The Hits Just Keep on Coming

[HoosierCat]

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=6158

I've heard of "paper tigers" but this team seems more like glass tigers. Blizzard effed up his back. Keift re-injured the foot he just had surgery on...and Koo's got some sort of foot owie now...

With starters Willie Anderson and Levi Jones not cleared yet and Scott Kooistra sitting out another day with what appears to be a foot injury, the Bengals finished the day with Andrew Whitworth, second-year free agent Alan Reuber and rookie free agents Dane Uperesa and Eliot Seifert healthy at tackle.

Sei-what? Up-whosa? WTF is a Reuber? Shoot, this teams been at camp less than a week and the o-line is already a M*A*S*H* unit.

[BengalszoneBilly]

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=6158

I've heard of "paper tigers" but this team seems more like glass tigers. Blizzard effed up his back. Keift re-injured the foot he just had surgery on...and Koo's got some sort of foot owie now...

With starters Willie Anderson and Levi Jones not cleared yet and Scott Kooistra sitting out another day with what appears to be a foot injury, the Bengals finished the day with Andrew Whitworth, second-year free agent Alan Reuber and rookie free agents Dane Uperesa and Eliot Seifert healthy at tackle.

Sei-what? Up-whosa? WTF is a Reuber? Shoot, this teams been at camp less than a week and the o-line is already a M*A*S*H* unit.

S**t...not a good sign.

[XPetey]

I'd rather these nicks and bruises come now...these guys will most likely be healthy enough to play in most of the preseason. Furthermore, it gives the coaches a chance to evaluate some young guys that need this opportunity to show they either have it or don't. Why be so negative in the first week; we don't even know the extent of Kieft's injury, and I fully expect Levi and Willie to be ready to go on Monday night when the season starts.

Uperesa has some upside, so hopefully he shows he can play now, so that the Bengals know that they might have a good backup down the line.

[skyline]

Kieft is gone for the year...just wait.

[GapControl]

you know adam kieft has shown to be a wasted roster spot. he only weighs 310 now and is 6`7. before, he was 340 plus, that was something to keep around. but I think we can find a lot of 310 lineman. his body just doesn`t hold together.

[redsbengalsbucks]

Seems like the injuries have been limited to camp fodder/backups. I hope this continues to be true.

Kieft is probably done if this is season ending again.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Seems like the injuries have been limited to camp fodder/backups. I hope this continues to be true.

Kieft is probably done if this is season ending again.

That's true, but O-line is not a spot I want to be thin.

[Spor_tees]

I guess it is a good thing the Bengals kept a versatile O-lineman like Eric Steinbech around that can play all 3 positions in case of injuries. Oh, wait! They didn't think he was important enough to keep around...

Now you have both starting tackles not practicing because of injuries, a starting center who will be starting his first opening game, only one back up that is playable yet going into his 4th year and hasn't been good enough to start, another back up that hasn't been good enough to start after 5 years, and the rest are rookies and training camp fodder.

Carson has to be praying at least 5 times a day that he lives through this season without getting killed. Sadly, unless things change quickly the wide open Bengals offense won't look so wide open because they will have to leave RB's and play with 2 TE's (which they only have one worth keeping on the roster) just to protect the QB.

[bengal4life]

I don't know if this has been posted but I just heard on 1530 Homer that Jeremy Johnson has gained a lot of weight. His words were "He looks like he ate a person." This is not to good for Rudi. The last time he was over weight (I think in '04) he didn't play all that well. Hopefully he can get that injury healed and slim down before the beginning of the season.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

The o-line continues to be the biggest concern for me, as it was last year when Carson had trouble with protection, the running game suffered, and the sack #'s went way up.

I didn't agree with the Willie extension, or for that matter the Levi extension (do one or the other but not both) as he and Willie are both incredibly injury prone at this point and not very reliable to be 100% year-to-year. And you have to address the interior o-line.

This team has to get a new 0-line coach and start drafting or signing impact 0-lineman, and for them to completely ignore the o-line this offseason more or less, may be their biggest mistake.

