What's Up With Rudi?

[HoosierCat]

Somewhat lost in the disaster that is the Bengals D is the fact that twice now this year, the D has been put on the spot deep in its own territory...because Rudi Johnson coughed up the ball.

In fact, looking back to last season, Rudi's ball security has reached alarming proportions. In his last six games, Rudi has 6 fumbles, 4 of which were lost. That's almost half of his total career fumbles (13) in the last six games.

This is not a good trend. Maybe they should put in a call to Tiki Barber, who cured his own infamous fumbling woes...

[BengalByTheBay]

Agree completely -- I am hearing the alarm bells going off with this occurring two weeks in a row. Although, I can hardly blame anyone who's focusing on any one of about 100 other complete failures resulting from this game. Another would be ST's, which apparently hit a wall at the end of last season and simply .... cannot ... get ... up.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

I have noticed he's not covering up with two arms like he used to - probably to get more leverage/speed etc.., I'm guessing. Maybe he should go back to covering up with two arms when he gets hit or is about to - he was textbook for so long with that kind of stuff - think he's lost some of that by trying to be too much.

Let's also consider the fact he's basically had to carry the ball just about every time since Perry's been hurt, almost unheard of in this league these days - any back carrying the ball that much is going to start fumbling more often, and will catch up to them eventually I suppose.

No reason the Bengals' shouldn't have gone out and found a guy who can share carries more often, or rotate series with him.

I'll never understand the apathy towards finding new blood from this coaching staff - they seem intent on just hanging on to the same old guys and not making any changes or upgrades.

[HoosierCat]

No reason the Bengals' shouldn't have gone out and found a guy who can share carries more often, or rotate series with him.

Well, we did go out and get a guy. Kenny Irons, remember? Unfortunately he ripped his knee up in preseason. But I agree we need to take some of the pounding off the guy. We have Watson and whatshisface Dawson -- use 'em.

[HairOnFire]

I'll never understand the apathy towards finding new blood from this coaching staff - they seem intent on just hanging on to the same old guys and not making any changes or upgrades.

Wow, even for you that's a ridiculous claim. The Bengals have used 1st AND 2nd round draft picks on players intended to reduce the load Rudi has to carry.

And let's not forget that there have been changes beyond those attempts. By most accounts Rudi is now playing more than 20 pounds lighter than when his starting career began and is no longer considered an afterthought in the Bengals passing game. In fact, his newly discovered ability...which IMHO was always there...has only served to increase his already staggering workload.

As for the increased fumbling....I've got nothing. The Brownies seemed very intent on stripping the ball away, but all teams attempt that with little success. And unless I'm mistaken the fumble against the Ravens resulted from the helmet of a falling 340 pound D-lineman striking the ball.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I think it's because he's trying to hard to fight for extra yardage. He's gotten so bottled up because of our O-line problems that he's trying too hard. If we get the line sorted out, I expect that to go away...hopefully.

[mgilgris]

Speaking of stripping the ball, the defense in the baltimore game looked agressive to the point of always ripping for the ball. Against, Cleveland the Defense did not look hungry and felt as if they would win without attempting to strip or be aggressive. Sorry to bring in another topic but after replaying the game I definitely saw more ripping of the defense against the Ravens than the Browns.