Steinbach Extension/Willie Speaks/O-line

[Whur CHad At?]

Children come one now...

[UK Bengal]

actually this is quite funny hes trying to say people in england dont brush their teeth and this is suposed to be an insult

[ArmyBengal]

WHODEY !!!

[Stripes]

So anyways, getting Steinbach extended would be lovely, don't you folks agree?

[ShulaSteakhouse]

you don't get 10 year types in mid-rounds with Paul Alexander - dude can't develop anybody and never has here.

WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG!

He hadn't developed any later round guys in the past because we had crappy drafts. He has done a great job developing Kooistra, and I suspect Keift and our centers will work out well too.

Thank you for proving my point.

[bengalboomer7]

They really don't bath as much in England. As a matter of fact, most countries don't bath everyday like Americans

Sorry, I even thought the rich people stunk.

You still got it though, Spain

[Spain]

Hey Boomer, what you call a english girl whistling?

Wind chimes!

how you spell bankrupt in England?

Dentist!

[bengalskyspy]

I will not bash Big Willie for anything at this point. The guy has been nothing but a professional when most players would not have been. He's represented this team and this City in a positive manner and has been a bright spot for many years. The guy still has more than productive years ahead and should get the opportunity to play out at least a few more years. Hopefully, the Bengals will be able to work something out with him, as I would hate to see him in any other uniform than ours...

Nothing more...

WHODEY !!!

ARMY, I would expect more discipline from a military man. I think Big Willie is a great player, but his mouth is out of line and unfortunate for a team trying to get to the Big One. ML called him out as well for airing the family's dirty laundry in the media.

[ArmyBengal]

I will not bash Big Willie for anything at this point. The guy has been nothing but a professional when most players would not have been. He's represented this team and this City in a positive manner and has been a bright spot for many years. The guy still has more than productive years ahead and should get the opportunity to play out at least a few more years. Hopefully, the Bengals will be able to work something out with him, as I would hate to see him in any other uniform than ours...

Nothing more...

WHODEY !!!

ARMY, I would expect more discipline from a military man. I think Big Willie is a great player, but his mouth is out of line and unfortunate for a team trying to get to the Big One. ML called him out as well for airing the family's dirty laundry in the media.

As for me, I have all the discipline in the world, enough for a handfull of people, but as for Willie, regardless of this article, the man deserves more than that from the fans of the team...

Point being, when Corey chucked his crap in the stands and bashed the hell out of the team and city, there were still people singing his praises. Willie becomes vocal for the first time since being here and people are crawling up his asspiece. I think that's horsesh*t for everything the man has done for the team and the city. He's been an advocate of the team and only been to a few probowls while enduring the years of futility. He's been professional and should be given the benefit of the doubt in this case. That's all...

WHODEY !!!

[ArmyBengal]

How do you spell stoned in America ??

S-P-A-I-N...

D*mn, are we still off topic ??

Steinbach rules !!! (Feeble attempt at topic resurrection)

WHODEY !!!

[Kazkal]

Yes, Jones remembers

By GEOFF HOBSON

April 27, 2006

9:30 p.m.

It’s that time of year again, when Bengals left tackle Levi Jones checks in on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and his band of “experts slash idiots,” to see who they’re taking down this time. Four years later, Jones has officially arrived in the elite with negotiations for a mega contract he hope end by training camp.

Every Cincy school kid knows the story.

In the 2002 draft, the Bengals were supposed to take tight end Jeremy Shockey or cornerback Phillip Buchanon with the 10th pick. When they took Jones out of Arizona State, the pundits, led by Kiper, excoriated the Bengals for taking him too high and ripped them all day long. “Half a round early,” Kiper fumed, whatever that means to a team that needed a solid left tackle right then.

“Oh yeah. I heard about it. My family was sitting right there as I was getting congratulated over the phone by Paul Alexander,” said Jones of the Bengals offensive line coach. “Then I turned around and their faces were all sad.”

The rest, as they say, is history. In his fourth season last year, Jones was a big reason quarterback Carson Palmer went to the Pro Bowl and the Bengals won the AFC North as he kept an elite string of rushers at bay during Cincinnati’s greatest passing season ever.

With Jones working against the likes of the Colts’ Dwight Freeney, the Steelers’ Joey Porter, and the Ravens’ Terrell Suggs, the Bengals set a franchise record for allowing the fewest sacks in a season, putting him on the cusp of the best with a second alternate Pro Bowl berth .

“Yeah, I’ll watch the draft. I do wonder what pick Mel Kiper and his experts slash idiots are going to rip,” Jones said Thursday as he took a break from his offseason real estate venture in Scottsdale, Ariz. “I think it was more the Bengals than anything. The week before, he had me going nine to Jacksonville when it was all quiet and nothing was going on, everything was hunky dory. Then Cincinnati picked me 10th and he got upset.”

