Offseason improvements

[Bengalhead]

Now that we're in the offseason, I think that they can fix some things if they are (albeit uncharacteristically) aggressive in Free Agency. I know that everyone has more cap room this year but why can't the Bengals realistically sign two of these three: Adalius Thomas and Nate Clements, Asante Samuel? Lets assume that they somehow could. That would give them two more impact play makers at positions where we sorely need them. Then we can take the best Defensive talent available in the first two rounds. - figure that we could get one of the top D line/LB players available and one of the top CBs/Safeties available in the first two rounds. That should give us 4 more very good defensive players going into next season.

So I ask you, how realistic is this scenario? Lets assume for this thread that MB is NOT going to be an issue. . .

Thoughts???

[Whur CHad At?]

It is plausible, but going through the Bengals track record they won't even go after A-list FA, on B, and C list FA because they are cheap and old. I would love for us to sign Clements, and I will be riding his jock pretty heavily this off-season. I would love to have Thomas too, and he seems like our most realistic shot. He is 29 yeards old, which should scare off a few teams, and which will mean he will not get $30 million. But the Bengals will not cough up the doh. Look for us to go after a corner who is old and cheap, like David Macklin. I hope I am wrongabout our philosphy and hopefully Mikey and Marvin will actually care about improving our D this year.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Thomas should be at the top of the list and pursued heavily, but, I don't expect it - which is sad. Samuel if not.

They are not going to find all their answers in the draft again this year certainly, and we've had enough of the high risk, high reward mid-round picks - this team can't take anymore of those for 3 years in a row.

The offense needs some attention on day one and too much time and effort on the defensive personnel has resulted in no improvement.

I would certainly pursue the trade route with players like Deltha, maybe Odell, or any other signed players who have any sort of value...and focus on players who love football more than they do drinking.

[GregCook]

Injuries have had just as great an impact as the boozers. Last year we lost Madieu to injury for most of the season. This year we lost Pollack, Simmons and Rucker. Those guys do count. So far Odell is the only guy we've lost for extended games due to boozing. Not to say Henry won't pick up the challenge and go for a year long suspension this offseason. If the Bengals go into 2007 with the same offense, except Stieny, they are good enough to play deep into the playoffs. If they go into 2007 with the same defense, they have little reason to play in January 2008. Defense must improve at the line, at linebacker and secondary. Do it anyway they can, but the need is great.

Thomas should be at the top of the list and pursued heavily, but, I don't expect it - which is sad. Samuel if not.

They are not going to find all their answers in the draft again this year certainly, and we've had enough of the high risk, high reward mid-round picks - this team can't take anymore of those for 3 years in a row.

The offense needs some attention on day one and too much time and effort on the defensive personnel has resulted in no improvement.

I would certainly pursue the trade route with players like Deltha, maybe Odell, or any other signed players who have any sort of value...and focus on players who love football more than they do drinking.

[Bngals1]

Trade Odell? You might as well trade Braham while you're at it.

[HairOnFire]

Trade Odell? You might as well trade Braham while you're at it.

[walshfan]

Team should pursue Thomas at all costs ...

Id stick him at MLB with Brooks and Jeanty on either side....Thats the making of a unit that can actually light up someone!

[Whur CHad At?]

Nate Clements, our terrible pass defense needs an upgrade

[Bengalhead]

Trade Odell? You might as well trade Braham while you're at it.

Well, it's quite clear from listening to Marvin that he is through with Odell. So why not try to get at least something for him - even if its a sack of potatoes. I don't think thats a bad idea at all to try.

[F.Cleveland]

No way we spend big money on a corner. Maybe a LB, but Marvin has repeatedly in the past stated that corners are way too expensive. Plus, while our corners are not necesarilly the best, the problem we have is lack of pressure on the QB. My guess is that we draft another corner in the 1st or possibly 2nd round and try to get Thomas. If we get a CB in the 1st, look for a DE or DT in the 2nd. Then we wait for the cap casualties (what few there will be) and see if we can pick up a DE worth replacing Justin Smith who will be gone.

[BengalPimp]

going through the Bengals track record they won't even go after A-list FA, on B, and C list FA because they are cheap and old. I hope I am wrongabout our philosphy and hopefully Mikey and Marvin will actually care about improving our D this year.

