Final Cuts

[TJJackson]

Antonio Pittman cut by New Orleans.....210lb running back with 4.4 speed, 4th rounder.....possible replacement for Curtis Brown? http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:CJt0K...&lr=lang_en

(I see my old buddy Casey Bramlet was cut by the Falcons, and my other old buddy Patrick Body was cut by Minnesota.....and I myself was also cut by Atlanta - check the list, you'll see, hehe)

Hey, how about another safety? Can't have too many, it seems. Darnell Bing was let go in San Fran.

[BengalszoneBilly]

I myself was also cut by Atlanta

Wow...you seem to be taking it well.

[HoosierCat]

Hey, how about another safety? Can't have too many, it seems. Darnell Bing was let go in San Fran.

Bing, schming. I say we bring back Lamont "Dummy" Thompson, cut by the Titans today.

On a more serious note, Tennessee also let Tim Rattay go. Wasn't he among the parade o' QBs the Bengals tried to get as a No. 2 this offseason? Not that the 7th we sent to St. Louis is a big deal but we might have been able to keep it and get a more experienced backup...

[BengalszoneBilly]

Found this blurb on Yahoo Sports about the Bengals moves today:

Bengals release QB Doug Johnson, trade with Rams to get Carson Palmer's backup

By JOE KAY, AP Sports Writer

September 1, 2007

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Carson Palmer had better stay healthy.

Unhappy with Doug Johnson's preseason play, the Cincinnati Bengals released their veteran backup quarterback Saturday and obtained Ryan Fitzpatrick from the St. Louis Rams for a conditional draft pick.

The move leaves the Bengals with little experience behind Palmer, who made the Pro Bowl last season after recovering from reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

Fitzpatrick, who started three games for the Rams as a rookie in 2005, was on his way to Cincinnati to start learning a new system. The other quarterback is rookie Jeff Rowe, a fifth-round draft pick from Nevada.

It's unusual for a team with playoff aspirations to have so little depth at the most important position. Coach Marvin Lewis was so unhappy with Johnson's play in the preseason that the Bengals made him one of their final cuts.

The 29-year-old Johnson was the third-string quarterback for most of last season and didn't get into a game. He moved up to No. 2 after Anthony Wright left as a free agent in the offseason, but lost his job by playing poorly in the preseason.

Johnson threw interceptions on the Bengals' first two possessions during a 14-6 loss to Indianapolis on Friday night. He completed 57 percent of his throws with two touchdowns and four interceptions in the preseason for a below-average passer rating of 60.1.

His struggles prompted the Bengals to get Fitzpatrick, who was the Rams' seventh-round draft pick out of Harvard in 2005.

"We've spoken to the Rams about Ryan a few different times, a few different possibilities over the last three years," Lewis said. "As I told him, we knew he was going to be a Bengal, it just took a little longer than we expected.

"He's played with really good composure. We liked him coming out of college. We like what we see."

Lewis wasn't sure whether Fitzpatrick or Rowe would be the No. 2 quarterback for the season opener on Monday, Sept. 10 against the Baltimore Ravens. They'll share time running the offense in practice.

"We're going to try to divide it up and see who will go into this week as the second quarterback," Lewis said.

The Bengals also released defensive tackle Kenderick Allen and linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, who were signed in the offseason to add depth to a defense that has been among the league's worst.

Running back Chris Perry, who broke his leg last November, was placed on the physically unable to perform list. Perry has to sit out the first six weeks of the season.

The Bengals also made moves involving two of their players who have faced criminal charges.

They waived second-year receiver Reggie McNeal, who played quarterback at Texas A&M and was learning a new position in Cincinnati. They kept second-year defensive end Frostee Rucker, who has been slowed by a hamstring injury during the preseason.

Rucker is appealing a proposed one-game suspension for violating the NFL's conduct policy, the result of settling a domestic violence case in April. The third-round draft pick also missed last season because of a shoulder injury.

