Joe Reedy does an excellent job of keeping tabs on the Bengals.  Below I posted his best guess on who makes the team for the Bengals.  I disagree on Dez Briscoe making the teamover Quan Cosby.  I think Quan Cosby makes the team.  This may or may not have been confirmed today with the following tweet (from Cosby):

Since I have such great followers I will let y'all in on what will be

confirmed Tom, I am and will b a Bengal! Gonna b a great year for us!!

However (and this is a stretch), I think Briscoe will also make the 53.  I have a feeling that the Bengals are only going to carry two quarterbacks to start the season. Yesterday I would have said that Jordan Palmer would not make this team, but after the performance last night he may have jumped into the number two spot. After tomorrow at 2:00pm (and a little after for some other cut players possibly joining) it is going to feel good to begin our focus on the Patriots.

Quoted from http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2010/09/03/9310-so-about-the-53rd-guy/

Bengals Blog » 9/3/10: So about the 53rd guy | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.Com

OFFENSE

• Quarterbacks (3): Carson Palmer, J.T. O’Sullivan, Jordan Palmer
• Running backs (4): Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard, Cedric Peerman
• Wide receivers (6): Chad Ochocinco,Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson, Dez Briscoe
• Offensive line (8): Kyle Cook, Andrew Whitworth, Dennis Roland, Nate Livings, Bobbie Williams, Andre Smith, Evan Mathis, Anthony Collins
• Tight ends (4): Jermaine Gresham, Reggie Kelly, Chase Coffman, Daniel Coats

DEFENSE

• Defensive line (8): Robert Geathers, Antwan Odom, Domata Peko, Tank Johnson, Jonathan Fanene, Geno Atkins,Carlos Dunlap, Pat Sims
• Linebackers (7): Rey Maualuga, Dhani Jones, Keith Rivers, Michael Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Roddrick Muckelroy, Dan Skuta
• Cornerbacks (6): Leon Hall, Johnathan Joseph, Adam Jones (KR/PR), Morgan Trent,Brandon Ghee, David Jones
• Safeties (4): Chris Crocker, Roy Williams, Chinedum Ndukwe, Kyries Hebert

SPECIALISTS

• Punter: Kevin Huber
• Kicker: Mike Nugent
• Long snapper: Clark Harris

First and foremost we at WhoDeyFans are Bengal fans.  We buy tickets and merchandise and support the Bengals.  However, articles like this one from Michael Silver on yahoo (thanks WhoDeyRevolution for the link) make us want to vomit.  We root for the best NFL team but are cursed with the worst owner.  Below are two excerpts from the article pertaining to Mike Brown.

Owner rankings, Part 1: Brown makes 'em laugh - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

Last spring Brown was at it again, this time as one of the only voices against lengthening the regular season. Brown’s concern about a potential move to an 18-game regular season (while cutting back to two preseason games) wasn’t based on player safety; rather, it had to do with weather considerations. “If you were giving me my choice,” Brown told a stunned audience of 50 owners and club executives, according to two witnesses, “I’d rather sell an extra preseason game in August than another regular season game in January. It’s bad for us to sell tickets in the cold. My fans would rather have the game when it’s warm.”

To Brown’s credit, he announced at last week’s owners’ meetings in Atlanta that he had changed his mind – he’d rather have a ninth regular season contest at Paul Brown Stadium than a second preseason home game. There was just one caveat: no home games in January. When NFL schedule czar Howard Katz assured Brown, “You can be away the last month of the season,” the owner enthusiastically agreed.

Said one NFC owner: “There are 31 teams who’d rather play at home down the stretch … and then there’s Mike Brown.”

