derekshank Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 If Robinson and Fanene are tweeners then what is Thornton ?All three of them are just about the same size (with Robinson actually being slightly bigger than the other two) and all three can play both tackle and end. I just don't happen to think that Thornton has been all that good since he has been with the Bengals, and on top of that, IMO his play has been declining for the past two years or so.I may well have been over the top in suggesting that they let both of them walk, but my main point was that I would just as soon see Smith in the 2007 defensive tackle rotation as Thornton.Especially at like half the price ...Being a good DT isn't all about size. If it was, Thornton wouldn't have been a starter last year, and S. Smith would have been the most coveted DT on the market. Fanene and B. Robinson are both over-sized DE's... not DT's. Thornton is a DT.I'm not saying that Thornton is a great DT... but show me a DT that we can get at his price that would be an actual upgrade, and you'll have me in your court. In the meantime, I can do without all the "Cut Thornton" threads that don't take reality into consideration. If you cut him, you've got to replace him. S. Smith doesn't have what it takes to be a starter. He gets too tired too easy. Thornton is a starter for the Bengals... and even if his play is declining, he's still got a lot more snaps than Peko or S. Adams last year - so what does that say about the guys we have around him? The point is, even if he does suck, he might be the best we have right now... so cutting him helps nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stripes Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 I'm not saying that Thornton is a great DT... but show me a DT that we can get at his price that would be an actual upgrade, and you'll have me in your court. In the meantime, I can do without all the "Cut Thornton" threads that don't take reality into consideration. If you cut him, you've got to replace him.Agreed.The only realistic way for the Bengals to replace any DTs they cut is through the draft, and it makes much more sense to replace Shaun Smith than John Thornton in that manner.Relying on the draft to replace both players would be insane, IMO... Almost as insane as signing the likes of Ian Scott in this free agency market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazkal Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 Paul Soliai mybe ? beef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stripes Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 Paul Soliai mybe ? beefHe's a favorite of mine too, but I think it might take the second round pick to get him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazkal Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 Ya "sniff" but if they think he's worth it i'd be fine with it..... just was hoping we could have another 4th round peko type of steal....but such a weak class for beefy DTs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPW Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 Fanene and B. Robinson are both over-sized DE's... not DT's.I disagree with you as far as Robinson is concerned.I know that he would rather play DE but as far as I can see he is just as capable at tackle.He started all 16 games at DT for Chicago in '03, was in the DT rotation for Miami in '04 and played tackle his first year as a Bengal in '05. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPW Posted March 12, 2007 Report Share Posted March 12, 2007 The only realistic way for the Bengals to replace any DTs they cut is through the draft, and it makes much more sense to replace Shaun Smith than John Thornton in that manner.I think that depends on who you are able to get in the draft.If you get a guy who can step in and play right away, it would make much more sense to replace Thornton.Of course that is a BIG if ....Relying on the draft to replace both players would be insane, IMO... Almost as insane as signing the likes of Ian Scott in this free agency market.Once again, it would not be so insane IF you are able to draft one DT who would actually play on game day and use B. Robinson as your fourth tackle.What would be really insane, is if Thornton should drop to the fourth DT slot and ends up being payed 4 million to be inactive on game day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agreen_112 Posted March 15, 2007 Report Share Posted March 15, 2007 Looks like the Browns signed Smith.... Robaire Smith, formally of the Tennesse Titans. I guess Shaun will stay a Bengal??http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2799010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted March 15, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2007 Nah, look for the Browns to cut loose their current, 39-year-old NT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bengal4life Posted March 15, 2007 Report Share Posted March 15, 2007 I say trade Thorton and give up a late draft pick to move up 3-5 spots and get Okeye or whatever his name is. But knowing the Bengals that would never happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShulaSteakhouse Posted March 15, 2007 Report Share Posted March 15, 2007 I say trade Thorton and give up a late draft pick to move up 