Levi's Return?

[BengalChamps]

Wow. With the play of Whitworth, you have to wonder if Levi is really hurt bad or if they are being extremely conservative with him because Whit is playing so well. I'm surprised that Levi has sat this long, because he returned from injury so quickly before. I know that Levi is the long-term left tackle but it seems hard to sit Whit at this point. We have some MAJOR depth on the OLine. Of course we said that about the LB's 10 weeks ago.(knock on wood)

[jjakq27]

Wow. With the play of Whitworth, you have to wonder if Levi is really hurt bad or if they are being extremely conservative with him because Whit is playing so well. I'm surprised that Levi has sat this long, because he returned from injury so quickly before. I know that Levi is the long-term left tackle but it seems hard to sit Whit at this point. We have some MAJOR depth on the OLine. Of course we said that about the LB's 10 weeks ago.(knock on wood)

Is Levi still the long term LT anymore?

I doubt that they would do this but if they are serious about keeping Steinbach and Justin Smith, that might make Levi expendable next year.

[HoosierCat]

Wow. With the play of Whitworth, you have to wonder if Levi is really hurt bad or if they are being extremely conservative with him because Whit is playing so well. I'm surprised that Levi has sat this long, because he returned from injury so quickly before. I know that Levi is the long-term left tackle but it seems hard to sit Whit at this point. We have some MAJOR depth on the OLine. Of course we said that about the LB's 10 weeks ago.(knock on wood)

Is Levi still the long term LT anymore?

I doubt that they would do this but if they are serious about keeping Steinbach and Justin Smith, that might make Levi expendable next year.

That would kill the cap -- they just gave him a big extension, remember?

I'm sure that Levi is still sitting because Whitworth's play means there's no need to rush him back, that's all. Levi isnt going anywhere. Steinbach, OTOH, is all but history.

[jjakq27]

That would kill the cap -- they just gave him a big extension, remember?

I'm sure that Levi is still sitting because Whitworth's play means there's no need to rush him back, that's all. Levi isnt going anywhere. Steinbach, OTOH, is all but history.

Right I know they just extened him so that is why I am pretty sure it won't happen. But is it possible that they would trade Levi? What are the implications to the cap then? Does some of that money transfer to the other team or do we still eat it all?

[HoosierCat]

But is it possible that they would trade Levi? What are the implications to the cap then? Does some of that money transfer to the other team or do we still eat it all?

Nope, we'd still have to eat the bonus. Tho they've been mucking around with the trade rules, and maybe there would be some way to spread it over two years. But in that case you would have to resign Steinbach. I just don't see it happening. And I'm really not sure I'd want to, esp. with the way o-lineman have been getting hurt for us this season.

[rwalling]

Wow. With the play of Whitworth, you have to wonder if Levi is really hurt bad or if they are being extremely conservative with him because Whit is playing so well. I'm surprised that Levi has sat this long, because he returned from injury so quickly before. I know that Levi is the long-term left tackle but it seems hard to sit Whit at this point. We have some MAJOR depth on the OLine. Of course we said that about the LB's 10 weeks ago.(knock on wood)

Couldn't agree more about the O-Line depth. Whit, GuyCHeck, Wilkerson, the Dancing Bear and even Koistra are really solid.

I still am impressed with the LB depth. We started the season with Odell, Simmons and Pollack. Then Jeanty, then Brooks, Caleb and Landon. Pretty impressive to go that deep and still have players making solid plays.

[HoTbOy]

I think it's the same as with RBraham only play him if needed the O-line is playing pretty good right now...And as everyone has said he just signed an extension before the season he is not going anywhere...I do believe EWhitworth is going to be our new left guard next year, I think ESteinbach is gone...

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Wow. With the play of Whitworth, you have to wonder if Levi is really hurt bad or if they are being extremely conservative with him because Whit is playing so well. I'm surprised that Levi has sat this long, because he returned from injury so quickly before. I know that Levi is the long-term left tackle but it seems hard to sit Whit at this point. We have some MAJOR depth on the OLine. Of course we said that about the LB's 10 weeks ago.(knock on wood)

Couldn't agree more about the O-Line depth. Whit, GuyCHeck, Wilkerson, the Dancing Bear and even Koistra are really solid.

I still am impressed with the LB depth. We started the season with Odell, Simmons and Pollack. Then Jeanty, then Brooks, Caleb and Landon. Pretty impressive to go that deep and still have players making solid plays.

I still think it was a mistake to sign Willie instead of Steinbach, feel-good story or not.

[Ox]

Not a chance in hell they trade Levi. Why would you want to? 5 weeks ago everyone is talking how the dude is a probowler and protector of Carsons backside. He's not going anywhere folks.

[TJJackson]

Levi is a very good player, and they have a long term financial committment to him. he will return to LT when he is ready

Whitworth has more than proven he can handle the position, providing excellent depth

Steinbach is unfortunately on his way out, not due to poor play, but because we can't afford him. Whitworth will take his spot next year.