 -or-

 

31. Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Brown: In 2009 the Bengals were one of the NFL’s pleasant surprises, winning the AFC North for the second time in five years under coach Marvin Lewis – the franchise’s only playoff appearances since 1990. Lewis, whose contract expires after the 2010 season, was honored as the AP’s coach of the year, and Brown responded by lowballing him in negotiations, setting up what is likely to be a lame-duck season. The owner also did his best to ensure that tackle Andre Smith(notes), the sixth-overall pick in the ’09 draft, would be a non-factor as a rookie: The team offered the rookie, who was known to have conditioning issues, a below-market deal that kept him out of training camp and away from the team until late August, when he finally caved. Smith then missed most of last season after fracturing his left foot just days after signing. Last summer we saw on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” that Brown runs the team’s personnel meetings, a truly scary thought for Cincy fans. Brown, shrewd and ever-conscious of the bottom line with perhaps the sweetest stadium deal of any owner in sports, reportedly offered $40 million in lease concessions to cash-strapped Hamilton County in exchange for the option of getting out of his lease (which runs through 2025) almost 10 years early, potentially increasing franchise value. On a league level, Brown is viewed as a contrarian with an aversion to progress. “He doesn’t have a conscience,” says the aforementioned NFC owner. “He’s all about revenue-sharing – he comes right out and says, ‘I just want some of your money.’ He’s worn out his welcome with 99 percent of that room. He came out and said that new stadiums are the worst thing to happen to the NFL because they raised the bar for other clubs. Unbelievable.”

Don Banks thinks that the Cincinnati Bengals will finish the season with a 9 and 7 record and second in the AFC north. He lists the opposing quarterbacks the Bengals will face as a reason for the drop in record from the previous season. This is after he lists the Bengals strengths as defending the passing game. He also thinks the Ravens will be a 12 and 4 squad. I had no idea that the addition of Boldin made the Ravens such an elite squad. I am getting tired of hearing all of the talk surrounding the Ravens. Yes they do have a better offense, however, they no longer have an outstanding defense. Teams that have improved their passing attack (um... Bengals) should be able to match the scoring the Ravens may or may not do on offense. Check out the article, he has the Steelers at 8 and 8 and just like every other "expert" the Browns are in the cellar.

Quoted from:

Ravens, Bengals set the pace in competitive AFC North division - Don Banks - SI.com 

Predicted record: 9-7.

There will be no slipping up on opponents this year in Cincinnati. The Bengals were the surprise story in 2009, but because of it, now they have the dreaded first-place schedule to deal with. Not to mention a heightened bar of expectation. Cincy's defense needs to be stout once again, because the Bengals face a host of great quarterbacks in Tom Brady, Joe Flacco (twice), Ben Roethlisberger (twice), Matt Ryan, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Philip Rivers. That's a tough path back to the playoffs.

DISH Network is working with WEBN-FM/102.7 Radio to find the Bengals’ biggest fan – they will be chosen by video or photo with brief essay, and the winner will receive $5,000 in prizes, including:

* A 42-inch Panasonic HDTV
* A year of free DISH Network programming including high definition and NFL RedZone
* DISH Network’s ViP 922 DVR with Sling technology, which was recently awarded “Editor’s Choice” from PC Magazine
* A trip to Denver on September 16 to compete for the “Ultimate Fan” title

The Ultimate Fan will win the grand prize of $10,000 and a trip to Los Angeles to meet NFL RedZone host Scoot Hanson and hang out in the NFL RedZone studios.

The contest kicks-off today, September 2, and runs through September 12. Winners will be announced on Monday, September 13th. To enter, readers can visit the WEBN Radio web site at: WEBN

It is almost prediction time here at WhoDeyFans. Sometime next week when we get set to start our regular season posting we will be giving our predictions of how the Cincinnati Bengals will finish this upcoming season.  For now, I thought I would post some predictions from around the internet on how the so called experts think the Bengals are going to do.

Bengals 2010 Opponent Preview and Predictions | Bleacher Report

As far as the AFC North goes, the Bengals certainly can win all of their home games and should continue winning in Cleveland—even with the new Mike Holmgren-built regime (though watch out).  The 2009 sweep of division opponents would be wishful thinking, as the Ravens are sure to not allow a repeat. The Steelers could lose at home again, but this depends on what happens in the offseason.  The Bengals should go 4-2 against division opponents.