3-5 spots and get Okeye or whatever his name is. But knowing the Bengals that would never happen.Too much effort involved there.Not sure Okoye is worth that either though. But, I don't expect the Bengals' to do anything to increase their chances of winning outside of drafting and doing their same old thing.If we're lucky, they'll stumble into another 2005 season again, maybe this time they can win some games in December under Marv, and at least win a playoff game at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawg BpG Posted March 15, 2007 Report Share Posted March 15, 2007 Figuring to draft an offensive player with the third pick in the draft, the Browns helped their defense Wednesday night by reaching a four-year, $12 million deal with Titans defensive tackle Robaire Smith. Smith Smith, 30, received a $4 million signing bonus and will be paid a total of $5 million in the first year of the contract. Over the first two years, he will make $7 million. With that type of commitment, the Browns are expected to start him at right defensive end and then possibly move him to tackle on passing downs. Smith, who is 6-foot-4, 328 pounds, played four years with Tennessee before leaving via free agency and signing a big deal with the Houston Texans. The Texans released him last year -- his third with the team -- and Smith went back to Tennessee, where he re-emerged as a starter. The Titans tried to re-sign Smith, but their offer wasn't close enough for him to stay. His signing should start to move a defensive tackle market that has been surprisingly slow during the free-agency period.http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2799010I am not exactly elated we signed this guy, but hey, it beats seeing Mckinley out there, with his no pressure and no run stopping He is a good veteran Tackle who will fill in nicely at DE. He isn't bad provided he performs. , and we all know Clevelands free Agent signin history Edit: Crap, mods please move this to where it belongs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted March 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2007 It's official, the Bengals will not match the offer to Shaun. He's now a Brown...http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5935 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShulaSteakhouse Posted March 16, 2007 Report Share Posted March 16, 2007 So the Bengals have 5 new roster spots to fill, at least, and have no $.I sure hope all of their draft picks work out this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJJackson Posted March 16, 2007 Report Share Posted March 16, 2007 Stepping in for Kaesviharn - Kilmer - checkStepping in for Steinbach - Whitworth\Andrews - check Stepping in for Washington - Brazell, Chatman, and Green - checkStepping in for Simmons - Ahmad Brooks and Andre Frazier - checkStepping in for Smith - Domata Peko and B Robinson (move from DE) - checkStepping in for Robinson at DE - Eric Henderson - checkStepping in for Tony Stewart - any of the three PS TE's - checkStepping in for Askew - my dead gramma - check Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMC Posted March 16, 2007 Report Share Posted March 16, 2007 Stepping in for Kaesviharn - Kilmer - checkStepping in for Steinbach - Whitworth\Andrews - check Stepping in for Washington - Brazell, Chatman, and Green - checkStepping in for Simmons - Ahmad Brooks and Andre Frazier - checkStepping in for Smith - Domata Peko and B Robinson (move from DE) - checkStepping in for Robinson at DE - Eric Henderson - checkStepping in for Tony Stewart - any of the three PS TE's - checkStepping in for Askew - my dead gramma - checkNo quality back-ups to these guys in case of injury - check.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShulaSteakhouse Posted March 17, 2007 Report Share Posted March 17, 2007 Stepping in for Kaesviharn - Kilmer - checkStepping in for Steinbach - Whitworth\Andrews - check Stepping in for Washington - Brazell, Chatman, and Green - checkStepping in for Simmons - Ahmad Brooks and Andre Frazier - checkStepping in for Smith - Domata Peko and B Robinson (move from DE) - checkStepping in for Robinson at DE - Eric Henderson - checkStepping in for Tony Stewart - any of the three PS TE's - checkStepping in for Askew - my dead gramma - checkWow that doesn't make me feel much better. But thanks any ways.Like I said, hope the draft works out, and some of the young gambles come through. A 6'7" guard sort of concerns me also.I like Whitworth much better as a RT. Should've never re-signed fat Willie.Where'd Askew come from? He was gone before last season man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJJackson Posted March 17, 2007 Report Share Posted March 17, 2007 Askew was my attempt at adding the tiniest dash of humor to my postThe backups to these guys will come from the draft and UDCFAs. Don't even bring up Frostee Rucker or AJ Nicholson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirkendall Posted March 17, 2007 Report Share Posted March 17, 2007 I like Whitworth much better as a RT. Should've never re-signed fat Willie.Right. Why bother re-signing a tackle that's made the Pro Bowl the last four years. That would just be ridiculous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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