Your ignorance amazes me. You seem to think that even if Mike Brown had opened up his wallet in the past, that we would have signed any "top" free-agents. The reason the Bengals havent in the past, is not a monetary issue, as they have on several occasions offered big bucks for top tier Free-agents(see warren sapp) The reason they havent signed them in the past, is because they didnt want to play for a losing team in a smaller market like the Bengals were, at any price.

The Bengals are a different team, and a different franchise now. They will spend the money, if it will help the team become better. Marvin has made Mike Brown open up his wallet on many occasions.

What Many, Many, Many of you dont seem to realize is that you cant just say

"hey this guys is pretty good, lets sign him" THATS JUST PLAIN RETARDED....so for any of you to say lets sign this or that guy based on the player he is with his current team is STUPID. He has to be able to fit OUR system, AND the capability to have THE SAME IMPACT, EVEN WHEN SURROUNDED BY LESS TALENT>>>>>

So, for those of you saying "lets sign Adalius Thomas" ........THATS A BAD FIT, with the current system.

Adalius Thomas generates a lot of pressure on the QB, because Baltimore moves him around, and lines him up at many different positions(He lined up at 5 different positions in the 20-26 loss to Baltimore Nov. 5)

with the Defense the Bengals run, and with Bresnehan as Coordinator, he wont do that in Cincy. That will limit his effectiveness, as well as he will be focused on more by opposing teams, that cant do that now, because if they do, then Terell Suggs will eat them up. Adalius Thomas is more of a product of baltimore's system, and wouldnt fit in as well with ours. THINK OF ALL THE HIGH PRICED FREE-AGENTS, AND HOW MANY HAVE TRULY HAD AN IMPACT ON THEIR NEW TEAM, THERE ARE MANY MORE FREE-AGENTS BUSTS, THAN SUCCESS STORIES. A LOT OF THAT HAS TO DO WITH TEAMS SIGNING "STAR" PLAYERS, ONLY TO FIND THAT THOSE PLAYERS DONT FIT IN WELL IN THEIR OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE SYSTEM.

[Bengalhead]

No way we spend big money on a corner. Maybe a LB, but Marvin has repeatedly in the past stated that corners are way too expensive. Plus, while our corners are not necesarilly the best, the problem we have is lack of pressure on the QB. My guess is that we draft another corner in the 1st or possibly 2nd round and try to get Thomas. If we get a CB in the 1st, look for a DE or DT in the 2nd. Then we wait for the cap casualties (what few there will be) and see if we can pick up a DE worth replacing Justin Smith who will be gone.

Your scenario isn't bad and is probably closer to what will actually take place. I wouldn't be upset if this came to fruition. As long as we can get a very good CB in the 1st round.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Trade Odell? You might as well trade Braham while you're at it.

Well, it's quite clear from listening to Marvin that he is through with Odell. So why not try to get at least something for him - even if its a sack of potatoes. I don't think thats a bad idea at all to try.

You might get a vial of rock for him if you sell his ass to a pimp in Over-the-Rhine. Other than that, there's no way another team would give a 7th for him.

[delhole]

If we pick up Thomas I see no better time than now to switch to a 3-4 defense. Considering that is what the Ravens run, Thomas can be a mentor to the bengals young group of linebackers. It would also decrease our need to fix the d-line seeing as we would only need 3 solid players instead of 4 Big sam at nose tackle, smith(if he stays) and robinson/geathers at end. Jeanty on the left LB, simmons/brooks and thomas in the middle, and johnson on the right, sounds good to me

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

If we pick up Thomas I see no better time than now to switch to a 3-4 defense. Considering that is what the Ravens run, Thomas can be a mentor to the bengals young group of linebackers. It would also decrease our need to fix the d-line seeing as we would only need 3 solid players instead of 4 Big sam at nose tackle, smith(if he stays) and robinson/geathers at end. Jeanty on the left LB, simmons/brooks and thomas in the middle, and johnson on the right, sounds good to me

Has Sam ever played NT? Robinson would be perfect for a strong-side 3-4 DE since he can play inside or outside. I don't think Smith and Geathers would work well as a 3-4 DE tandem.