The only people that seem bothered by the pick now are defensive coordinators. Palmer got dumped just 21 times in ’05, including only nine in a stalwart eight-game stretch that included the Super Bowl champion Steelers twice, the undefeated Colts, and two games against a Ravens’ unit that finished fifth in sacks.

Now, Jones is sacking the experts. In the nine seasons before Jones arrived and after Hall-of-Famer Anthony Munoz retired (1993-2001), the Bengals had six left tackles who started regularly. Since taking over for Richmond Webb in the fifth game of his rookie season, Jones started the next 59 games before missing last season’s finale.

Jones is used to being dispatched to the proving ground, so it has been easy to use for incentive.

Here’s a guy who courageously got out of tiny, poor Eloy, Ariz., with an academic scholarship to ASU and had to walk on to the football team. Not only that, but he had to do it as a defensive end.

“It seems like I’ve always taken the hard route. I’ve always had to prove myself,” Jones said. “I got out of my troubled small town, I didn’t have a scholarship, and then I had to prove I deserved to be drafted where I did. There’s always a bump in the road. Now maybe some people up there don’t think I deserve the market rate and some people do. I don’t know.”

With one year left on his contract, talks have been going on for about a month. Jones says the main negotiators, agent Ken Zuckerman and Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn, are optimistic a deal will get done. Jones isn’t so sure he and head coach Marvin Lewis share that optimism.

“I’ve got time. We’ve still got a couple of months until the pads come on,” Jones said. “But I think once I get to camp and the season is here, I think it’s going to be harder to strike a deal. I mean, why wouldn’t I just wait and go on the market at that point?”

Jones applauds the two-year extension Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Johnson received last week even though he had four years left on his deal.

“Some people say it’s a slap in the face because I’ve got a year left, but I don’t see it like that,” Jones said. “Chad is a big-time player. He went out and played like that and they promised him.

“I saw where Marvin says he seems to be content that the marquee players are in place, the guys who handle the ball,” Jones said. “I guess you can grow offensive linemen.”

They can always use the one-year franchise tag expected to be in the $9 million range to keep him in 2007. Jones wouldn’t mind getting tagged, but since the Bengals didn’t use it on Takeo Spikes in 2003 Jones doubts they’ll use it on him.

“I don’t think Marvin holds me that high,” Jones said. “But I’m not sitting back waiting for it. I’m willing to work to get something before that. But, no, I wouldn’t mind. Who wouldn’t want to play for that?”

Jones, known for his focus, shouldn’t have a problem compartmentalizing. He spent Thursday looking for lots to build homes he plans to sell. Including one for him. Jones holds a degree in exercise science from ASU, but he also minored in business so he knows what the bottom line is in football, too. He already has a mental list of this year’s big-time pass rushers.

“John Abraham in Atlanta. Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker in Carolina. All those guys from Tampa,” Jones said. “There are always a lot of them during any year. That’s why it’s the NFL.”

Jones plans to be here for the coaching sessions that start May 16. He continues to work out in Arizona at a facility that trains current pros and several top prospects.

He has been kidding Maryland tight end Vernon Davis lately and has jokingly urged that a player expected to go in the top ten do something bad off the field. He doesn’t mean it, of course.

“That way,” Jones said with a laugh, “he’d fall to us.”

Jones knows a thing or two about Draft Day heat. If Davis falls legitimately to the Bengals at No. 24, he knows there would be some kind of rippage.

“They’d rip every team that let him get to us,” Jones said.

Maybe Jones has started something. Since his pick and Lewis’ arrival, the Bengals have proven the pundits wrong in the even years. They also ripped them for taking running back Chris Perry No. 1 in 2004, but since Perry flashed last year with 51 catches, no one is saying much about Steven Jackson any more.

What happens in ’06?

“I’ll be watching because it affects the team,” Jones said. “It just goes to show you the only thing that matters is what happens when you put the pads on.”

[benglsdrumr]

some1 wanna tell me y it sounds like levi doesnt like marvin?

[Kazkal]

/sniffs mybe hobson is making it up but levi sounds like hes over reacting acourse marvin wants freaking line resigned otherwise they wouldent be in talks but they want their weapons too

[derekshank]

We didn't use the tag on Takeo because he asked us not to. We would defintely tag Levi. We tagged Rudi, and if we need to, we'll tag Levi. I just hope a deal gets done before that's an issue.