The only way this team succeeds is with a healthy, protected Palmer, that should be the #1 priority every year.

Any ways not to overreact, it's Levi I'm worried about, if he's still in pain at this point, that's not good.

And the thought of Whitworth, Guy-chick and Andrews linining up together to start the season scares the crap out of me.

I think Bengals' fans tend to overrate their own guys and we need to look at it objectively.

This 0-line is turning into one of the more unproven and mediocre lines in the league pretty quickly - with or without Levi and Willie.

[HoosierCat]

I don't know if this has been posted but I just heard on 1530 Homer that Jeremy Johnson has gained a lot of weight. His words were "He looks like he ate a person."

Very disappointing to hear his weight is a problem again.

[J24]

will be fine Jesus Christ people its only one week in training camp only two people only real matter right Now and thats Levi and Willi and i think they will be ready by 2/10 and that is the only things that matters for us.

[Kazkal]

I feel bad for the guys and hope they get better but most don't really matter since they wouldn't make the final roster.

[J24]

The o-line continues to be the biggest concern for me, as it was last year when Carson had trouble with protection, the running game suffered, and the sack #'s went way up.

I didn't agree with the Willie extension, or for that matter the Levi extension (do one or the other but not both) as he and Willie are both incredibly injury prone at this point and not very reliable to be 100% year-to-year. And you have to address the interior o-line.

This team has to get a new 0-line coach and start drafting or signing impact 0-lineman, and for them to completely ignore the o-line this offseason more or less, may be their biggest mistake.

The only way this team succeeds is with a healthy, protected Palmer, that should be the #1 priority every year.

Any ways not to overreact, it's Levi I'm worried about, if he's still in pain at this point, that's not good.

And the thought of Whitworth, Guy-chick and Andrews linining up together to start the season scares the crap out of me.

I think Bengals' fans tend to overrate their own guys and we need to look at it objectively.

This 0-line is turning into one of the more unproven and mediocre lines in the league pretty quickly - with or without Levi and Willie.

Willie has played every game of his career and Levi before this season how many games did levi miss I dont remeber any signifigent injuries to him. they will both start the openor and thus giving us the best tackel combination in the NFL.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

The o-line continues to be the biggest concern for me, as it was last year when Carson had trouble with protection, the running game suffered, and the sack #'s went way up.

I didn't agree with the Willie extension, or for that matter the Levi extension (do one or the other but not both) as he and Willie are both incredibly injury prone at this point and not very reliable to be 100% year-to-year. And you have to address the interior o-line.

This team has to get a new 0-line coach and start drafting or signing impact 0-lineman, and for them to completely ignore the o-line this offseason more or less, may be their biggest mistake.

The only way this team succeeds is with a healthy, protected Palmer, that should be the #1 priority every year.

Any ways not to overreact, it's Levi I'm worried about, if he's still in pain at this point, that's not good.

And the thought of Whitworth, Guy-chick and Andrews linining up together to start the season scares the crap out of me.

I think Bengals' fans tend to overrate their own guys and we need to look at it objectively.

This 0-line is turning into one of the more unproven and mediocre lines in the league pretty quickly - with or without Levi and Willie.

Willie has played every game of his career and Levi before this season how many games did levi miss I dont remeber any signifigent injuries to him. they will both start the openor and thus giving us the best tackel combination in the NFL.

Levi missed quite a few games before basically all of last season with similar knee problems (and he came back too early from a previous operation). If you ask me it's chronic and should've been considered before they re-upped him.

Willie can barely walk these days and is always banged up - I realize he's tough and sticks it out - but to renew his contract for that long of a time at that price, is just poor planning and roster management IMO - ecspecially now that Whitworth and Andrews are slated for holes at the guard positions, because Brown doesn't want to pay guards starting veteran money (look at what Tomlinson is doing behind now pro-bowler Goff for another example of stupid Bengals' roster management).

Paul Alexander continues to have a putrid history at developing mid-round lineman, which has really hurt them. Name one non-day one pick that has become a starter since he's been here? There isn't one. Not a single one of them.