"We want to see more," Lewis said. "Certainly he's a guy that's got a lot to prove. He made it (the roster) in the end, but just because you start there doesn't mean you finish there -- or anybody, for that matter."

If the NFL sticks with its punishment, Rucker would be the third Bengal suspended for the opener, joining middle linebacker Odell Thurman and receiver Chris Henry. Thurman will sit out the season, while Henry could return at the halfway point.

Ten Bengals were charged with crimes during a 14-month span. Six of them remain on the roster.

The Bengals are likely to sign a free agent kicker as a precaution in the next few days. Shayne Graham bruised his right hip while helping with a tackle in a preseason game on Monday night, but could be back for the opener.

Aaron Elling was brought in to kick on Friday night, but tore a ligament in his knee while trying to make a tackle on a kickoff. Punter Kyle Larson made two extra points in his place.

[kingwilly]

Here is my take on the cuts:

Defense:

1. Way too light at LB. Jeanty is hurt and considering the injuries to Kilmer and Adams, why would they not PUP Kilmer??? It is almost a wash, then they can keep an LB or bring one in during all the cuts...they need to get another LB.

2. How did Rucker make the team? r3 pick or not, the guy has been a waste of space. I've seen more out of Xzavie than Frostee.

3. I had been impressed with Busing. He will be snatched up in the next couple of weeks, maybe by us.

Offense:

1. Buh-bye McNeal...dude had the tools, talent and opportunity and could not deliver. Go play QB in the arena league and make some cash. Chatman also could have been PUP'd, no big loss per se. I note that Bethel Johnson is available...

2. Coates had the dropsies but had been solid. I am looking for Brat to design some plays to take the pressure off the 3rd WR...he could be a real "go-to" on 3rd down.

3. Considering the health of Levi and Willie, look for them to go into the market to get help. Lots of talent out there right now.

4. Wilson did not look as good to me during this pre-season. MIN cut Fason, and he looked very good in the games I watched. Talent is out there at RB, too.

5. Not giving Rowe more snaps in the games was a miscalculation. Sure, you need arms in camp but it would have been nice to dump DJ earlier than later and get another guy in there...maybe even McNeal???? whatever...

[BengalszoneBilly]

Here is my take on the cuts:

1. Way too light at LB.

Can't argue that. Hopefully with the abundance of players available after all the cuts are made, the Bengals just might shore this plank up.

[HoosierCat]

Kilmer couldn't go on PUP; you can only PUP a guy if they haven't practiced, and he got in a couple sessions before getting hurt. So it was either keep him or IR him. I don't know about Chatman.

Other than that Willie I pretty much agree.

[HoosierCat]

Alert for Dorsey fans...

Colts | Dorsey waived from team

Sat, 1 Sep 2007 17:12:25 -0700

The Indianapolis Colts announced RB DeDe Dorsey has been waived from the team.

And in New England, the Squirrel appears to have made the cut.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Alert for Dorsey fans...

Colts | Dorsey waived from team

Sat, 1 Sep 2007 17:12:25 -0700

The Indianapolis Colts announced RB DeDe Dorsey has been waived from the team.

But he's not old or washed up.

[Stripes]

Like most, I'm surprised about Hartwell. Otherwise, this was a pretty standard cut list.

[HoosierCat]

Alert for Dorsey fans...

Colts | Dorsey waived from team

Sat, 1 Sep 2007 17:12:25 -0700

The Indianapolis Colts announced RB DeDe Dorsey has been waived from the team.

But he's not old or washed up.

OK, then how about Marqand Manuel? I dunno if he qualifies as "old" but he was "washed up" when he left here.

Of course, there's always the-now-ex-Redskin Matthais Askew to consider as well...

[kingwilly]

on the MM theme, Maurice Mann is back on the market..not old and who knows when he washed last...