I'd be fine basically running a 3-3, plus Thomas playing wherever he wants with the simple assignment of "go f*** somebody up."

ButI dont think he hits the open market. Too good, too versatile, too well suited for Ryan's D.

[Kazkal]

meh crappy defense with chuck staying.

I'd love to have thomas but chuck woulden't know how to use him

[Kazkal]

If we could get stud like shawne merriman for 3-4 I'd warm up to the switch....but I just don't see it happening...Bengals are in contract talks with both geathers and justin why would they be if they planned switching 3-4? their not 3-4 ends and though chucks had em in coverage enough this year...Also before season started our LB's looked great for 3-4 with 3 young playmakers now with just brooks left it just seems unlikely....

I think we stick 4-3 resign Justin and Geathers and just try upgrade other postions...if we want improved passrush we should take LB who can put his hand down on passing plays...or a Defensive coordinator who does more then prevent.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

If we could get stud like shawne merriman for 3-4 I'd warm up to the switch....but I just don't see it happening...Bengals are in contract talks with both geathers and justin why would they be if they planned switching 3-4? their not 3-4 ends and though chucks had em in coverage enough this year...Also before season started our LB's looked great for 3-4 with 3 young playmakers now with just brooks left it just seems unlikely....

I think we stick 4-3 resign Justin and Geathers and just try upgrade other postions...if we want improved passrush we should take LB who can put his hand down on passing plays...or a Defensive coordinator who does more then prevent.

Not call prevent defense all night? Brilliant!

I can't remember if it was somebody here or Bill Simmons of ESPN, but my favorite line on Chuck is it's like he's playing old Tecmo Bowl and only has 4 plays.

[Kazkal]

Lol

Chuck Studys the other team

[Spor_tees]

If we could get stud like shawne merriman for 3-4 I'd warm up to the switch....but I just don't see it happening...Bengals are in contract talks with both geathers and justin why would they be if they planned switching 3-4? their not 3-4 ends and though chucks had em in coverage enough this year...Also before season started our LB's looked great for 3-4 with 3 young playmakers now with just brooks left it just seems unlikely....

I think we stick 4-3 resign Justin and Geathers and just try upgrade other postions...if we want improved passrush we should take LB who can put his hand down on passing plays...or a Defensive coordinator who does more then prevent.

Not call prevent defense all night? Brilliant!

I can't remember if it was somebody here or Bill Simmons of ESPN, but my favorite line on Chuck is it's like he's playing old Tecmo Bowl and only has 4 plays.

How about a D-Cord. that blitzes more than one guy at a time and doesn't make that one guy a delayed blitz at that!

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Trade Odell? You might as well trade Braham while you're at it.

He's under contract.

Braham is an UFA and retired. So, I don't get it? Why would you just cut him?

I am aware of the fact his value is low.

Injuries have had just as great an impact as the boozers. Last year we lost Madieu to injury for most of the season. This year we lost Pollack, Simmons and Rucker. Those guys do count. So far Odell is the only guy we've lost for extended games due to boozing. Not to say Henry won't pick up the challenge and go for a year long suspension this offseason. If the Bengals go into 2007 with the same offense, except Stieny, they are good enough to play deep into the playoffs. If they go into 2007 with the same defense, they have little reason to play in January 2008. Defense must improve at the line, at linebacker and secondary. Do it anyway they can, but the need is great.

Err, but I never said the boozing had more to do with things than injuries?

Deltha lost his starting spot due to laziness and boozing - and will affect JJ - and Rucker was put on IR because of his on-going court case at the time, rather than solely for his injury, which wasn't that significant.

And if you think they'll go a year without a major injury or injuries, you're kidding yourself. That happens every year to every team...which means it's all the more important not to lose key players to suspensions, or have star players who quit the last 2-3 games of every season when faced with some adversity.

I don't see the Colts not in the playoffs because they lost Sanders. And Manning doesn't get pounded like a stepchild, like Carson does.

Get rid of the bums.

[HairOnFire]

Err, but I never said the boozing had more to do with things than injuries?

