Chad is not the problem!!!!!!!!!&a

[generaldreedle]

Over the past couple of weeks every time I check this board there is another post about how Chad is the problem with this team, Chad is a cancer, lets see what we can get for Chad in a trade, and personally I think it is absolute hogwash! Chad is not the problem, Chad is not the cancer, and to even consider trading him is absurdity! Because we are not playing to our potential, and Chad is the most vocal member of the team, he is getting the blame. When the blame lies with our defense, special teams, and their respective coaches. Now, granted, we have had our share of injuries, but that is part of the game, and every team has to deal with it. If our defense and special teams were just middle of the pack, our record would be different, and there would be none of this crazy Chad talk. Without Chad, our offense would be horrid! TJ would be getting double teamed on every play, and they would be putting extra men in the box to stop our running attack, thus making our offense ineffective. Does anybody here actually think that TJ would be as good as he is without Chad on the other side, and vice versa? Whether you like it or not, Chad and TJ feed off each other, and when Henry comes back, Chad and TJ will be even better! We need all three of our WR's for this offense to take us to the promised land. So people, please consider this next time you want to even consider trading one of the best WR's in football, because some knucklehead in the media says Chad is a "distraction/problem/cancer/or whatever their new buzz word is for the day".

[NYBengalfan]

Over the past couple of weeks every time I check this board there is another post about how Chad is the problem with this team, Chad is a cancer, lets see what we can get for Chad in a trade, and personally I think it is absolute hogwash! Chad is not the problem, Chad is not the cancer, and to even consider trading him is absurdity! Because we are not playing to our potential, and Chad is the most vocal member of the team, he is getting the blame. When the blame lies with our defense, special teams, and their respective coaches. Now, granted, we have had our share of injuries, but that is part of the game, and every team has to deal with it. If our defense and special teams were just middle of the pack, our record would be different, and there would be none of this crazy Chad talk. Without Chad, our offense would be horrid! TJ would be getting double teamed on every play, and they would be putting extra men in the box to stop our running attack, thus making our offense ineffective. Does anybody here actually think that TJ would be as good as he is without Chad on the other side, and vice versa? Whether you like it or not, Chad and TJ feed off each other, and when Henry comes back, Chad and TJ will be even better! We need all three of our WR's for this offense to take us to the promised land. So people, please consider this next time you want to even consider trading one of the best WR's in football, because some knucklehead in the media says Chad is a "distraction/problem/cancer/or whatever their new buzz word is for the day".

Agree 100%! Chad is not at all the problem. He is the best thing for this frachise, he is our swagger our confidence. And its that swagger and flare that we need that will get us out of our slump. And we will turn this around. If you dont believe it then get the f**k out.

[HoosierCat]

Chad going nowhere, all is well, says Dan Pompei...

In the last month, Chad Johnson has fought with his quarterback on the sideline. He was labeled "the Flavor Flav of the gridiron." And he has been the subject of trade rumors.

But the often controversial Bengals receiver is going nowhere. Why would anyone trade arguably the best pass catcher in football?

"Ocho Cinco" may be high maintenance, but at least he has not been an embarrassment off the field, as some of his teammates have been. On the field he has accounted for more receiving yards than any player in the league except Randy Moss, and he has an incredible first-down percentage of 92.3.

"Chad is playing better than ever, faster than ever," coach Marvin Lewis said.

Lewis said Johnson, and the Bengals, have grown from the recent controversies. Nine days ago, team veterans called a meeting and decided to take charge.

"All the criticism brought our team closer together," he said. "Guys realized they needed each other. We quit badgering each other. Chad has been 10 times better."

Johnson was upset about how he was being portrayed, and his coach has gone out of his way to defend him—which tells you how he feels about Johnson. It has become Internet gospel that Johnson took a swing at a coach at halftime of a game last year, but Lewis says that never happened.

"He would never do that," Lewis insisted. "He would be afraid the coach might swing back."

There is a better chance the Bengals could part ways with receiver Chris Henry than with Johnson. Henry returned to practice last week but must sit out two more games to complete an eight-game suspension for numerous violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy.

"So far he's doing things the right way," Lewis said of the player who has scored 15 touchdowns over the last two seasons as a third receiver. "But he has to be in compliance around here as well."

[HairOnFire]

Chad going nowhere, all is well, says Dan Pompei...

I;m betting my talking heads can beat up your talking heads.

In the last month, Chad Johnson has fought with his quarterback on the sideline. He was labeled "the Flavor Flav of the gridiron." And he has been the subject of trade rumors.

