LB is now a strength

[schnarfer]

With the diversity in our LB's corps, it is not out of the question this year to see a 3-4 front every now and again. If henderson is half as good as people make him out to be, we have dangerous poteintial(pollack,odel,hartwell,brooks,jeantye.henderson, miller, johnson)...thats pretty strong and deep. Sam and Justin Smith and Meyers could fill the the gaps. Our pass defense was horrible mainly because there was no consistant pass rush. You can only work with what you have and this personel is heavy loaded with talented LB's. Thoughts?

[James_Brooks21]

With the diversity in our LB's corps, it is not out of the question this year to see a 3-4 front every now and again. If henderson is half as good as people make him out to be, we have dangerous poteintial(pollack,odel,hartwell,brooks,jeantye.henderson, miller, johnson)...thats pretty strong and deep. Sam and Justin Smith and Meyers could fill the the gaps. Our pass defense was horrible mainly because there was no consistant pass rush. You can only work with what you have and this personel is heavy loaded with talented LB's. Thoughts?

Quit telling jokes my man. You have to be kidding that our linebacker position is a strength, not one of those guys you named have did anything outstanding in the NFL but Hartwell and he's coming off two serious injuries (Odell was solid his rookie season). Pollack is hurt may not ever play again, Odell suspended may never play again, Hartwell coming off two serious injuries, Brooks basically a rookie, Jeanty how good can he actually be, Henderson, Miller, Johnson the latter two are average at best. I don't see where the strengths are for our linebackers, if everything goes right it will be a strength but right now it's not a strength at all but they do have a lot of potential to be good. I'm hoping that Keiwan comes in training camp in the best shape of his life and pushes the other three cornerbacks for their roles on defense, competition is always great brings out the best in people most of the time. What a luxury we would have if Keiwan would show some of his second round pick ability. That has to motivate him that they already have basically handed the nickelback role to Leon Hall.

[membengal]

From Mark Curnutte's blog, this transcript from Hartwell's interview on Sirius yesterday:

Solomon Wilcots: “We heard that you could possibly be reunited with Marvin Lewis, who was your coach when you played for Baltimore. He was your defensive coordinator when you came into this league. Talk to us about the prospect of possibly playing with the Cincinnati Bengals.”

Ed Hartwell: “Well, you know, the possibly is a definitely because the deal got finished today. I’m currently a Cincinnati Bengal.”

Adam Schein: “Talk about being reunited with Marvin Lewis.”

Hartwell: “Just being reunited with him, I took a visit down there and met all the coaches. The intensity is there. From playing for him you know what he expects. You know he expects the defense to [be] really intense, to go out there, to hit people hard, to come downhill. That’s my style of play. Being able to go back and play for a guy like Marvin Lewis and the staff that he has up there is great. The type of player I am, they coach the same way I play so it’s going to be a wonderful fit.”

Wilcots: “I know Marvin wants some consistency in this linebacking corps. They’ve had some unfortunate situations. Odell Thurman. David Pollack is now hurt. He was a high draft pick. Ahmad Brooks right now is penciled in to be the starting middle linebacker. On opening day this will be the fifth consecutive year the Bengals have had a different player at their starting middle linebacker position. Talk to us about where you will be featured in this linebacking corps.”

Hartwell: “We’re going to leave [brooks] in the middle. I’m going to slide over to the Will linebacker. Using my experience can help the other linebackers there and teach them some of the things that I’ve learned coming up in the league. Experience is a great thing in this league as you learn the little tricks of the trade. It’s not all about speed. A lot of times it comes down to the little things which make you a good player.”

Schein: “How close do you believe the Bengals are to not only making the playoffs but making a legit run at the Super Bowl?”

Hartwell: “I think they have a great chance. They have a wonderful offense. We’re going to do some great things on defense and make some plays. Any time you have that going on you have a shot. They have one of the most dynamic offenses on that team and now I’m going to come in and with the help of all the other players we’re going to make that defense one of the best defenses in the league. I’m pretty sure everybody on that side of the ball feels the same way. Together we’re going to have a shot at that Super Bowl title.”

Schein: “How’s your health? Are you ready to go through all football activities?”

Hartwell: “I’m ready, baby. I had two years of downtime. Now I’m here, I’m running around, cutting. Everything is the way it’s supposed to be and I’m ready to go out there and go to this first training camp and have some fun.”

Schein: “How many other teams were in the mix for your services?”

