more tidibits off lances website

[AGrizzlyBaer]

Bengals tidbits

From my Bengals observer:

Bengals remain interested in LaVar Arrington. They have crafted a very friendly one year deal and given it to LaVar's agent. Stay tuned as more news on this front will come out prior to the draft.

They remain interested in Harrington but will not give in to the Lion's demands for draft pick compensation. The team also remains interested in Jamie Martin as well as others. Expect this situation to be resolved shortly after the draft so that they can get a player in by the May mini camp.

What else I'm told:

Chad changing body:

"Chad Johnson is ripped. I mean as far as seeing a physical change in a player from one season to the next I was floored with what Chad has done. I can't believe I'm saying this but he looks Terrell Owens-ish. Kudos to Chad, as he has made a serious effort to increase his size and strength this off-season."

Carson tossing the pigskin:

"Friday Carson Palmer was moving quite well and working out in the weight room

Carson, Chad, TJ, and Tab Perry all were on the field Friday for about a half hour. Carson was throwing the ball from a standing position (no drop backs etc.). Carson looked well in throwing the short balls to the receivers, however his mobility is still very limited but coming along. The picture of him throwing though made everyone feel much better and definitely raised the spirits of everyone around. The team plans to have Carson throw periodically to keep his reps up and work on his arm strength. I was told they hope to see some mobility while throwing from him some time in June. He currently is scheduled to be throwing with full mobility by August 7th. If all goes well he would be positioned to return full speed by September 11th which is one week prior to the Browns game."

More notes:

Craig Krenzel also looked very sharp throwing the ball on medium to long routes Friday.

He connected with Chad downfield on a 50 yard bomb that was a textbook throw.

Craig was very impressive. He also looks like he bulked up considerably from 2005.

[ArmyBengal]

I'm confused on the one year deal for Arrington, what does that do for us / him in the long term ?? Hell, for that matter, what does it do for us short term minus getting rid of Simmons ???

Chad getting huge ?? Nothing like getting bigger and better !!!

Carson throwing = good things, lkeep it coming...

Krentzel is still more than an option in my mind and having been saying so for quite some time. We'll see how the organization feels about it...

WHODEY !!!

[Spor_tees]

Do you guys remember what happenned to David Boston when he got big? He went from being a Pro-Bowl WR, and one of the most gifted and talented, to well, poop. Let's hope the same doesn't happen to Chad.

[ArmyBengal]

I can't see Chad letting something like that get in his way to become the best WR in the game and attempt to get 1800 yards in a season.

Chad is more than determined !!!

WHODEY !!!

[CBin2k7]

Do you guys remember what happenned to David Boston when he got big? He went from being a Pro-Bowl WR, and one of the most gifted and talented, to well, poop. Let's hope the same doesn't happen to Chad.

There is a huge difference between TO ripped and David Boston. David Boston got really big, he was in essence a TE playing WR in his few years after his pro bowl season. I am sure Chad won't let that happen to him, he is one of the most success driven players I have ever seen.

[Spor_tees]

Do you guys remember what happenned to David Boston when he got big? He went from being a Pro-Bowl WR, and one of the most gifted and talented, to well, poop. Let's hope the same doesn't happen to Chad.

There is a huge difference between TO ripped and David Boston. David Boston got really big, he was in essence a TE playing WR in his few years after his pro bowl season. I am sure Chad won't let that happen to him, he is one of the most success driven players I have ever seen.

Doesn't matter if you are TE size if you have WR speed...and he was still one of the fastest WR in the league.

also remember, bulk = less flexibility. We need Chad to stay flexible so he can make some of the catches he makes now. And do we really need Chad to have more muscles that can cramp up?!?!? He needs to work on just keeping the muscles he already has in good enough shape that he can play a whole game.

[skyline]

Promising news, overall.

The Arrington thing tells me that the coaches feel they're ready to win it all. Why else would you worry about signing him for just 1 year?

