Old Washed Up Dude Alert

[chrishcovga]

The Jeremiah Trotter that we would be getting, is a bit more banged up than the Pro Bowler of years' past. However, I would definitely like to have him come in here. He's a proven leader, run supporter, and a consistent playmaker. His best football is probably behind him, but his experience and knowledge of the game could only help an average linebacking corps at best.

My View of the Bengals linebacker corps

- Landon Johnson, - he's the best Bengal linebacker. That's not saying much.

- Caleb Miller - as most of you know I was against drafting him in the first place.(2004 draft chat room, ah yes.. good times, good times.

- Ahmad Brooks, - I'm still waiting on the guy that was a dominant force at Virginia. I think the biggest problem to his development into a special playmaker is the defensive system in the first place.

- Rashaad Jeanty, - an average linebacker at best. Not athletic enough to play in space. Not a 4-3 linebacker.

- O'Dell Thurman, - Best Bengal Linebacker period. The off the field problems are the only reason why he isn't the face of the defense. Instinctive, aggressive, Classic linebacker mentality.

- David Pollack, - He's not a linebacker !!!! He's a good athlete, but changing his position was the start of his demise.

- Earl Everett, - Good athlete, Good program, For the life of me , I can't figure out why he wasn't drafted. The Ankle surgery could be the cause, but he's worth a shot at the roster.

- Andre Frazier, - Backup, Backup, Backup, - Brought in to play special teams, and that's about all I can say about that !!

- Edgerton Hartwell, - Anyone that plays next to Ray Lewis is bound to look good. Decent Athlete, average linebacking skills, not a dominant run defender, not a dominant pass defender. Despite his injury past, there has to be concern, as to why he hasn't challenged for a starting spot considering our talent at linebacker ???

- Everyone else is practice squad fodder, or worse.

[HoosierCat]

First off, I'd like to say that these vague, nonspecific posts by chrish have to stop. Cmon, chrish, tell us how you really feel!

Anyhow, welcome back. Hope the family is good.

Second, Hobs says no Trotter. However, they may be poking around Lemar Marshall...

Indications from sources around the NFL are that the Bengals aren't pursuing former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and he's already headed to Tampa Bay for a visit.

One of the major reasons the Bengals pursued him in 2004 is because then defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier worked with him in Philly, but that connection is no longer here with Frazier now in Minnesota.

If the Bengals are looking for a linebacker to replace Eric Henderson, another former NFC linebacker who just happens to a product of Cincinnati's St. Xavier High School does have a connection still with the Bengals.

In a surprising move Monday, the Redskins released Lemar Marshall, a player whose career Lewis revived in 2002 as Washington's defensive coordinator.

Drew Rosenhaus, Marshall's agent, declined comment Wednesday when asked if the Bengals have been in touch.

The 6-2, 225-pound Marshall, 30, can play all three backer spots, but he started the last two seasons in the middle for the Redskins and piled up 198 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks and four interceptions.

In '02, Marshall was an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State who had bounced around the NFL the three previous seasons with three different teams.

But under Lewis he made his NFL debut and played all 16 games as a reserve outside backer and core special teams player.