Hartwell: “I’m having a baby right now so I wasn’t able to travel a whole lot. That whole exciting process in itself stopped me from traveling a whole lot to different teams, from me wanting to be there and not miss that opportunity to be there when my son is born. But it was definitely a lot of teams that were calling, wanting me to come down and travel. Good teams. Teams like Denver, New England. It all worked out for the best and I’m just happy to be able to go down to Cincinnati and play football.”

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

With the diversity in our LB's corps, it is not out of the question this year to see a 3-4 front every now and again. If henderson is half as good as people make him out to be, we have dangerous poteintial(pollack,odel,hartwell,brooks,jeantye.henderson, miller, johnson)...thats pretty strong and deep. Sam and Justin Smith and Meyers could fill the the gaps. Our pass defense was horrible mainly because there was no consistant pass rush. You can only work with what you have and this personel is heavy loaded with talented LB's. Thoughts?

We don't really have the right personnell on the D-line to play a 3-4. The ends are 4-3 ends.

[princeton]

With the diversity in our LB's corps, it is not out of the question this year to see a 3-4 front every now and again. If henderson is half as good as people make him out to be, we have dangerous poteintial(pollack,odel,hartwell,brooks,jeantye.henderson, miller, johnson)...thats pretty strong and deep. Sam and Justin Smith and Meyers could fill the the gaps. Our pass defense was horrible mainly because there was no consistant pass rush. You can only work with what you have and this personel is heavy loaded with talented LB's. Thoughts?

We don't really have the right personnell on the D-line to play a 3-4. The ends are 4-3 ends.

Geathers would make a good 3-4 OLB. The DT's are probably better as 3-4 DE's.

[skyline]

I'd say our lbs coprs has the potential to be a strength. In order for that to happen, though, a lot of things that are currently up in the air would need to fall into place.

I think it's a wait and see situation wtih good reason to be optimistic.

As for the 3-4, coaches have already said they'll incorporate it here and there, but it certainly isn't going to be used a majority of the time.

[GregCook]

I'd say our lbs coprs has the potential to be a strength. In order for that to happen, though, a lot of things that are currently up in the air would need to fall into place.

I think it's a wait and see situation wtih good reason to be optimistic.

As for the 3-4, coaches have already said they'll incorporate it here and there, but it certainly isn't going to be used a majority of the time.

After the draft, I am optimistic and don't concede a thing to the Pats. The Bengals worst in class secondary has been vastly improved with young talent. Special Teams, a strength of recent years, has gotten a dose of young speedy legs. LB and DLine will have significant new players as well.

Nobody will be counting the Bengals as a playoff threat, so should be a fun season. Think Golden State Warriors. Fast, athletic, loose, believers & young.

[hrod382]

I will say the LB has maybe the best potential on defense (secondary is close with JJ/Hall/White) but to say it's a strength right now is a little out there.

I wasn't that big on drafting a LB so it's not like I think our LB's are bad, it's just they need to develop. I think Ahmad is a lock to be a solid player next year but Jeanty and Hartwell are big question marks. Does Jeanty continue to improve? If so he's a hell of a LB. Does Hartwell stay healthy? If so, what kind of level will his play be at?

I'm not really ready to consider Odell or Pollack into the equation. Nothing right now points to either seeing the field much next year.

[HoosierCat]

I will say the LB has maybe the best potential on defense (secondary is close with JJ/Hall/White) but to say it's a strength right now is a little out there.

I wasn't that big on drafting a LB so it's not like I think our LB's are bad, it's just they need to develop. I think Ahmad is a lock to be a solid player next year but Jeanty and Hartwell are big question marks. Does Jeanty continue to improve? If so he's a hell of a LB. Does Hartwell stay healthy? If so, what kind of level will his play be at?

I'm not really ready to consider Odell or Pollack into the equation. Nothing right now points to either seeing the field much next year.

Agreed except I would say Jeanty is a lock to be a solid player and Brooks and Hartwell are the question marks...but that's a minor quibble.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Nobody will be counting the Bengals as a playoff threat,

Really? I'd say they're the favorites to win the division along with Baltimore.

That = playoff team/threat easily

Every year this team has Carson Palmer healthy, they should be a playoff threat.

[derekshank]

Nobody will be counting the Bengals as a playoff threat,

Really? I'd say they're the favorites to win the division along with Baltimore.

That = playoff team/threat easily

Every year this team has Carson Palmer healthy, they should be a playoff threat.

Yep. The worlds most snake-bitten defense and a recovering Carson Palmer was still just one idiotic roughing the passer call away from the playoffs. The schedule is easier, the team is healthier... playoffs should be assumed.

