Hartwell taking over for Brooks?

[jjakq27]

According to Chick Ludwig (in an inteview with Lance McAlister) and the bengals.com depth chart, it appears that Ed Hartwell has been moved to #2 at MLB and has been told to try and add 5 to 10 lbs as part of that move.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/o...7benglance.html

I take it that they aren't too impressed with Ahmad's play thus far. Hartwell's move to the starting spot might be contingent on Brooks' performance on Monday Night against the Falcons.

He also predicted that Keiwan Ratliff, Benny Brazell and A. Chapman will get cut and John Busing and Reggie McNeil will make it.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Yep Ahmad is on notice apparently. Hartwell doesn't even need to put on the weight.

[bengalboomer7]

To me, this is disheartening. I was hoping Ahmad could be a fixture.

[HoosierCat]

To me, this is disheartening. I was hoping Ahmad could be a fixture.

Give it time. If Brooks is meant to be, he'll be. In the meantime, put your best 11 guys out there.

[ArmyBengal]

As much as I am NOT a fan of Ratliff, I just can't see any scenario where he doesn't make the team...

I can't say the same for McNeal. I wish they would end the experiment already !!!

As for Hartwell, I think this is just an insurance move and to make sure he's ready. Just in case !!!

WHODEY !!!

[walzav29]

There is such a difference in Odell's attitude and Brooks. I know Odell will never be back, I'm just using him as an example. He is like a zombie, but if Hartwells ass can't cash his mouths checks then all of his yelling will fall on deaf ears.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I still think asking Brooks to come in and play MLB behind an overall weak DT corps, in a defense where the safeties can't currently afford to provide a lot of run help, is asking a lot. Problem is SSLB (I think his best position) is the only LB spot we're actually strong, so whaddya gonna do?

[agreen_112]

I don't think Brooks has what it take to be the MLB. If he had it, he would've already shined it... I'm just not seeing the talent.

[DesperateDerelict]

So far, Brooks appears to one of those 'practice players' who don't perform as well in games. Sometimes, given enough time, the light comes on and they play better in games . . . and sometimes it stays dark.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

So far, Brooks appears to one of those 'practice players' who don't perform as well in games. Sometimes, given enough time, the light comes on and they play better in games . . . and sometimes it stays dark.

I haven't seen the games, so I'm a bit mystified as to what the prolem is. Is he getting physically beaten, or can he just not figure out where to be?

[skyline]

So far, Brooks appears to one of those 'practice players' who don't perform as well in games. Sometimes, given enough time, the light comes on and they play better in games . . . and sometimes it stays dark.

I haven't seen the games, so I'm a bit mystified as to what the prolem is. Is he getting physically beaten, or can he just not figure out where to be?

The best way I can describe his play up to this point is timid.

The middle of the defense looks very soft.

I'm still holding out hope that he'll continue to improve as he gains more confidence in the system. Getting Hartwell poised to replace him if problems continue, however, seems to be the only logical action at this point.

[walzav29]

Remember Odell's 1st game against New England in the preseason? He was literally flying around. I just don't see that at all in Brooks. Wasted pick.

[derekshank]

So far, Brooks appears to one of those 'practice players' who don't perform as well in games. Sometimes, given enough time, the light comes on and they play better in games . . . and sometimes it stays dark.

I guess that depends which games you were watching. In the very first game he ever started (last season) he was a stud. perhaps it was just a fluke... but he's had at least one really high caliber NLF start (and it wasn't even preseason).

As for the earlier mentioned attitude differnece between Odell and Brooks... that's a fact. Odell missed meetings and didn't spend time in the film room. Brooks has been the exact opposite.

[HairOnFire]

Timid isn't a bad description, but I prefer slow to react.

For whatever it might be worth, I think the Bengals are actually getting more pash rush push from their DT's, but opposing teams can easily exploit that type of aggression if the LB'ers are slow to fill the gaps created by twisting or stunting DT's. Brooks simply isn't filling the gaps quickly enough and the result is lead blockers easily reaching the second level instead of crashing into clogged holes.

For all of the talk about Brooks now being able to read plays before the snap It's clear that he's still reacting two or three beats slow.....something that could change overnight or never improve. The rub is that Hartwell should instantly upgrade the ability to read and diagnose plays, but has always been vulnerable in pass coverage.

[walzav29]

I don't want him doing my homework or my taxes. I want him on the field flying and blowing up whoever has the ball. I know Thurman is an idiot, but on Sundays he played well.

[skyline]

Wasted pick.

Wow. A bit harsh, don't you think? This guy isn't going on a whole lot of experience. Granted, his learning curve has been steeper than I expected, but to call him a wasted pick already is jumping the gun pretty significantly.

[HoosierCat]

One thing to remember is that we are talking about a guy who is still basically a rookie. He joined the team late last year after the supplemental and saw limited action in a few games. He's undoubtedly still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. Now, maybe he never does, but OTOH how many games did it take before Pollack started to look like he had a clue? Odell was still screwing up every other play. If Brooks is still coming up to speed, fine, put Hartwell in.

[membengal]

Yup. I don't see anything wrong with going to Hartwell if Brooks is still learning. Just because he may not be ready Week 1 doesn't mean he can't contribute, or be ready to start, say, by Week 8.

[hrod382]

Good lord some of you overreact... You have to be kidding me, the guy missed a large part of his Jr. year then came into camp very late and was a beast in the Tampa game but struggled in coverage due to not knowing his spots. He's played less than 16 games in 3 years, give me a break.

I'm not saying he's shined by any means in the preseason but he's not going to be in tip top shape already. The guy had double digit tackles in his first game after practicing one week at MLB, he'll be fine. He looked better in this last game he still has 2 more games to improve. Would you rather have him or Simmons there? At least Ahmad has potential. And to whoever said he's a "practice player" you must've missed the Tampa game last year. A big part of what he brings to the table is blitzing as well and we know that a lot of that doesn't go on in the preseason.

I honestly think that he's thinking about things too much instead of going on his instincts like the Tampa game where that was all he had to go on.

I think Hartwell was moved to MLB because he's not a WLB, I don't know where they got that idea from and I think he's better served as our #2 MLB and SLB.

EDIT: I looked at the article, I don't see how Daniel Coats doesn't make it, I was impressed with him.

[bengalsfansince68]

The guy had double digit sacks in his first game after practicing one week at MLB

??????

[hrod382]

hahahaha WOOOPS, sacks and tackles aren't the same thing. I'll go ahead and edit that

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

hahahaha WOOOPS, sacks and tackles aren't the same thing. I'll go ahead and edit that

I was gonna say...I mean, I can do it in Madden, but probably not real life.

[Bobcat Bengal]

Wasted pick.

Wow. A bit harsh, don't you think? This guy isn't going on a whole lot of experience. Granted, his learning curve has been steeper than I expected, but to call him a wasted pick already is jumping the gun pretty significantly.

Walzav, PLEASE don't tell me you're the same dude who called Jeff Rowe a wasted 5th round pick.

If so, you need to give it up.

Talk about having no patience.......I'm hope you're not coaching in any capacity.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Well Brooks couldn't stay in the line-up for long at all, all of last year, and looks even worse this preseason - so I think it's "ok" for people to be concerned.

"1st round talent" shouldn't be playing this poorly for over one season. I am not sure what the reason is.

[bengalboomer7]

I've only watched 1 1/2 games, but slow to react about sums it up