Predicted 2010 Record: 11-5

NFL.com news: Nasty defense is key to Bengals' playoff hopes

Vic Carucci: Carson Palmer needs more than Chad Ochocinco to take advantage of his talented arm. Can Terrell Owens still be a viable alternative? Prediction:9-7, second in AFC North

Steve Wyche: Cincy boasts division's nastiest defense -- and maybe the best corners in the AFC. Carson Palmer has more weapons, now he must deliver. Prediction:10-6, second in AFC North

Pat Kirwan: Bengals have stingy defense, solid running game, and better wideouts than they've had in years. Palmer always plays Ravens tough. Prediction:10-6, first in AFC North

Bucky Brooks: Bengals make push to capture second straight division crown. However, a mid-season slump will derails their chances. Prediction:9-7, third in AFC North

Jason La Canfora: Carson Palmer's health gives me pause and I'm not sure T.Ochocinco will merit big ratings. Love D, but need big year from Cedric Benson. Prediction:9-7, second in AFC North

Michael Lombardi: Much more talent on offense will help a solid D. If Carson Palmer is better, then this team is a legit Super Bowl contender.Prediction:10-6, second in AFC North

Let's talk cuts. This is the painful time of year when hundreds of NFL players are sent packing. This year, even with the problems with Antonio Bryant's knee, the Bengals seem to have a surplus at wide receiver. Locks (I believe) to make the team are Chad Ochocinco, TO, Jordan Shipley and Andre Caldwell.  I also think Quan Cosby has a great shot to make the team based on his special teams play. I think Dezmon Briscoe is a hope for the practice squad also.  This leaves 3 guys on the outside looking in:

Matt Jones, Maurice Purify and Jerome Simpson.

Each receiver has a positive side and a negative side. Jones has proven he can compete in the NFL, but you wonder if his athletic ability has passed him due to age and some hard living. Purify is a big body receiver who at one time was a favorite of Carson Palmer, however due to his recent suspension for the first game, this may be the nail in his coffin in regards to wearing stripes this season. Jerome Simpson has been a guy that has been described as a freak with crazy natural ability, however this has turned into 1 incredible catch in a preseason game and not much else.

I have a feeling one of the 3 will be kept on the roster.  With pro's and con's to each, what should be the deciding factor in who to keep? Personally I would go with the best stache. In the picture above, Matt Jones hands down wins.  Keep in mind though that he has since cleaned up that upper lip magic and now sports the clean shaven look.

So the choice is between Simpson and Purify. Both have the subtle respectable look, however, WhoDeyFans is going to throw its support behind Simpson.  Nothing sets off a beautiful mustache like a clean shaven melon head.  Why distract the viewer with a messy mop?  His lack of haircut allows an admirer the ability to focus on what matters.  The hair above the lip.

Good Luck Jerome.

Carson Palmer's elbow, Rich Brahams bruised leg the list can go on and on for a medical staff that also can't help players from cramping up.  The medical staff on this team is a joke and has been for some time. My only hope now is that they are costing Mike Brown serious money by hacking their way through evaluations. Then maybe the big guy will decide a change needs to be made.  There is a reason our franchise player refused to have the Bengals doctors look at his devastating knee injury.  Good thing, it may have been career ending had the Bengal doctors had a chance to tell him to walk it off.

Rashad Jeanty's agent had the following to say about the Bengals medical team:

“It’s tremendously disappointing on the way this has been handled,” Canter said. “We don’t see how the Cincinnati Bengals can do this without any inclination that this was even a possibility. It’s a tad shocking how he was released and was done in a disheartening, callous and unfair manner. The only reason why he isn’t healthy and wasn’t able to pass the physical is because they failed to fully diagnose and mistreated the injury.”

Joe Reedy adds" "...there is a possibility a lawsuit could be filed against the Bengals for medical malpractice"

Take a look at some of the other player injuries diagnosed by this team.