[fattyjay]

I guess it can be looked at as a strength in the physical sense. Our starters go 245-260-250. Talk about added weight in that position. Realistically speaking without Pollack or Thurman, we should still have decent depth considering Johnson and Miller won't be starting and will be back at their back-up spots. Add to them Everett, Henderson, and Nicholson and the position at least looks solid. I am more happy that they have added more talent at safety. With Ndukwe and White coming in, I think we may have seen the last of Busing and Jones.

[GregCook]

Nobody will be counting the Bengals as a playoff threat,

Really? I'd say they're the favorites to win the division along with Baltimore.

That = playoff team/threat easily

Every year this team has Carson Palmer healthy, they should be a playoff threat.

Yep. The worlds most snake-bitten defense and a recovering Carson Palmer was still just one idiotic roughing the passer call away from the playoffs. The schedule is easier, the team is healthier... playoffs should be assumed.

I was referring to sports writers, bookies and such when I said 'nobody'. I doubt Crennel and the other division coaches underestimated the Bengals.

[HoosierCat]

With Ndukwe and White coming in, I think we may have seen the last of Busing and Jones.

Ndukwe will end up on the PS for his first year. White will likely make the final roster. Busing is anyone's guess. But Indiana Jones will make the team -- he played in all 16 games last season and led STs with 19 tackles. With all the rest of the disruption there caused by the loss of Stewart, K2 and Wilkins, I don't think HD is going anywhere.

[hrod382]

I will say the LB has maybe the best potential on defense (secondary is close with JJ/Hall/White) but to say it's a strength right now is a little out there.

I wasn't that big on drafting a LB so it's not like I think our LB's are bad, it's just they need to develop. I think Ahmad is a lock to be a solid player next year but Jeanty and Hartwell are big question marks. Does Jeanty continue to improve? If so he's a hell of a LB. Does Hartwell stay healthy? If so, what kind of level will his play be at?

I'm not really ready to consider Odell or Pollack into the equation. Nothing right now points to either seeing the field much next year.

Agreed except I would say Jeanty is a lock to be a solid player and Brooks and Hartwell are the question marks...but that's a minor quibble.

Yeah, I'm higher on Ahmad that most everyone so I can see that view point. I think Jeanty will continue to grow, the way he played last year was amazing given how we got him and the fact he swapped positions. I guess I'm just skiddish of our players hitting the wall in growth like Landon.

Regardless, it's not like having Tory James out there last year when we knew he was on the decline going into the season. I expect our LB's to do nothing except improve (Ahmad/Jeanty/Henderson/Nicholson/Hartwell that is). Jeanty will be a monster on 1st and 2nd down and hopefully Henderson can show some flashes as a pass rusher.

You all don't even know how much I'm dying to watch Ahmad in preseason

[HairOnFire]

I guess it can be looked at as a strength in the physical sense. Our starters go 245-260-250. Talk about added weight in that position. Realistically speaking without Pollack or Thurman, we should still have decent depth considering Johnson and Miller won't be starting and will be back at their back-up spots. Add to them Everett, Henderson, and Nicholson and the position at least looks solid.

Yeah, I think we may have seen the last of the days of the 220 lb. linebackers.

As for me, I can't call a unit a strength when it has as many question marks as the Bengals LB corp. But it no longer looks like a glaring weakness and there's enough depth to make the loss of a declining Brian Simmons an afterthought.

[HoosierCat]

So...is this done deal for Hartwell done yet?

His agent says he's a Bengal. He says he's a Bengal. Hobson thinks he's a Bengal.

But...according to both da site and Curnutte's blog, the Bengals still haven't recieved a signed contract.

Is Hartwell's agent's fax machine busted?

Not that I really expect any last-minute shennanigans, but stilll...

[BENGALTHEM]

Hartwell is a good sign. You've got to be excited about the LBs this year. Henderson, Nicholson, Hartwell, Everett, Miller, Jeanty, Frazier, Ahmad, Muncy, Johnson, Siskowic. Notice: I'm not even including Thurman and Pollack on the list. This is a nice group of young LB with great potential. Tremendous upside with wild cards and unknowns. I look at it like a new regime at the LB spot for the Bengals. FRESH. This is the position to watch this year for me....very intriguing. Plus I heard we have 11 draft picks next year As much as I liked Simmons.........for the past 9 seasons he never gave us an identity that every good defense has. And that's not a shot at Simmons......maybe that's not his role. He got the job done. It's just for 9 seasons only Bengals fans will notice Simmons gone. I think at least one of these cats will step up and be the truth and give us an identity on defense. Assuming no multiple injuries or guys being suspended, there is no reason for the Bengals to be ranked 30th in defense. If so, then Chuck has to go. Improved defense plus an easier schedule equals playoffs

By the way........ why all the hate for LJ? He's probably the most underated player on the team. He makes more plays than not. That guy is a football player. A 3rd round pick well spent. Dude led the team in tackes as a rookie. I think he led the team this year too. He's not even making that much money. Bengals don't even want him to start yet he can start. Having LJ is a luxury. His production on the field exceeds his cost IMO. When I watch LJ, I see a guy that's making tackles, cleaning up busted plays, forcing fumbles, deflecting passes, and playing hurt. What more do you want? He's definitely one of our top 4 LBs. They said he came into camp on swoll ready to play. Plus Miller is not as soft as he used to be. I see the improvement in his game.