[bengalboomer7]

I don't know if it's the Chad deal or what, but doesn't our O lineman seem a little bitter right now. Both Levi and Willie have now said they don't expect to be here after next year, and Levi basically just said "Marvin don't like me"

Right now I'm still chalking it up as posturing through the media, but I'm scratching my head on these comments.

[ArmyBengal]

There is no doubt in my mind we would use the tag on Levi if something doesn't get done. I hope we can get this taken care of soon, but it also wouldn't suprise me to see them use the tag only to work out a long term deal like they did with Rudi. I love our o-line and want to see every effort made to keep them intact !!!

WHODEY !!!

[Jonboat]

Man, certainly seems as there is no love lost between Levi & Marvin. I recall Levi voicing his displeasure earlier last year , he said something to the effect Marvin was running him into the ground making him play with an injured knee/ leg.

Hobson wrote that the agent & Katie thinks they can get something done but Levi's comments didn't sound like it to me!

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I don't know if it's the Chad deal or what, but doesn't our O lineman seem a little bitter right now. Both Levi and Willie have now said they don't expect to be here after next year, and Levi basically just said "Marvin don't like me"

Right now I'm still chalking it up as posturing through the media, but I'm scratching my head on these comments.

I would be too. They're a great unit, they don't complain (generally), they go out and do their jobs, and all of them are up for free agency soon. So who do the Bengals sign? The complainer with 4 years left on his deal. I wouldn't necessarily begrudge Chad his cash, but I'd definitely feel like there was a double standard.

I'd also be left with the very clear lesson that on the Bengals - unlike Philly - the squeaky wheel does indeed get greased.

[bengalboomer7]

I don't know if it's the Chad deal or what, but doesn't our O lineman seem a little bitter right now. Both Levi and Willie have now said they don't expect to be here after next year, and Levi basically just said "Marvin don't like me"

Right now I'm still chalking it up as posturing through the media, but I'm scratching my head on these comments.

I would be too. They're a great unit, they don't complain (generally), they go out and do their jobs, and all of them are up for free agency soon. So who do the Bengals sign? The complainer with 4 years left on his deal. I wouldn't necessarily begrudge Chad his cash, but I'd definitely feel like there was a double standard.

I'd also be left with the very clear lesson that on the Bengals - unlike Philly - the squeaky wheel does indeed get greased.

No way can you compare Chad's scenario to Owens. This was done quietly and discreetly without any leak to the media, and when this happened no one knew it was gonna happen. T.O. took his complaint public, forcing Philly into a corner, and either risking looking weak as an organization or standing firm. The NFLPA even told T.O. not to sign that deal. No comparison, AT ALL!

[derekshank]

I don't know if it's the Chad deal or what, but doesn't our O lineman seem a little bitter right now. Both Levi and Willie have now said they don't expect to be here after next year, and Levi basically just said "Marvin don't like me"

Right now I'm still chalking it up as posturing through the media, but I'm scratching my head on these comments.

I would be too. They're a great unit, they don't complain (generally), they go out and do their jobs, and all of them are up for free agency soon. So who do the Bengals sign? The complainer with 4 years left on his deal. I wouldn't necessarily begrudge Chad his cash, but I'd definitely feel like there was a double standard.

I'd also be left with the very clear lesson that on the Bengals - unlike Philly - the squeaky wheel does indeed get greased.

Listen... you extend your marquee players. No offense to Levi Jones, but because of the position he plays, he's not making the Sportcenter top story. Chad is, has, does... and I have no idea what are talking about when you refer to him as a complainer. He has never complained.

If anything... the complainers are Willie and and Levi right now. And if you ask me, complaining is not how you get fans behind you, or how you get the front office to want to give you your money.

Chad has never complained about his contract. He's in the media all the time with his personality, and gets asked about his contract a hell of a lot more than Levi Jones and Willie Anderson, and has never said anything about holding out or being underpaid.

Palmer didn't say a word, and got a monster deal. The front-office is working on everyone deals... but priorities are the names that get butts in seats. Right now that is Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson. Sorry Levi, you are a very distant 3rd, or 4th on the priority list. Welcome to the NFL in the 21st century.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I don't know if it's the Chad deal or what, but doesn't our O lineman seem a little bitter right now. Both Levi and Willie have now said they don't expect to be here after next year, and Levi basically just said "Marvin don't like me"

Right now I'm still chalking it up as posturing through the media, but I'm scratching my head on these comments.

I would be too. They're a great unit, they don't complain (generally), they go out and do their jobs, and all of them are up for free agency soon. So who do the Bengals sign? The complainer with 4 years left on his deal. I wouldn't necessarily begrudge Chad his cash, but I'd definitely feel like there was a double standard.

I'd also be left with the very clear lesson that on the Bengals - unlike Philly - the squeaky wheel does indeed get greased.

