Stripes Posted June 18, 2006 Report Share Posted June 18, 2006 http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2490011 During the Cincinnati Bengals' three-day minicamp that concluded Saturday, much of the attention was directed at the continuing rehabilitation of quarterback Carson Palmer, who seemed well ahead of schedule in his recovery from a pair of torn ligaments in his left knee.But for the Bengals to progress another step in 2006 -- to move deeper into the playoffs than they did a year ago, when they were eliminated by Pittsburgh in the wild-card round -- their defense versus the rush must dramatically improve. In that regard, the minicamp provided uplifting news, too, with free safety Madieu Williams seemingly whole again after a 2005 season that ended prematurely with a shoulder injury. It would be hyperbole to suggest that Williams is as important to the Cincinnati defense as Palmer is to the team's explosive offensive unit. But he is key to solidifying Cincinnati's defense versus the run, a glaring deficiency in coach Marvin Lewis' first three seasons, and his absence from the lineup in 2005 magnified Williams' importance to that element of the game. Which is why, even in the non-contact environment of minicamp, it was gratifying for Lewis and defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan to see Williams moving well again."He's been a man on a mission and it's been great to see," Lewis told the Cincinnati media as the minicamp concluded. "His breaks, his angles, all those things have been perfect. He's added some more body mass and he hasn't seemed to slow a bit." A second-round choice in the 2004 draft, Williams started 13 games as a rookie and registered 95 tackles and three interceptions. But after starting the first three contests in 2005, Williams injured his left shoulder in a Sept. 30 non-contact drill. The Bengals held him out for a few weeks, hoping the rest would enable him to get back on the field later in the season, but subsequently decided Williams required surgery to address a torn labrum in the shoulder. Notable was that the Bengals had earlier lost their other starting safety from 2004, Kim Herring, to a season-ending shoulder injury suffered in camp. That left journeymen Kevin Kaesviharn and Ifeanyi Ohalete as the starters, and neither performed well in run defense. Even though the team's statistical ranking against the run improved from its 2004 performance, up to No. 20 after having been 26th in 2004 and 25th in 2003, the ramifications of Williams' absence were obvious.In his three starts, the Bengals permitted 93.3 yards per game on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. In the 14 games without Williams in the lineup, including the playoff loss to the Steelers, the Cincinnati defense surrendered an average of 123.0 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Five opponents rushed for 140 yards or more and two rang up more than 200 yards on the ground. To help address the problem, the Bengals signed veteran defensive tackle and renowned run-stuffer Sam Adams as a free agent this spring. And the staff is tinkering with incorporating more 3-4 fronts into the Bengals' repertoire. But to defend well against the run in this era, the safeties must be involved in playing close to the line of scrimmage, too. The addition of veteran Dexter Jackson should help. The return of Williams to good health, though, will help even more. Blessed with the ability to play down "in the box" against the run, but with good enough range to be a solid pass defender, Williams isn't the flashiest player around. But the former Maryland standout makes the routine plays that have to be finished, and he is a solid, wrap-up tackler. Plus he reported to the minicamp a little bigger, up about 10 pounds to 205 pounds now, and apparently a lot louder, too. "He understands the ins and outs of things," Lewis said. "He's more vocal. He has become a leader." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazkal Posted June 18, 2006 Report Share Posted June 18, 2006 If madieu goes too the probowl this year (which I beleive can happen because I dont think troy and reed will both go) how awesome would that be to say our 4 starting DB's are probowlers and 1 a superbowl mvp PS,I like the part him stepping up and becoming a leader. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChadJohnson-85 Posted June 18, 2006 Report Share Posted June 18, 2006 If madieu goes too the probowl this year (which I beleive can happen because I dont think troy and reed will both go) how awesome would that be to say our 4 starting DB's are probowlers and 1 a superbowl mvp That would be awesome! And Johnathan Joseph would get Rookie of the year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schweinhart Posted June 18, 2006 Report Share Posted June 18, 2006 Leave it to Past Belly to come up with an article that not only Bengals fans can appreciate but shows he's got the kind of insight into the makeup of a team that separates him from the hacks like those at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.A healthy Madieu completely changes how effective the Bengals defense can be. If he stays healthy and the free agent additions work out, this D should be in the middle of the pack league wise, which will go a long way considering how good the offense is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted June 18, 2006 Report Share Posted June 18, 2006 I'll just be happy with the fact our defense can keep from getting ran the f*ck over and not give up the big pass plays every game. That being said, I'd also take a Superbowl win over any personal accolades...WHODEY !