I sure as hell hope they learn their lesson this year and understand they need to spend more time signing, scouting and drafting lineman on day one - and not just rely on 7th round picks and projects, because Brown is too cheap to pay interior lineman. Gets old.

[J24]

The o-line continues to be the biggest concern for me, as it was last year when Carson had trouble with protection, the running game suffered, and the sack #'s went way up.

I didn't agree with the Willie extension, or for that matter the Levi extension (do one or the other but not both) as he and Willie are both incredibly injury prone at this point and not very reliable to be 100% year-to-year. And you have to address the interior o-line.

This team has to get a new 0-line coach and start drafting or signing impact 0-lineman, and for them to completely ignore the o-line this offseason more or less, may be their biggest mistake.

The only way this team succeeds is with a healthy, protected Palmer, that should be the #1 priority every year.

Any ways not to overreact, it's Levi I'm worried about, if he's still in pain at this point, that's not good.

And the thought of Whitworth, Guy-chick and Andrews linining up together to start the season scares the crap out of me.

I think Bengals' fans tend to overrate their own guys and we need to look at it objectively.

This 0-line is turning into one of the more unproven and mediocre lines in the league pretty quickly - with or without Levi and Willie.

Willie has played every game of his career and Levi before this season how many games did levi miss I dont remeber any signifigent injuries to him. they will both start the openor and thus giving us the best tackel combination in the NFL.

Levi missed quite a few games before basically all of last season with similar knee problems (and he came back too early from a previous operation). If you ask me it's chronic and should've been considered before they re-upped him.

Willie can barely walk these days and is always banged up - I realize he's tough and sticks it out - but to renew his contract for that long of a time at that price, is just poor planning and roster management IMO - ecspecially now that Whitworth and Andrews are slated for holes at the guard positions, because Brown doesn't want to pay guards starting veteran money (look at what Tomlinson is doing behind now pro-bowler Goff for another example of stupid Bengals' roster management).

Paul Alexander continues to have a putrid history at developing mid-round lineman, which has really hurt them. Name one non-day one pick that has become a starter since he's been here? There isn't one. Not a single one of them.

I sure as hell hope they learn their lesson this year and understand they need to spend more time signing, scouting and drafting lineman on day one - and not just rely on 7th round picks and projects, because Brown is too cheap to pay interior lineman. Gets old.

Dude the Chargers have Neal and Mncneiel thats more of a reason and Lt is one of the Best players of All time Goff is not the reason for the Chargers sucees the Goff.

[HairOnFire]

Paul Alexander continues to have a putrid history at developing mid-round lineman, which has really hurt them. Name one non-day one pick that has become a starter since he's been here? There isn't one. Not a single one of them.

Eric Ghiacuic.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Paul Alexander continues to have a putrid history at developing mid-round lineman, which has really hurt them. Name one non-day one pick that has become a starter since he's been here? There isn't one. Not a single one of them.

Eric Ghiacuic.

Lol. Starter due to injury, and not a very good one. But, we'll see, maybe it'll be his first in over 10 years.

How impressive.

[oldschooler]

Paul Alexander continues to have a putrid history at developing mid-round lineman, which has really hurt them. Name one non-day one pick that has become a starter since he's been here? There isn't one. Not a single one of them.

Rich Braham was a 3rd round pick (#76 overall, that`s mid round isn`t it ?)

Also like already mentioned, Eric Ghiacuic was also a mid round pick.

Yeah he became "the starter due to injury", But so did Tom Brady.

Stacy Andrews is a mid round pick, and if Levi doesn`t get his knee

right, will also be a starter.

I sure as hell hope they learn their lesson this year and understand they need to spend more time signing, scouting and drafting lineman on day one - and not just rely on 7th round picks and projects, because Brown is too cheap to pay interior lineman. Gets old.

Wait. You said "there isn`t a non-day one pick that has become a starter

since being here", then go on to say, "they need to spend more time signing

scouting and drafting lineman on day one."