Good or bad, the Flava Flav comparison has a good chance of sticking.

Lewis said Johnson, and the Bengals, have grown from the recent controversies. Nine days ago, team veterans called a meeting and decided to take charge.

About time, don't you think?

"All the criticism brought our team closer together," he said. "Guys realized they needed each other. We quit badgering each other. Chad has been 10 times better."

First, you're welcome. Second, duhhh. Last, it's nice to hear Chad didn't need his babysitter this week. Or does he still need one even when he's ten times better?

Johnson was upset about how he was being portrayed, and his coach has gone out of his way to defend him—which tells you how he feels about Johnson.

I don't doubt his sincerity, but Lewis has to be aware that their fates are intertwined. And nothing could make me happier than hearing how Chad was upset at the way he was portrayed. Fair or unfair, things have changed...and he needs to change as a result. Best, he doesn't need to look any further than his own circle of friends for examples of players who have matured, Steve Smith, and ones who haven't, DeAngelo Hall.

It has become Internet gospel that Johnson took a swing at a coach at halftime of a game last year, but Lewis says that never happened.

Never doubted it. Hoosier on the other hand....

There is a better chance the Bengals could part ways with receiver Chris Henry than with Johnson. Henry returned to practice last week but must sit out two more games to complete an eight-game suspension for numerous violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy.

I wish Chris Collinsworth would have said more about this on Inside the NFL a couple of weeks ago. He very briefly bagged on the Bengals habit of drafting headcases, noted how Henry had managed to stay out of trouble, and then without explaining why said people within the Bengals organization still don't believe Henry "get's it".

[711chad]

agree chads not close to the problem

[membengal]

Look me up when CJ is responsible for only having 10 on the field when defending the red zone.

[rwjcgc]

Chad is hard to like most of the time when the team is losing. If the team is

winning games his hijinks are more enjoyable. When they are losing games, no

one is in the mood for a court jester.

He's not the reason they are losing. I wish more of the other players had his

talent and work ethic (always in great shape).

[agreen_112]

All this trade Chad talk is garbage. It just show's how stupid Cincinnati fans really are. When we're winning Chad is the best show on earth, the #1 talked about guy on this team... Then we start losing, and it's all Chad's fault. The haters come out of the wood-works and finally confess their so-called hate for #85, which they'd had bottled up for the past 3 or 4 seasons. PATHETIC!

I turned on 700 WLW yesterday morning at about 10:30 and of course, Chad is the topic. "He's a GOOD reciever, not a great reciever" was the quote which prompted my call in to the show... Luckily, on the radio host's behalf, I didn't wait for them to pick up my call. I was next in line to be answered... Why has Cincy turned their backs on Chad Johnson? IF 85 isn't a great reciever, I don't know who is... I can tell you this; without 85, there isn't a TJ Houshmandzadeh catching 9 TD passes. TJ's great, don't get me wrong. But Chad makes every reciever better...

Cincinnati fans better hope they don't get their wish... If Chad gets traded, it won't be because of MB's decision, it'll be 85 demanding a trade because he's tired of this ungrateful city and fanbase.

THE PROBLEM HERE ISNT' CHAD, IT AINT 85... LOOK AT THE GAME TAPE FROM YESTERDAY, COACHING AND DEFENSE IS OUR #1 PROBLEM.

[HairOnFire]

Look me up when CJ is responsible for only having 10 on the field when defending the red zone.

Yeah, well get back to me when Chad shows up when the season is on the line. Get back to me when he shows up against Pittsburgh. Get back to me when he doesn't kill a critical drive by letting a ball pass right through his hands before bouncing of his shoulder pads. Get back to me when he doesn't let another pass slip right through those same hands...negating a potential 52 yard big play. Get back to me when Chad isn't outperformed yet again by the Bengals so-called #2 WR.

And most predictably, get back to me when the Bengals most immature player doesn't respond to much deserved criticism by producing yet another underwhelming performance.....letting more yardage slip through his hands than he put on the stat page.

[membengal]

So...he's not responsible for the 10 men on defense, then?

[HairOnFire]

So...he's not responsible for the 10 men on defense, then?

No, he's not. Nor is he responsible for a thousand other Bengal related things that happen every week. What he's responsible for is his own performance, both on the field and off, and on both counts it's not been a good week for Chad, has it?

In fact, with the season on the line it's fair to say that Chad let more yardage slip right through his hands than he actually produced, right? And you writing 20 posts about the Bengals only having 10 men on the field won't change that.