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentjett Posted June 18, 2006 Report Share Posted June 18, 2006 If madieu goes too the probowl this year (which I beleive can happen because I dont think troy and reed will both go) how awesome would that be to say our 4 starting DB's are probowlers and 1 a superbowl mvp Who is the fourth Pro Bowler( O'Neal, James, & Madieu)I know Dexter was a Super Bowl MVP but I didn't think he ever made the probowl but I could be wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Next_Big_Thing Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 If madieu goes too the probowl this year (which I beleive can happen because I dont think troy and reed will both go) how awesome would that be to say our 4 starting DB's are probowlers and 1 a superbowl mvp That would be awesome! And Johnathan Joseph would get Rookie of the year. You are clearly delusional. Joseph won't see the field enough to be rookie of the year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazkal Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 If madieu goes too the probowl this year (which I beleive can happen because I dont think troy and reed will both go) how awesome would that be to say our 4 starting DB's are probowlers and 1 a superbowl mvp That would be awesome! And Johnathan Joseph would get Rookie of the year. You are clearly delusional. Joseph won't see the field enough to be rookie of the year.Actually I think he'll see it plenty as a nickle back and like marvin said you dont draft people to sit from day 1 he'll be competeing for a starting spot... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekshank Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 If madieu goes too the probowl this year (which I beleive can happen because I dont think troy and reed will both go) how awesome would that be to say our 4 starting DB's are probowlers and 1 a superbowl mvp That would be awesome! And Johnathan Joseph would get Rookie of the year. You are clearly delusional. Joseph won't see the field enough to be rookie of the year.Actually I think he'll see it plenty as a nickle back and like marvin said you dont draft people to sit from day 1 he'll be competeing for a starting spot...You're right. Joseph will see playing time. You don't draft a guy in the 1st round so he can watch (unless your name is Carson Palmer). However, I don't think he's going to have any chance whatsoever to get any rookie of the year consideration. I'm glad to hear that he's progressing well... but he has a lot of competition in front of him. Deltha is one of the best in the league. Tory still has a lot of experience, and great ball skills, so it will take Joseph a lot of time to beat him out (at least several games). Not to mention Ratliff. He might not be starting material... but he was picked 49th overall in 2004. Joseph was picked 24th overall this year... so I wouldn't expect a huge talent differential between the two.The good news is that with all this competition at CB, we have good depth for injuries... and a great dime package. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 The other thing with Joseph that I believe will definitely keep him out of any ROY considerations is the fact he has minimal playing experience and I just can't see the Bengals throwing him out there (unless there is a big lead) to learn when you consider the schedule and level of talent he would be going up against. Don't get me wrong, I think we will be more than set at CB and love the depth we have, but Joseph is at least another season away from making the BIG impact in my opinion...WHODEY !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Next_Big_Thing Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 If madieu goes too the probowl this year (which I beleive can happen because I dont think troy and reed will both go) how awesome would that be to say our 4 starting DB's are probowlers and 1 a superbowl mvp That would be awesome! And Johnathan Joseph would get Rookie of the year. You are clearly delusional. Joseph won't see the field enough to be rookie of the year.Actually I think he'll see it plenty as a nickle back and like marvin said you dont draft people to sit from day 1 he'll be competeing for a starting spot...1. A nickle back will NEVER get ROY. Linebackers get more press, sackmasters on the Dline get more press. A nickle back doesn't even play half the downs, and therefore will not get ROY.2. He can compete all he wants, but short of an injury to Deltha or Tory, he will not beat these savvy veterans out this year.3. I didn't say he wouldn't see the field, I said he won't see the field enough to win ROY. The chances of him winning a Rookie of the WEEK honor or even being nominated is slim to none. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turningpoint Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 I just found out his little brother whosein 7th grade is dating my cousin lol, whose in 7th grade also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cincy9275 Posted June 19, 2006 Report Share Posted June 19, 2006 joseph would have to start and put up some off the chart numbers' to even get considered . madieu i really like him . i think as long as he is healthy . he will be considered one of the top safety's in the league in the next year or two Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJ29 Posted June 20, 2006 Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 I just found out his little brother whosein 7th grade is dating my cousin lol, whose in 7th grade also.Get an autograph, dummy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChadJohnson-85 Posted June 20, 2006 Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 If madieu goes too the probowl this year (which I beleive can happen because I dont think troy and reed will both go) how awesome would that be to say our 4 starting DB's are probowlers and 1 a superbowl mvp That would be awesome! And Johnathan Joseph would get Rookie of the year. You are clearly delusional. Joseph won't see the field enough to be rookie of the year.GH: With Deltha O’Neal recovering from a knee scope, plenty of guys have gotten a look at the cornerback spot opposite Tory James. How has first-round pick Johnathan Joseph played? ML: Jonathan has been outstanding. You’ve seen the things why we drafted him. He has the talent to be an outstanding corner in the NFL. GH: Does he have a shot to be third corner? ML: He should be competing for the first corner. You don’t draft a guy to sit on the bench. http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5294Yeah, your right TNBT, he wont see the field enough to get ROY. I believe you are clearly delusional. Not me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted June 20, 2006 Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 Marvin says a lot of things and you certainly can't take what he said at face value. We didn't draft Mathias Askew to sit the bench either and he shouold be competing for the #1 DT on the team, but he hasn't done sh*t to speak of to this point and just because ML or anyone else makes the comment that he has come on strong means absolutely nothing if the guy doesn't get on the field. My point is, take what ML says with a grain of salt, because he sure isn't going to say Joseph was drafted in the 1st to learn for a year, although that may be the case...WHODEY !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChadJohnson-85 Posted June 20, 2006 Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 Marvin says a lot of things and you certainly can't take what he said at face value. We didn't draft Mathias Askew to sit the bench either and he shouold be competing for the #1 DT on the team, but he hasn't done sh*t to speak of to this point and just because ML or anyone else makes the comment that he has come on strong means absolutely nothing if the guy doesn't get on the field. My point is, take what ML says with a grain of salt, because he sure isn't going to say Joseph was drafted in the 1st to learn for a year, although that may be the case...WHODEY !!!If we cant listen to ML then who should we listen to? You? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schweinhart Posted June 20, 2006 Report Share Posted June 20, 2006 Madieu is still the 2nd best corner on the team IMO and hopefully gets the first crack at slot in the nickle vs. possession type WRs or TEs. K2 at free safety doesn't sit too well after his "Not the One" performance vs. Steelers in playoffs but it might have to do to maximize Madieu's coverage talents over Joseph, Keiwan or Bauman if none of those prove they can fare better than Madieu. But I look forward to seeing how fast Joseph can get acclimated in the slot especially vs. the faster and quicker cutting WRs that Keiwan couldn't hang with. It's less pressing to replace James with Joseph as starter but the timeframe is pretty much up to Joseph as far as how fast he can process the coverages and deal with the run. Having 2 true man-cover corners on the field at the same time would spike this team's run D and pass rush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted June 21, 2006 Report Share Posted June 21, 2006 I said it on draft day and I'll repeat it now. Jonathan Joseph is going to play plenty this season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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