That`s talking out of both sides of your mouth.

4/5th`s (80%) of the O-line are day one picks. All 4 have been signed (and re-signed)

and/or drafted since 2002.

Bobbie Williams was a day one pick (2nd round 61st overall). Didn`t they

just re-sign him, Levi and Willie not that long ago ? And use a day one pick

on Whitworth last year ?

I already know the answers . . .

[Jonboat]

The o-line continues to be the biggest concern for me, as it was last year when Carson had trouble with protection, the running game suffered, and the sack #'s went way up.

I didn't agree with the Willie extension, or for that matter the Levi extension (do one or the other but not both) as he and Willie are both incredibly injury prone at this point and not very reliable to be 100% year-to-year. And you have to address the interior o-line.

This team has to get a new 0-line coach and start drafting or signing impact 0-lineman, and for them to completely ignore the o-line this offseason more or less, may be their biggest mistake.

The only way this team succeeds is with a healthy, protected Palmer, that should be the #1 priority every year.

Any ways not to overreact, it's Levi I'm worried about, if he's still in pain at this point, that's not good.

And the thought of Whitworth, Guy-chick and Andrews linining up together to start the season scares the crap out of me.

I think Bengals' fans tend to overrate their own guys and we need to look at it objectively.

This 0-line is turning into one of the more unproven and mediocre lines in the league pretty quickly - with or without Levi and Willie.

Willie has played every game of his career and Levi before this season how many games did levi miss I dont remeber any signifigent injuries to him. they will both start the openor and thus giving us the best tackel combination in the NFL.

Levi missed quite a few games before basically all of last season with similar knee problems (and he came back too early from a previous operation). If you ask me it's chronic and should've been considered before they re-upped him.

Willie can barely walk these days and is always banged up - I realize he's tough and sticks it out - but to renew his contract for that long of a time at that price, is just poor planning and roster management IMO - ecspecially now that Whitworth and Andrews are slated for holes at the guard positions, because Brown doesn't want to pay guards starting veteran money (look at what Tomlinson is doing behind now pro-bowler Goff for another example of stupid Bengals' roster management).

Paul Alexander continues to have a putrid history at developing mid-round lineman, which has really hurt them. Name one non-day one pick that has become a starter since he's been here? There isn't one. Not a single one of them.

I sure as hell hope they learn their lesson this year and understand they need to spend more time signing, scouting and drafting lineman on day one - and not just rely on 7th round picks and projects, because Brown is too cheap to pay interior lineman. Gets old.

I share your concern about Levi knees but come on... Mike Brown didn't want to pay a guard starting TACKLE money & I'm not so sure Steinbach was willing to stay anyway he wanted to get big $$ , he went to the Clowns for Gawds sake so I dont think winning was on his mind Mike Brown paid by your own admission Willie & Levi but didn't he also pay Bobby? So he does pay the interior lineman but it takes two to tango & when is the last time you've seen a player play out a contract usually it gets renewed or they leave. I might agree with you if we was talking DL though.

Willie is getting long in the tooth but I think Marvin is holding him out for a bit in training camp maybe Levi too.

Last year we was pretty beat up on the OL but Whitworth , Andrews stepped up & got experience I think they'll be fine it's Gutcheck that worries me but he even came along towards the end of season. Dont forget last year Carson wasn't exactly the most mobile QB either in fact rather than scrambling I recall him just kind of sliding in the pocket right into a sack I know at least 3 times so you can't put them all on the OL.

[BengalszoneBilly]

I share your concern about Levi knees but come on... Mike Brown didn't want to pay a guard starting TACKLE money

What kind of $ difference are we talking here between starting tackles and guards anyway? It couldn't be that substantial, could it? The guys line up right next to each other on the line for crissakes!

[bengalsfansince68]

This 0-line is turning into one of the more unproven and mediocre lines in the league pretty quickly - with or without Levi and Willie.

I'm a member on four different Bengal boards. Every board has at least one chronic bitcher. You, Mr. Shula, appear to be the king in that regard on Bengalszone. Insiders has Tibor the zone has Shula.