Deltha lost his starting spot due to laziness and boozing - and will affect JJ - and Rucker was put on IR because of his on-going court case at the time, rather than solely for his injury, which wasn't that significant.

Just off the top of my head I can think of four different injuries suffered by Deltha. Just before the season began it was reported that he had a hand injury, he later injured his shoulder after falling in the endzone, hurt his ankle a few weeks later, and then hurt his knee. I have no doubt that he's found a way into Marvin's doghouse, but it seems clear that Deltha wasn't healthy all season, and it's not hard to imagine that it impacted his play.

As for Rucker, you're dead wrong...as usual. The case involving him still hasn't gone to trial, and the shoulder injury he suffered was said to be serious enough that it would have kept him out of action for 6-8 weeks. Under those circumstances it's not unusual for a team to stash a rookie on IR rather than cut him or carry too many injured players on their roster at the beginning of the season. In fact, the Bengals did exactly the same thing with Bennie Brazell, a player that hasn't been stained by the bad character brush. No kidding, Brazell admitted recently that his injury wasn't serious and he believed he could have returned as early as mid-season.

[Kazkal]

Yup,Wanted stash Brazell for when Kdub left.

[Bengalhead]

going through the Bengals track record they won't even go after A-list FA, on B, and C list FA because they are cheap and old. I hope I am wrongabout our philosphy and hopefully Mikey and Marvin will actually care about improving our D this year.

Your ignorance amazes me. You seem to think that even if Mike Brown had opened up his wallet in the past, that we would have signed any "top" free-agents. The reason the Bengals havent in the past, is not a monetary issue, as they have on several occasions offered big bucks for top tier Free-agents(see warren sapp) The reason they havent signed them in the past, is because they didnt want to play for a losing team in a smaller market like the Bengals were, at any price.

The Bengals are a different team, and a different franchise now. They will spend the money, if it will help the team become better. Marvin has made Mike Brown open up his wallet on many occasions.

What Many, Many, Many of you dont seem to realize is that you cant just say

"hey this guys is pretty good, lets sign him" THATS JUST PLAIN RETARDED....so for any of you to say lets sign this or that guy based on the player he is with his current team is STUPID. He has to be able to fit OUR system, AND the capability to have THE SAME IMPACT, EVEN WHEN SURROUNDED BY LESS TALENT>>>>>

So, for those of you saying "lets sign Adalius Thomas" ........THATS A BAD FIT, with the current system.

Adalius Thomas generates a lot of pressure on the QB, because Baltimore moves him around, and lines him up at many different positions(He lined up at 5 different positions in the 20-26 loss to Baltimore Nov. 5)

with the Defense the Bengals run, and with Bresnehan as Coordinator, he wont do that in Cincy. That will limit his effectiveness, as well as he will be focused on more by opposing teams, that cant do that now, because if they do, then Terell Suggs will eat them up. Adalius Thomas is more of a product of baltimore's system, and wouldnt fit in as well with ours. THINK OF ALL THE HIGH PRICED FREE-AGENTS, AND HOW MANY HAVE TRULY HAD AN IMPACT ON THEIR NEW TEAM, THERE ARE MANY MORE FREE-AGENTS BUSTS, THAN SUCCESS STORIES. A LOT OF THAT HAS TO DO WITH TEAMS SIGNING "STAR" PLAYERS, ONLY TO FIND THAT THOSE PLAYERS DONT FIT IN WELL IN THEIR OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE SYSTEM.

Dude! Chill out a little. It's just a suggestion. We all want the Bengals to win here. There's no need (and it's way too early in the offseason) to blow up at ideas/suggestions for improvements to the team. To suggest that these ideas are retarded is, at the least, harsh. Concerning Thomas, you are assuming that the reason he is a good player is because he lines up at different positions a lot. That doesn't necessarily mean that he would suck if he stays at one position.

Furthermore, I don't disagree that signing a bunch of FAs automatically means you improve. Just look at the Redskins for proof of that. Still, bringing in key FA players helps augment solid drafts. If it didn't, no team would ever sign FAs to begin with. So how about backing off a bit huh? These are just ideas on how to improve the team. Geez

[Bengalhead]

Lol

Chuck Studys the other team

Wow Kaz, those pics are hilarious!! Appropriate too!!!