LB is now a strength.

[HoosierCat]

Hartwell is a Bengal...in his own mind.

Reality, however, is a bit different. As of this morning, per Curnutte, an actual signed contract remains theoretical.

Per Marvin, the deal remains "imminent."

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art.../705050374/1066

Ed Hartwell, though officially not yet a Bengal, has claimed he will start at weak-side linebacker.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis on Friday called the deal "imminent."

"Just ask Eddie, right?" Lewis said when asked if the contract was done. "That's a good thing, very confident. Until we officially have both parties signed off on it, we'll reserve statement."

And at the bottom of the story, Curnutte tosses in this gem...

He could be signed in time to participate in the Bengals' first OTA practice May 15.

Hmmm. Hoping to avoid workouts? Still fishing for better offers? Agents' fax machine still busted?

[mgilgris]

This signing made our draft picks look a lot better. I mean we needed the secondary help of course but the irons pick made a lot wonder. The signing of Hartwell clears up why they werent reaching for another defensive player.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO dey

[Tasher]

It is a pretty big leap to get to 'Strength' for this group...

4 rookies, 3 in their 2nd year (2 of which either never played, or played very sparingly), 2 in their 3rd year (one injured), 2 in their 4th year.

Now, Hartwell is not on the list, nor is Thurman.

I think that there is definite potential here, but I would stop short of calling it a strength until after about week 6 or 7 when they are terrorizing offenses. And it would be a huge bonus to get Pollack and Thurman back, in my opinion. Never give up, don't ever give up!

Brooks, Ahmad 50 LB 6-3 259 Virginia 2

Everett, Earl * 46 LB 6-3 238 Florida R

Frazier, Andre 57 LB 6-5 234 Cincinnati 3

Henderson, Eric 78 LB 6-2 266 Georgia Tech 1

Jeanty, Rashad 93 LB 6-2 245 Central Florida 2

Johnson, Landon 59 LB 6-2 228 Purdue 4

Miller, Caleb 58 LB 6-3 225 Arkansas 4

Muncy, Matt * 54 LB 6-1 238 Ohio R

Nicholson, A.J. 52 LB 6-1 240 Florida State 2

Pollack, David 99 LB 6-2 255 Georgia 3

Siskowic, Cameron * 45 LB 6-1 228 Illinois State R

[NJ29]

Brooks and Thurman together with a heady overacheiver like Everett or Henderson is something that I would love to see. That is, if they overacheive.

[Kirkendall]

There's no real guarantee Everett will even make the team.

[HoosierCat]

So...did Hartwell actually sign the deal today? Curnutte said in his column this morning the bengals were expected to officially announce the signing today...but nothing far as I can see...

Oh well. Maybe tomorrow...

EDIT: Ah, I see. Per Hobs...

The Bengals are still waiting on linebacker Ed Hartwell to sign his one-year deal, which is expected to happen before the first voluntary practice on May 15. Hartwell's agent, Harold Lewis, said Monday that Hartwell's wife is expected to give birth later Monday and that his client would sign the deal sometime afterward.

Uh-huh.

Sound like BS to me. Hartwell is still fishing for a better deal.

[derekshank]

So...did Hartwell actually sign the deal today? Curnutte said in his column this morning the bengals were expected to officially announce the signing today...but nothing far as I can see...

Oh well. Maybe tomorrow...

EDIT: Ah, I see. Per Hobs...

The Bengals are still waiting on linebacker Ed Hartwell to sign his one-year deal, which is expected to happen before the first voluntary practice on May 15. Hartwell's agent, Harold Lewis, said Monday that Hartwell's wife is expected to give birth later Monday and that his client would sign the deal sometime afterward.

Uh-huh.

Sound like BS to me. Hartwell is still fishing for a better deal.

Isn't this the same tune you were singing last year with the Sam Adams deal? It took forever for him to actually sign the deal, but everyone knew he was a Bengal long before that time. If Hartwell says he's a Bengal on national radio, I believe him.