Babatunde "beefcake" Oshinowo was cut by the turds. DL fat-man extraordinaire...

the Pittman cut by the Saints is attractive...

[BengalszoneBilly]

Of course, there's always the-now-ex-Redskin Matthais Askew to consider as well.

Matthais doesn't need to play football anymore. He's getting a cool $50 million from the city of Cincinnati. It seems he didn't appreciate being Tasered.

[skyline]

And don't forget Lamont Thompson...cut by the Titans today...

[BengalszoneBilly]

Doug Johnson indeed sucks...but I don't see the Bengals going the 2 QB route and its a bit late to be bringing someone else in.

Why don't they listen to you Dave?

[ArmyBengal]

Again, please allow me to bask in the happiness that is Doug Johnson getting cut. Make the argument all you want about getting someone in here late, but could Fitz be ANY WORSE than Doug has been ?? At least Rowe has seen the playbook and gotten some time. Wish it could have been more though.

Hate to say, I told you, but McNeal was NO suprise whatsoever. He was given every chance and the only potential he showed was how to get into trouble. I'm glad he's gone !!!

WHODEY !!!

[Kazkal]

Again, please allow me to bask in the happiness that is Doug Johnson getting cut.

I'll drink to that army!

I would rather have that fat guy from NY play QB for us then doug johnson He'll we have as much chance of winning with a monkey who knows sign language if carson goes down.

[sparky151]

I'd rather have a more experienced backup QB than Fitzpatrick. Maybe Testaverde, Leftwich or Rattay will take a 1 year deal at veteran minimum. Doesn't hurt to offer them.

I'm surprised Chatman made the roster. He's expendable as a returner due to Green and Holt, and he's not good enough to be WR 3 on gamedays. That leaves him in the Kelley Washington spot from last year.

Santucci and Uperesa probably didn't sleep well last night. There are plenty of better backup options than Santucci on the waiver wire, which would push DS to practice squad and Uperesa off the roster entirely.

All players with 4 or more years in the league have their salaries guaranteed for the season if they are on the roster week 1. That's why some of the vets around the league are cut, including Hartwell.

[Spor_tees]

I scanned through the cuts from other teams and don't be surprised if the Bengals don't bring in someone and Santucci or someone else gets kicked to the practice squad.

[HoosierCat]

Here's your PS, per Curnutte...

PRACTICE SQUAD: The Bengals removed portable cubicles from the middle of their locker room at Paul Brown Stadium following the preseason finale Friday night.

The team can name an eight-player practice squad today. The Bengals moved eight waived players into permanent cubicles in advance of today. They are Brazell, Busing, Day, Livings, Manderino, Muncy, Toeaina and Uperesa. The players would have to first clear waivers before being eligible to sign on Cincinnati's practice squad.

I thought this was notable too...

NOT SAD: The Bengals kept cornerback Blue Adams on the 53-man roster, though his first on-field action came Friday night against the Colts. He had been held out of all of training camp and most of preseason because of a neck injury suffered during on-field practices in June.

"I'm not going to say Blue showed us enough (Friday) night, but one of the reasons we signed Blue was his ability to play special teams, and we hope to move forward," Lewis said.

EIGHT MEN IN: The Bengals kept eight defensive linemen, including end Frostee Rucker, reported to be suspended for the opener by the commissioner for pleading guilty to reduced charges stemming from a domestic violence arrest in August 2005 in Los Angeles.

Now Rucker is sidelined by a hamstring injury.

"Well, we want to see more," Lewis said of the 2006 third-round pick. "But certainly (Rucker's) a guy who has a lot to prove. He made it in the end, but just because you start here doesn't mean you finish here.

"We're going to look at the guys waived by other clubs that fit us. We'll keep looking for guys who make us a better team."

Sounds like both Blue and Rucker could be candidates for IR if the team needs space.