Wilkerson and Ghiaciuc have both proven themselves capable of handling the Center spot. One will start, the other will backup at C and G. There's just a chance one of them will also start learning long snapping, as Brad St Louis is getting long in the tooth. Braham is as some say a "badass mofo" and has been thanklessly for years, but his body can't take the pounding any more. I pray they find some way to add him to the coaching staff.

Kooistra and Andrews have also both proven they have starting ability. Hopefully, we can retain them as backups

So.....starters 2007 left to right:

Levi, Whitworth, Ghia or Wilk, Bobbie, Big Willy

Backups: T/G: Kooistra, Andrews, Kieft (assuming he ever recovers form injury)

Backups, C/G: Ghia or Wilk

I will take it as assumed they draft an OL on the second day, probably another project like Andrews was.

[membengal]

Hey there, tj, nice analysis. See, I don't always disagree with you.

100% correct from where I sit.

The Andrews pick and patience has really born fruit (by the way, for all you young'uns, it used to take four or five years for guys to learn the ropes and break into a line's rotation---the Andrews model of development is working out just fine), and Whitworth has been a revelation.

I am comfortable with both Ghuicac and Wilk in the middle over the next half decade.

At this point, a gold star to the Bengals' for their offensive line drafting in the last several years has to be handed out.

[Kirkendall]

Levi is a very good player, and they have a long term financial committment to him. he will return to LT when he is ready

Whitworth has more than proven he can handle the position, providing excellent depth

Steinbach is unfortunately on his way out, not due to poor play, but because we can't afford him. Whitworth will take his spot next year.

Wilkerson and Ghiaciuc have both proven themselves capable of handling the Center spot. One will start, the other will backup at C and G. There's just a chance one of them will also start learning long snapping, as Brad St Louis is getting long in the tooth. Braham is as some say a "badass mofo" and has been thanklessly for years, but his body can't take the pounding any more. I pray they find some way to add him to the coaching staff.

Kooistra and Andrews have also both proven they have starting ability. Hopefully, we can retain them as backups

So.....starters 2007 left to right:

Levi, Whitworth, Ghia or Wilk, Bobbie, Big Willy

Backups: T/G: Kooistra, Andrews, Kieft (assuming he ever recovers form injury)

Backups, C/G: Ghia or Wilk

I will take it as assumed they draft an OL on the second day, probably another project like Andrews was.

My only "unsure" point here is putting Whitworth at left guard. He's a good player to stop the bleeding at guard and Willie's eventual replacement, but with Whitworth at guard, that would mean we have Williams and Whitworth which means we wouldn't have designated "pullers". And god knows we run enough "Power O". Maybe if the team says concluding this season that Steinbach won't be re-signed (which I still think he will be, you don't easily give up a potential pro-bowl lineman), and that Whitworth will be his replacement then who knows. He can work on his speed in the off-season. Just playing devil's advocate here...

Another contention to your point.

- Brad St. Louis is 30 years old -- a 7 year vet. I can't remember a time when he botched a snap and with the new NFL rules this year that you can't line up over the center and knock him down, he barely plays with any contact. He makes enough change to buy a stick of gum. My only point is that he hasn't given anyone a reason why we couldn't keep him around. Now he's going to botch next week's snap for the game winning field goal.

[TJJackson]

Membengal:

thanks. Whats does the "mem" stand for?

Kirk:

Whitworth is far more athletic than he is given credit for. Did you see the play (not vs the Ravens, was vs Cleveland or NO, not sure which) where he was a good 15-20 yards downfield blocking? The man is plenty mobile. Don't make the easy mistake of associating huge size and lack of mobility in this case. So while he may not be as good as Steinbach at pulling - then again, who is? - I think he'll still be good.

That said, I have to assume you don't disagree that Steinbach is gone in 2007 - we just can't afford to him, tho I am sure salary cap aside he'd be here for life. With that assumed, you have to play someone at LG. Who do you put there ahead of Whitworth?

On replacing Willy - I actually think that's where Andrews will end up, honestly. Or the dark horse candidate, Kieft, if he ever recovers fom his 2005 injury.

I'm pretty sure that St Louis muffed the extra point snap that resulted in the only PAT ever missed by Shane-o-Matic, this was also sometime in the past couple of weeks. Nonetheless, you're right, he has overall been a very, very reliable long snapper, and the new no-contact rule helps a lot. I guess I will withdraw that part of my point, as he probably has a good 5-7 years in him due in no small part to the no contact rule.

[HairOnFire]

Steinbach is unfortunately on his way out, not due to poor play, but because we can't afford him. Whitworth will take his spot next year.

I'll argue that Steinbach has played poorly this season. No, he hasn't been awful, but he's playing well below his previous level of play and I have to wonder if it isn't due to his unsettled contract status and the unmistakable signs that the Bengals were already preparing for him to move on without much of a fight.