• Richie Braham: Deep thigh bruise. Never played another down.
• Ahmad Brooks: Groin pull in game one. Never played for the Bengals.
• Carson Palmer: Tweaked elbow. Missed last 12 games.
• Roy Williams: Bruised bicep. Out for season.
• Chris Perry: Abdominal Strain. Missed season
• Rashad Jeanty: Broken Fibula (no surgery required) cut for failing physical and now needs surgery
• Antonio Bryant: Cleared. One practice, out for season, cut.

So we are over half way through the preseason and the Bengals are 2 and 1. The next couple games are really where the coaches decide who is going to make this team. I have seen some bright spots with some of the new young defenders the Bengals have brought in.  I think the tight ends and young receivers are playing extremely well and I like what I see from TO.  I still don't like the consistency with Jerome Simpson and Carson Palmer still looks unable to get his receivers the football.

One thing that I really like is the play from two rookie defensive lineman.  Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins are playing outstanding football.  I am very excited to think about these guys getting the reps after they are a little more polished. To be deep in the D line is a luxury in the NFL and the ability to rotate guys in makes a defensive so much better.  Pair that with the play from our corners that I am expecting and this Bengals defense should be trouble for the opposing passing game.

Can Bernard Scott and Cedric Peerman look any better.  Remember Scott was a 6th round draft pick last year that stepped in nicely last season when the Bengals needed him, including that huge run back against the Steelers. Peerman looks to be a find that was a Baltimore and Cleveland castoff.  While his numbers against the Eagles looked impressive, last year in preseason games for the Ravens he had 4 catches for 40+ yds.  He looks to be a decent find for the Bengals.

All this being said I still think this season relies on one thing.  The passing game of the offense.  I believe our defense will keep us in games and the running game looks to pick up where it was last season.  The passing game has to improve.  There are no excuses this year. The line is still intact, there are more than enough weapons for number 9 to choose from and there are no thumb or elbow injuries to recover from. This is a big year for Carson Palmer. The Bengals go where he leads. I for one hope it is for another division championship.

WhoDey

How to be a pro 101

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No:

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Yes:

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Any questions?

REAL. LIVE. FOOTBALL. (kind of)

This Sunday marks the beginning of the 2010 NFL pre-season. The Bengals are going to play the Cowboys in a meaningless game in front of the whole nation.  There is a lot of hype around the Cowboys this season (like always) at being possible Super Bowl contenders.

I came across the following articles on the blog TheLandryHat run by some fairly obnoxious Cowboy fans out of Philly. (fair weather anyone?)

The first ripping the Bengals about TO

The second ripping the Bengals about all the other Cowboy players

I get it, I do.  In 47 games for you TO only had 38 touchdowns.  He only had 3587 yds and only averaged about 15 yds a catch. You miss him. I am sure somewhere deep in the new stadium there is that special closet you go to and still have that one game worn jersey of TO that you occasionally like to smell and remember him fondly. That's just sick.

What you want to see on Sunday:

 - No injuries.  While the rest of the AFC north that matters (no offense Cleveland) is being praised for their offseason moves and how hard they practice, they are also dropping like flies.  I think Baltimore is having open tryouts for anyone in the area that thins they can play cornerback. The Bengals so far have been blessed in not sustaining any major injuries.  (knock on wood)

 - The first string passing offense and their timing.  It needs to be sharp.  Not midseason sharp but also not overthrows and bad routes. This Bengals team is going to depend on the passing game in order to extend their season.

 - O-Line depth. While the starters should be fine after a few seasons playing together, I want to see what the backups are looking like in case one of the number 1's go down.

 - Of course, the rookies. This will be their first NFL action and it is always cool to see the new toys. (but please keep underArgo away from Shipley, something a little strange is going on there.)

What you don't want to see:

 - The long bomb on the first play. I think there is an 80% chance this happens. You know the play, the one that Bob and Marvin giggled about last year on Hard Knocks. They ran it first last year. If it is again the first play then what should we expect with the play calling this season?  More of the same?

 - The kickers missing kicks or only kicking off to the 10. Me being a big Ohio State fan, I am pulling for Nugent. I want him to kick it out of the back of the endzone.

 - A loss. Enough said.