[ArmyBengal]

Promising news, overall.

The Arrington thing tells me that the coaches feel they're ready to win it all. Why else would you worry about signing him for just 1 year?

Seeing the latest on Arrington's and Poston's contract demand, I wonder what the one year offer looks like ??

Chris Harry, of the Orlando Sentinel, reports the New York Giants reportedly took a step back from free agent LB LaVar Arrington (Redskins) last week. They reportedly took a step back when agent Carl Poston threw out numbers in the seven-year, $54 million range, with a signing-bonus demand of $14 million.

**In best Italian voice**

Now that's alotta cannoli !!!

WHODEY !!!

[jjakq27]

Chad getting huge ?? Nothing like getting bigger and better !!!

As long as it is not from the double quarter pounders or double filet o'fish.....

[ArmyBengal]

Chad getting huge ?? Nothing like getting bigger and better !!!

As long as it is not from the double quarter pounders or double filet o'fish.....

I think Big Sam has that market cornered !!!

WHODEY !!!

[derekshank]

David Boston looked like he was trying to be a body builder, to the point that the team asked him to cool it, but he wouldn't. He wasn't quick, and rounded off routes because he was too bulky.

T.O. is not nearly that bulky, and his added size make him difficult for smaller CB's to tackle him. I see this as a very good thing. If he started getting too big (which I just can't see happening) I'm sure Marvin will tell him to cool it, and Chad will be more than happy to cut some weight. Chad is not a weight room junky... so this has to be something that Marvin and company asked him to think about doing.

[turningpoint]

I'd be floored to have lavar out there for 1 year.

He'd be our 2nd and 1st down OLB oppositre Simmons.

Pollock would become the 3rd down speicalist while he learned the position some more.

If we needed to run the 3-4 simmons could move to the inside with Thurman and Pollack and arrington could man the outside.

Maving Arrington adds nothing but great playmaking ability and would propel this D into the top 10.

[Dirk Funk]

Boston weighted about 230 lbs.

Chad weighted 192 last season. No worries.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

I'd be floored to have lavar out there for 1 year.

He'd be our 2nd and 1st down OLB oppositre Simmons.

Pollock would become the 3rd down speicalist while he learned the position some more.

If we needed to run the 3-4 simmons could move to the inside with Thurman and Pollack and arrington could man the outside.

Maving Arrington adds nothing but great playmaking ability and would propel this D into the top 10.

So let me get this straight, you want to sign Arrington to replace Pollack and set back his learning curve by only playing our first round pick last year on 3rd downs? That's downright STUPID. Pollack can be just as good as Arrington. He simply needs the reps.

[AMC]

Regardless of body type I would like to see Chad crack down on the cramping issue if possible....

The one year deal on Lavar is a waste of time....

Encouraging news on Carson....Could we stomach Krentzel until he is ready and put all of this FA QB crap to rest???

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Do you guys remember what happenned to David Boston when he got big? He went from being a Pro-Bowl WR, and one of the most gifted and talented, to well, poop. Let's hope the same doesn't happen to Chad.

Chad gets hurt every game (nicked up) he NEEDs to get bigger and add lean muscle - it will help him tremendously I think - ecspecially those bony little calves and arms.

You make the example of Boston - but fail to mention the way TO bulked up and how it made him the best WR in the game after a few years. TO literally stiff arms DB's into submission on routes - it's a huge advantage in the air also.

Krenzel is still junk, he'll have to prove himself worthy in preseason.

Carson news is all good so far.

[bengalboomer7]

If I remember correctly, wasn't Boston on steroids. That why he caught the injury bug, he got too big too fast and his body broke down.

I'd like to see Chad a little bigger. He'll be able to go across the field more and take a little more punishemnt. Plus, with his first step and some added strength it will impossible to bump and run him. He'll just blow by corners trying to jam him.

[jjakq27]

Could we stomach Krentzel until he is ready and put all of this FA QB crap to rest???