BTW, I have a relative who lives in the same neighborhood as several Cleveland Brown players, and he told me over the holidays that behind the scenes the Browns are already talking about going hard after Steinbach in free agency. As he told me this he waited for my reaction and I'm sure he was disappointed when I responded with a shrug.

[Stripes]

Steinbach has been versatile this year, providing a nice emergency option when Ghiaciuc was struggling at center. He played some tackle too. Either way, though... He has been just a smidgeon above poo-poo playing guard.

[Kazkal]

Williams and Whitworth which means we wouldn't have designated "puller

I think whitworth will be fine at pulling if not better then steinbach,Did you see that block for rudi on the edge? plus the dude was a tennis champion he can move for guy his size.

hat said, I have to assume you don't disagree that Steinbach is gone in 2007 - we just can't afford to him, tho I am sure salary cap aside he'd be here for life. With that assumed, you have to play someone at LG. Who do you put there ahead of Whitworth?

Well we have cap room,we just need to spread it around rather then put everything in to the offense...Do you guys think could tag steinbach next year and trade him for 3rd or 4th?

[membengal]

TJ: I grew up in Cincy, now live in Memphis. Hence "mem"bengal.

[Jonboat]

Levi did come back quickly the last time ,he also said maybe it was a mistake coming back so early as he had lingering effects but with the way the line as been playing i'd expect him to wait till he's 100%. That's another thing concerning the future is Levi health, I mean he's got not one but two bad knees!

I wouldn't be surprised if Steinbach left I think they'll make him a good offer but it's known he wants tackle money& personally I don't think they should.

[rwalling]

Wow. With the play of Whitworth, you have to wonder if Levi is really hurt bad or if they are being extremely conservative with him because Whit is playing so well. I'm surprised that Levi has sat this long, because he returned from injury so quickly before. I know that Levi is the long-term left tackle but it seems hard to sit Whit at this point. We have some MAJOR depth on the OLine. Of course we said that about the LB's 10 weeks ago.(knock on wood)

Is Levi still the long term LT anymore?

I doubt that they would do this but if they are serious about keeping Steinbach and Justin Smith, that might make Levi expendable next year.

That would kill the cap -- they just gave him a big extension, remember?

I'm sure that Levi is still sitting because Whitworth's play means there's no need to rush him back, that's all. Levi isnt going anywhere. Steinbach, OTOH, is all but history.

Will anybody get to Carson from a side of the line with Levi and Whitworth together?

[BengalPimp]

I'm surprised that Levi has sat this long, because he returned from injury so quickly before.

Last time, the Bengals were fighting for a possible playoff spot, he had his knee scoped on monday, then played the game on Sunday.....didnt even miss a game.....then after that said that because he rushed back, his knee bothered him the remaining games, and also all of the following season. It basically took him a year and a half to recover from something that should normally take only 4-6 weeks(usually less than a month but OL carry more weight), because he rushed back. The bengals arent desperate because of Whit's great play, so why risk rushing and maybe further injuring the man who is responsible for (and the most capable of) protecting Carson Palmer's "Blind-Side" for at least the next 5 or 6 years? Whit has played better than anyone could have expected from a rookie.......

........But make no mistake about it, a Healthy Levi Jones is a Dominant Left Tackle, the most sought-after

OL position, as evidenced by every draft...first Ol drafted is always a Left Tackle.....you never trade the man who does a great job of protecting you QB's blind side

[BengalChamps]

I bumped this topic because it is still relevant.

At this point you have to wonder if their is something real serious with Levi. Is he even going to return this year?

I'm starting to believe that ML is hiding the extent of his injury from the public.

[Tasher]

I think this might apply to Richie, but not with Levi.

Besides, why rush everybody with the way the "patchwork" line is working? I mean, they just held one of the leading defensive teams in the sack stats to a great big goose egg in that category.

Bring them along slowly and only if necessary. Besides, they could be important depth if we play a few more games and someone ELSE gets hurt, who knows.

[TJJackson]

Agreed.

Let them get FULLY healthy since the current players are doing well...just as they did with Bobbie, who started this week (and suddenly Rudi is running better - Bobbie doesn't get enough credit)

[derekshank]

I'll just say this... if there wasn't such a priority put on the skill positions, Whitworth would be in the running for rookie of the year. He's shown versatility playing multiple positions (often in a single game). The O-line has had so many injuries that it has had to rely on that they have had to rely on 2nd stringers, a practice squad guy... and a rookie they drafted to play guard.

In the time that he has played LT... he's allowed only 1 sack. If you look at the defenses he's started against, realizing that he's a rookie, playing for an injured pro-bowler on a line that at times had only 2 starters from last year, and they are still giving Palmer time to throw? Whitworth has impressed me more than I could have possibly dreamed. There is absolutely no reason to rush Levi back... and when he does come back, I'd argue that Whitoworth should play instead of Steiny.