This is no doubt one of, if not THE most ridiculous statements it has been my pleasure to challenge. Willie, Levi and Bobbie are pretty damned strong and Whitworth is about to be a stud. Stacey provides some depth.

Obviously, one or more lingering injuries would hurt but UNPROVEN????????

Willie is PROVEN

Levi is PROVEN

Bobbie is PROVEN.

If you see Whitworth as a question mark then you did not watch the guy much last year.

To me, there are only two question marks with this line. One is center and the other is injuries.

EVERY team in the NFL has the injury question marks.

If everyone stays healthy, our line is top 3 material, in my opinion.

Shula, sir, your post is laughable!! Perhaps breaking your Prozac in half might be an option for you!!

[HoosierCat]

If everyone stays healthy, our line is top 3 material, in my opinion.

Well, that's sort of the point -- it's not healthy. And given that Willie and Levi in particular have had at least 6-8 months of rest and rehab for what have been presented as minor injuries, and are still sidelined, I have to think another few weeks isn't going to make a lot of difference. I have no doubt they will both do everything they can to play come opening day, but I also have no doubt they will be playing hurt from day one. How long they can hang in and how effective they'll be, we'll see.

Meanwhile, we lost another TE yesterday: Tim Day out for a knee scope. So all we got is Kelly and Coats now. No chance of bringing back Ghent, he got snapped up by New Orleans. Also, Tab had an MRI and is headed to Nashville to consult with his hip specialist .

[HairOnFire]

Paul Alexander continues to have a putrid history at developing mid-round lineman, which has really hurt them. Name one non-day one pick that has become a starter since he's been here? There isn't one. Not a single one of them.

Eric Ghiacuic.

Lol. Starter due to injury, and not a very good one. But, we'll see, maybe it'll be his first in over 10 years.

Starter due to injury? Well forgive me for pointing out the rather obvious fact most most young offensive lineman become starters only after replacing a veteran who is simply too old to do it any longer, too broken down to do it any longer, or more recently....demanding too much money. In Ghiacuic's example he was drafted to be the future starter precisely because Rich Braham was aging, and the Bengals have to be given some credit for having a capable replacement already on the roster when Braham suffered an injury so severe that he never played another down. As for whether Ghiacuic is any good, give it time. While still being groomed he was thrust into an offensive line that was quickly in shambles due to injuries at other positions.

BTW, by now we all know you're far too demanding a fan to consider the impact injuries have on a football team, but some of us aren't as enlightened/stupid as you.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Some of you guys take differing opinions as if someone attacked your mom. If you don't agree just say so, I don't give a rat's a$$ what your opinion "of me" is. But I'm flattered I elicit that sort of emotion from some of you.

And Hair, maybe we'll be able to finally say Paul Alexander's crowning career achievement is having his first non first draft day starter 10+ years into his Bengals' career as the great accomplishment that is Eric Guy-chick. We'll see. Personally, I don't think he's that good. Just because a guy can line-up and call out defenders and snap the ball - doesn't mean he's nearly as good as anyone else. No one was praising him last year around the league for anything. He didn't "earn" the position because he truly did not have any real competition, and still doesn't. We'll see how he fares.

It's not that I hope these guys don't succeed, I'm just not going to wear rosey glasses when I saw how poorly that o-line performed last year, and how little they improved this off-season (literally doing nothing to upgrade any position there).

It's my opinion that protecting Palmer should be the #1 priority each and every year. Without Palmer this team is going nowhere fast, you should know that.

And Levi and Willie are hardly reliable, healthy players at this point, I'm just very concerned about that unit and their ability to make holes for Rudi and protect Palmer again.

You don't lose to teams like freakin' Tampa Bay last year because you have a "top 3" o-line in a relatively low scoring game. It's because you can't control the clock and score enough points, aside from a bad defense that leads to a .500 record.

.500 records are not impressive to me here anymore. i'm sorry some of you feel differently apparently.