Listen... you extend your marquee players. No offense to Levi Jones, but because of the position he plays, he's not making the Sportcenter top story. Chad is, has, does... and I have no idea what are talking about when you refer to him as a complainer. He has never complained.

If anything... the complainers are Willie and and Levi right now. And if you ask me, complaining is not how you get fans behind you, or how you get the front office to want to give you your money.

Chad has never complained about his contract. He's in the media all the time with his personality, and gets asked about his contract a hell of a lot more than Levi Jones and Willie Anderson, and has never said anything about holding out or being underpaid.

Of course Chad said something about his contract. He made it very clear he wanted it upgraded pretty quickly. Why else would he have hired Rosenhaus in year 2 of a multi-year deal? I'm not saying he's TO, don't get me wrong. But deals with 4 years left don't get renegotiated for no reason. Chad definitely said some things. And I applaud him for keeping it (mostly) in house. But you have to make some grumbles to get a deal like that done.

All I'm saying is that the O-line saw that you have to stand up and say something if you want to be taken care of. So no one should be shocked that they're speaking out.

As far as taking care of your marquee players...having Chad on Sportscenter doesn't put wins in the standings. Having Palmer upright, and making holes for Rudi to run through, does. So you only upgrade the marquee positions? I tell ya, winning football starts with the lines. It takes quite some time for a line to come together and solidify. Breaking them up would really not be a good idea, and I don't think you protect your investment in Palmer by letting your Pro-Bowl-caliber LT walk.

[bwillycuse]

I don't know if it's the Chad deal or what, but doesn't our O lineman seem a little bitter right now. Both Levi and Willie have now said they don't expect to be here after next year, and Levi basically just said "Marvin don't like me"

Right now I'm still chalking it up as posturing through the media, but I'm scratching my head on these comments.

I would be too. They're a great unit, they don't complain (generally), they go out and do their jobs, and all of them are up for free agency soon. So who do the Bengals sign? The complainer with 4 years left on his deal. I wouldn't necessarily begrudge Chad his cash, but I'd definitely feel like there was a double standard.

I'd also be left with the very clear lesson that on the Bengals - unlike Philly - the squeaky wheel does indeed get greased.

Listen... you extend your marquee players. No offense to Levi Jones, but because of the position he plays, he's not making the Sportcenter top story. Chad is, has, does... and I have no idea what are talking about when you refer to him as a complainer. He has never complained.

If anything... the complainers are Willie and and Levi right now. And if you ask me, complaining is not how you get fans behind you, or how you get the front office to want to give you your money.

Chad has never complained about his contract. He's in the media all the time with his personality, and gets asked about his contract a hell of a lot more than Levi Jones and Willie Anderson, and has never said anything about holding out or being underpaid.

Palmer didn't say a word, and got a monster deal. The front-office is working on everyone deals... but priorities are the names that get butts in seats. Right now that is Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson. Sorry Levi, you are a very distant 3rd, or 4th on the priority list. Welcome to the NFL in the 21st century.

Agree 100%

This O-Line complaining is stressing me out. Yes I would love to sign them all. Willie has been approached for about 6 mil a year. We arent going to pay all these guys more than that. Chad makes this team money. Chad is on NFL network all the time. He also took less than what he could have gotten on an open market. He also didnt complain. The media speculated he was going to, but all I heard was we will take care of the contract. Quietly - not once did I hear him say he was worth more money.

All I know is the more moaning done by anyone on this team to the media makes me think less of them. Yes they are great players. They will get theirs. STFU

I havent heard a peep out of Steinbach.

The one thing I do know is that complaining to the media about the Bengals only gets you out of town - It doesn't result in more money.

At least, if they are playing for a contract they will give their all - even if their legs hurt.

[UK Bengal]

They really don't bath as much in England. As a matter of fact, most countries don't bath everyday like Americans

no we like to use this marvelous technological wonder called the shower

Hey Boomer, what you call a english girl whistling?

Wind chimes!

how you spell bankrupt in England?

Dentist!

and this is suposed to be funny ??

how about u quit with the vain attempt to insult me and let this thread get back on topic

[Kazkal]

Chads still making less then reggie wayne he got new contract because he deserved a new contract

[cincy9275]

i like willie but if his asking price is to high then let him walk . what people are failing to realize is that a right tackle is easier to replace then some think if he was a left tackle then we would have to lock him up . but of all our line men besides bobby, willie is the most expendable. this may not go over well with some fans here but this is a business and when players at his position reach a certain age the younger and better o-linemen should come first . willies has already had his big payday and if he is a true team player he will do what is necessary to keep his job or just move on . and he can not expect a hugh contract and if he does then let him go and play for someone else