ricky hunley interview

[AGrizzlyBaer]

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/frontpage/11634.php

Right now, he's working for one of the best, Marvin Lewis.

"There's not a better coach in the NFL or anywhere else," Hunley said. "He's the kind of man you'll do your best for, whether you're a player, assistant or whatever."

The Bengals enjoyed an outstanding season in 2005, winning the American Football Conference North championship. They lost in the playoffs to Pittsburgh 31-17, when Carson Palmer, the Bengals' starting quarterback, blew out a knee. Cincinnati led at the time.

"I think we'll be even better this coming season," Hunley said. "Carson is ready. He has worked out like a monster. This is the 'Bionic Man.' He's running and throwing and looking great."

But it's the linebacker position that gets Hunley going. He speaks with almost as much pride as he does about his daughters.

"Odell Thurman could be one of the best ever to play the game," Hunley said. "And we got a 'steal' in the draft, getting A.J. Nicholson out of Florida State."

[Kazkal]

sounds good,so carsons running eh?

[derekshank]

Certainly good news... but it sounds like nothing more than the fact that he's right on schedule. The ACL rehab is different for different doctors... but the one I am familiar with has 5 phases.

Carson had his surgey on January 11th, so he's at the 17 week point, which would between phases 3 and 4.

PHASE 3 ( 8wks-16 wks)

Goals: Maximize strength in a safe manner that does not over-stress a susceptible graft. Not ready for pivoting or jumping maneuvers yet. Straight line running by 4 months with minimal pain and swelling. Proper running techniques.

PHASE 4 (4-6 months)

Goals: Proper plyometric, closed chain strengthening and agility activities. Should be able to accomplish an ACL injury prevention program at the 6 month point.

Everything that he's said up to this point matches up with this progression. July 11th will be the 6 month mark which is the beginning of stage 5.

PHASE 5 (6 months and beyond)

Goals: ACL injury prevention program, gradual return to Sports at the highest level.

If everything continues going at the proper pace, he might be cleared for the first game... but it will still be pushing it, since he tore his MCL too... but here's to hoping for the best.

[jjakq27]

Phase 6 is to hoist the Super Bowl trophy!

[shworge]

TJ was on channel 5 Sports Rush last night. They asked him about Carson and he said that if you would have asked him a month ago he would have said he was 60% sure Carson would not be back for the opener, now he is 75% sure that he will be. He said Carson is already doing drops and making all the throws and looks incredible.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

I saw TJ last night, and I gotta say, that man is ready to go this season!

[derekshank]

TJ was on channel 5 Sports Rush last night. They asked him about Carson and he said that if you would have asked him a month ago he would have said he was 60% sure Carson would not be back for the opener, now he is 75% sure that he will be. He said Carson is already doing drops and making all the throws and looks incredible.

I'd feel better if it was his trainer that said that... but the fact that Carson is taking drops is extremely good news. Proof that he truly is ahead of schedule. That requires agility and the kind of stress you put on a knee that a trainer would not casually allow if he was not fairly far along in his rehab.

Will he be ready for the first game? I still say no... but that game 5 date is beginning to sound closer to a guarantee.