veteran Sammy Knight. The other is currently held by James Butler, a third-year pro who was up and down last season. And the only other safety in the picture is Michael Johnson, a seventh-round pick from last year. That would seem to leave a door open for Phillips, especially if he's as good as Miami safeties usually are. "With (Wilson) leaving they are definitely looking to fill a void," Phillips said. "There are already a few guys on the team that are capable of doing that so I am just trying to come in and compete and hopefully I can win a starting job." If he did, he'd prove to be a worthy heir to the Hurricane alumni sprinkled throughout the NFL. Those ex-'Canes, though, warned him not to worry too much about that legacy. They all have a healthy respect for their tradition, but they advised Phillips to just go out and do what he does best. "They were just basically telling me that I already know how to play football, so don't worry about it," he said. "It's not going to be much faster or much different. You can play ball so just come in and be yourself and it will work out for you." Mon, 12 May 2008 06:19:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265927 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265927 What does Governor Ted Strickland have in common with NFL players and turkeys? Their effort to promote youth outdoor recreation. Today during the 2008 Ohio Governor's Youth Celebrity Spring Turkey Hunt, local kids got a chance to mingle with Governor Strickland and some Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles players, all in effort to promote outdoor recreation. "If more young people were involved with the outdoors, and hunting and other outdoor activities, I'm convinced we'd have less drug abuse, we'd have fewer school dropouts. I just think it's a way to try to get our young people engaged in a way that's wholesome and healthy and will keep them out of trouble, and at the same time, let them enjoy themselves," says Governor Ted Strickland. some "give back" love it, click it for the full read!! Sat, 10 May 2008 13:58:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265505 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265505