[TJJackson]

I am really, really suprised that Earl Everett is not on the PS list. I figured he and Muncy would both be on it

To Sparky's commets, I too am suprised Chatman made the roster, but I think Santucci (a G) would push Livings (a G) rather than Uperesa off the practice squad....but the point is understood and otherwise agreed with. Santucci did nothing I can think of to make the roster.

[HairOnFire]

First thoughts....

Bengals cut #2 QB Doug Johnson - Proved he could carve up backups in preseason, but practically defined what it means to stare down a receiver. Rarely seemed to be on the same page with his receivers.

Traded an undisclosed conditional 2008 draft choice to the St. Louis Rams for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick - He's had his moments and the Bengals have shown interest before. Last year of his contract though. Not that concerned that he doesn't know the offense because he's smart and has several preseasons under his belt, making him instantly more ready to play than Jeff Rowe.

Released DT Kenderick Allen - Fellow FA DT Michael Myers competed for the same job and vastly outplayed him.

Released LB Edgerton Hartwell - Would have been more of a suprise if several beat writers hadn't dropped hints that he was in trouble. As feared, he looked like a liability in pass coverage.

Waived WR Bennie Brazell of Louisiana State - I guess it turns out he really was a track guy playing WR.

Waived S John Busing of Miami (Ohio) - ((Shrug)))

Waived WR Reggie McNeal of Texas A&M - I thought he looked terrible as a KR, the job that was always going to provide his best shot at making the roster.

Waived OT Alan Reuber of Texas A&M - Rueber biscuit? (I've got nothing.)

Waived TE Tim Day of Oregon - Came with a higher profile than most of his backup TE competition, but I can't remember seeing him play a down in any preseason game.

Waived OT Nate Livings of Louisiana State - Never impressed, but I can't recall him being blown up either. (((Shrug)))

Waived FB Chris Manderino of California - I like him, but the dropoff in his play became far more obvious the moment that Jeremi Johnson returned. And I told ya' they wouldn't carry 2 FB's.

Waived HB Curtis Brown of Brigham Young - Liked him too, but then again I like Quincy Wilson far more than most around here seem to.

Waived LB Earl Everett of Florida - Looks the part, but never as good as his reputation.

Waived WR Jesse Holley of North Carolina - Never thought he had a shot.

Waived DE Xzavie Jackson of Missouri - NO!!!!!!!! Just kidding. I thought his play fell off as preseason progressed, but I still like the potential and hope he bounces to the PS.

Waived LB Matt Muncy of Ohio - Forgive me fodder, for I have....nothing.

Waived G Harrison Nikolao of Eastern Washington - I'll admit it. I've never heard of him and didn't even know he was on the team.

Waived DT Matt Toeaina of Oregon - I thought he flashed early and then did nothing of note. Looks smaller and far shorter than expected.

Waived OT Dane Uperesa of Hawaii - Unlike Nikolao I knew this guy was on the team. However, I couldn't bring myself to care.

That said, I did care about....

Issued waivers (injured) on CB Brandon Williams (first year; Michigan) AND CB T.J. Wright (college free agent; Ohio)

I thought Wright and Williams showed better than average potential when playing man-to-man defense, and only struggled when matched up in zone coverages. It's a fair bet that neither are ready to play NFL ball, but I'd like to see them hang on....especially TJ Wright.

[HairOnFire]

Wow, Quentin Moses was cut. That has to complete on of the fastest and most remarkable falls from grace of a once highly regarded college prospect in recent memory. Total free fall.

BTW, I agree DeDe Dorsey is an interesting option due to his speed and prior knowledge of the Bengals offensive scheme. For whatever it might be worth, immediately after Kenny Irons was injured unreliable rumor source Lance McAllister claimed the Bengals were interested in the Panther's busted ex-2nd round pick Eric Shelton if Carolina cut him loose. They did.

[Kazkal]

It would seem Lanes pissed off about the raider cuts,mybe he wanted to keep moses?

[711chad]

so why is ed hartwell gone?