Only if Brat is committed to running the ball all day long.

Can Krenzel throw screen passes? I think Chris Perry was underutilized late in the season, especially when Rudi was having some knee issues. Perhaps run first then pass might work with Krenzel but I am afraid they will stack the line if he can't go deep once in awhile.

[Whur CHad At?]

What is all this hoopla about Chad and his size. If you have met the man you would know he is already pretty big. He has big arms and calves, why do you want him to get bigger?

ANd on LaVar, I doubt we will sign him to a one year deal unless it is worth about $12 million. The guy just turned down a 7 year $54 million $14 bonus deal from the Giants. Doubt he will sign here, but I love the idea though

[HairOnFire]

I swiped this from that other board. It's a longer and more detailed version of what Lance posts on his blog, and it makes it clear that his actual source is someone called BengalInsider, a poster who claims to be a Bengal employee. Of greatest importance to me is the very reasonable and understandable explanation for why Chad is bulking up, and the news about Krenzel looking stronger and flashing a better arm.

As always, file this one under...."For whatever it might be worth"

"In regards to LaVar Arrington the Bengal’s remain interested. Interested being the key word as the only thing that has kept LaVar from signing with anyone so far is his contract demand for a long term deal. However, to the Bengal’s advantage is that they have crafted a very friendly one year deal that they have submitted to LaVar’s agent. Stay tuned as more news on this front will come out prior to the draft.

In regards to Joey Harrington again the team remains interested but will not give in to the Lion’s demands for draft pick compensation. The team is also still interested in Jamie Martin as well as others. I expect this situation to be resolved shortly after the draft so that they can get a player in by the May mini camp.

As far as Jeremi Johnson is concerned a few teams are interested but with the cap money available to the Bengal’s and the recent outrage by the league office over poison pills in contracts I do not expect much to happen here. Expect to see Jeremi signed long term with Cincinnati prior to training camp.

On Friday I had a rare opportunity to visit with the team and players were in town for the off-season conditioning work. First, Chad Johnson is ripped. I mean as far as seeing a physical change in a player from one season to the next I was floored with what Chad has done. I can’t believe I’m saying this but he looks Terrell Owens-ish. Kudos to Chad, as he has made a serious effort to increase his size and strength this off-season. I spoke with Hugh Jackson for a few minutes and he said Chad spent a week with Terrell Owens learning how Terrell conditions and crafted his own program from what Terrell does. From head to toe Chad definitely looked like he’s bulked up and added some strength. Chad told me he’s weighing 208 lbs. which is up 16 lbs. from his listed 2005 playing weight.

Also, on Friday I saw Carson Palmer who was moving quite well and working out in the weight room. Carson is also hoping to add some additional muscle to aid him in the tough AFC North.

Carson, Chad, TJ, and Tab Perry all were on the field Friday for about a half hour. Carson was throwing the ball from a standing position (no drop backs etc.). Carson looked well in throwing the short balls to the receivers, however his mobility is still very limited but coming along. The picture of him throwing though made everyone feel much better and definitely raised the spirits of everyone around. The team plans to have Carson throw periodically to keep his reps up and work on his arm strength. I was told they hope to see some mobility while throwing from him some time in June. He currently is scheduled to be throwing with full mobility by August 7th. If all goes well he would be positioned to return full speed by September 11th which is one week prior to the Browns game. Carson though so far has beaten every target date thrown at him and no doubt will do what he can to be ready from day one of the season.

Craig Krenzel also looked very sharp throwing the ball on medium to long routes Friday. He nailed Chad downfield on a 50 yard bomb that was a textbook throw. Craig was impressive, quite impressive. He too looks like he bulked up considerably from 2005.

The team’s offensive concentration this off-season is on the running game. Chad has bulked up to help his blocking skills and the other receivers are doing more blocking drills with trainers as well. The offensive linemen are refocusing on blocking skills as well. It appears the Bengal’s intend to start the 2006 season running the ball with the duo of Rudi Johnson and Cris Perry.

All in all I was quite impressed with what I saw. The team definitely has a bounce in their steps and the dedication was quite obvious.

So many people try to tag Chad Johnson with this reputation as a "me guy" and what they don’t realize is first and foremost this guy is a gamer. Second of all he has so much fun playing football that everyone could learn a lesson from him that sports in suppose to be fun. I mean his dedication in his conditioning is impressive and his relationship with his teammates is fun to watch. Chad is good guy who wants to be the best receiver in the NFL and have a lot of fun doing it. Anyone who criticizes Chad just doesn’t know this guy or see how hard he works. If you question whether he’s a team player then I encourage you to come down to the stadium and see how the other players respond to him when they practice or are working out. His honesty for who he is serves him well.

_________________

Bengalinsider (Who Dey)

[ArmyBengal]

Ok, here's a question... If the Bobbie Williams signing keeps us from paying Harrington 2 million a year, how the hell are we suppose to pay Arrington on a one year deal ?? All that talk = someone is full of SH*T !!!

WHODEY !!!

[turningpoint]

Ok, here's a question... If the Bobbie Williams signing keeps us from paying Harrington 2 million a year, how the hell are we suppose to pay Arrington on a one year deal ?? All that talk = someone is full of SH*T !!!

WHODEY !!!

axe a few players.

hell if we draft a TE in either rd 1 or 2, expect kelley to get the boot, that free's up room right there.

[derekshank]

Also, on Friday I saw Carson Palmer who was moving quite well and working out in the weight room. Carson is also hoping to add some additional muscle to aid him in the tough AFC North.

_________________________________________________

The team’s offensive concentration this off-season is on the running game. Chad has bulked up to help his blocking skills and the other receivers are doing more blocking drills with trainers as well. The offensive linemen are refocusing on blocking skills as well. It appears the Bengal’s intend to start the 2006 season running the ball with the duo of Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry.

_________________________________________________

All in all I was quite impressed with what I saw. The team definitely has a bounce in their steps and the dedication was quite obvious.

So Carson added weight his first year starting, then lost the weight to get some more mobility, now he wants to put it back on? Maybe he felt like if he was going to lose some mobility because of the knee... he might as well have the extra weight.

I like the concentration on the running game. I felt like there were precious few games were Rudi was utilized to his full potential. We relied very much on Palmer's passing ability... and that's not all bad - but in bad weather, it is nice to have a dominant running game.

I'm also liking that the team "has a bounce in their steps." It would be easy to feel disheartened with the Carson injury... but if he's beating every target date they've thrown at him they have reason to be excited. I just hope the free agent additions plus the draft will give our defense the swagger that our offense so clearly thrives on.

[Kazkal]

mybe he had mcdonalds weight before and now wants guns like chad

[The Coach]

I like this renewed focus on the running game. If we can run the ball well on a constant basis, we may be able to keep the ball away from the opposition a bit longer. This could help prevent astronomical shoot-outs like the Colts game last year.

I would be delighted to see LaVar in the orange and black next season. I can think of several different package and substitute possiblilties as previously mentioned. Marvin and the staff would have a field day creating shifts, blitzes, ect. I didn't think it could get much more exciting, but imagine last year's defense with another playmaking LB....

As far as Chad bulking up, I think it is a great thing. I felt that Chad did have tendancy to shy away from contact at times last year, or at least try to run horizontally away from it. Hopefully with this new weight, Chad will be able to run through some arm tackles, and just flat out run over some of the weaker DBs in the league. One more broken tackle on a play with his speed could lead to even more points, which of course means more dancing . Speaking of dancing, CJ is already a dominant force in most jump ball type situations, but with more strength he maybe be able to wrestle a few more balls away from defenders in the endzone.

Good to hear Carson is progressing quickly, can't wait to have him back. Go ahead and give Krenzel the reigns, I've had faith in whatever that man does since 2002.