[JohnsonX5]

Yeah, well get back to me when Chad shows up when the season is on the line. Get back to me when he shows up against Pittsburgh. Get back to me when he doesn't kill a critical drive by letting a ball pass right through his hands before bouncing of his shoulder pads. Get back to me when he doesn't let another pass slip right through those same hands...negating a potential 52 yard big play. Get back to me when Chad isn't outperformed yet again by the Bengals so-called #2 WR.

And most predictably, get back to me when the Bengals most immature player doesn't respond to much deserved criticism by producing yet another underwhelming performance.....letting more yardage slip through his hands than he put on the stat page.

Agree. His drops have infuriated me this season. Because we won the game, many are quick to forget the perfect fade route throw in the first or second series of the Jets game that went right through Chad's hands forcing the offense to settle for a field goal. Chad's missed several easy catches in every game we've played and don't forget the times Chad was out of position and caused an interception. Also, is it simply impossible for him to catch a ball without getting up and immediately jawing at the opposing defensive backs? I wouldn't mind seeing Chad extend his moratorium on celebrations to include smack/trash talk as well. But I guess the idea of keeping your mouth shut and simply playing is expecting a little too much.

Best receiver in the league? He sure isn't playing like it - regardless of his statline. I am, admittedly, extremely critical of his play not only because he is a great receiver but also because he draws attention to himself with his talk/act. So is Chad the problem? That's not a very good question because there are so many problems on this team. Everyone is playing poorly and Chad is no exception.

[membengal]

Nor will you writing 100 posts pointing out the flaws in CJ that everyone with a brain can see. The question, as you freely acknowledge, is that you have to decide when the bad outweighs the good.

The bigger issue for me, and the 10 on field is emblematic of this, is that ML and his staff are NOT, as this point, giving me any indication of competence, the kind of competence needed to manage a difficult problem-child like CJ, or even get the right players on the field.

CJ's issues? Almost always go back to daddy issues. When ML had his ear, he was fine, when ML lost his ear, he isn't. For me, it all comes back to ML, and he is failing in what he is paid to do.

[HairOnFire]

CJ's issues? Almost always go back to daddy issues. When ML had his ear, he was fine, when ML lost his ear, he isn't. For me, it all comes back to ML, and he is failing in what he is paid to do.

You can call it a daddy issue or compare it to needing a babysitter, as another poster has done. Regardless, each of you jumping to the defense of Chad are guilty of ignoring the fact that a 30-year old man, a veteran of 7 NFL seasons, shouldn't need a babysitter. And if he does, if he's so high maintenance that he needs constant stroking and supervision, well...that's just pathetic.

Like Parcells and Ditka have said, amongst others, head coaches have better things to do with their time. In fact, you can probably think of a few, right?

[oldschooler]

Chad Johnson speaks out ... 'Selfish is good'

By Chick Ludwig

Staff Writer

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

CINCINNATI — In the football gospel according to Chad Johnson, selfish is good — even if it rubs teammates the wrong way.

The Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver broke seven days of silence on Tuesday in an interview with ESPN Radio's Stephen A. Smith.

Johnson called himself an easy target for the club's 2-5 start and said he doesn't regret anything he's said or done this season, including the apparel he used on opening night of the season when he donned a yellow jacket promoting himself as a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

The flamboyant wideout also said he's happy in Cincinnati and doesn't expect to be traded.

"Everybody loves to use that selfish word and make it a negative," Johnson said. "Man, it's very much so a positive.

"You've got to want it. You've got a different type of breed that plays this game. I'm a different type of breed and I approach it differently from everybody else. I'll let you know I want it, and I'm going to let you know I'm going to go get it. That might rub off the wrong way and put too much pressure on those around me. If they don't have any selfishness to 'em, then that's part of the reason why we are 2-5."

Head coach Marvin Lewis ripped the team for being selfish after its 34-13 Monday night home loss to New England on Oct. 1, and Johnson knows the message was aimed at him.

"Of course," Johnson said. "Who else are you going to point at? I'm the outgoing one. I'm the one who's celebrating. I'm the trash-talker. I'm the one that people love to call self-promoting.

"You know what I do? Every time I touch that field, I think about one thing — playing this game and having fun like you're in the schoolyard when you were a kid. That's what you see. Therefore, when coach Lewis says something about selfish, it's pointing back to me. My take on the word selfish? If you don't have any selfishness about you, you're not going to win at what you do. You've got to want it."

In the interview, Smith suggested Johnson is getting an unfair rap for the team's slow start and myriad problems, especially on defense. How's Johnson holding up with his feet held to the fire?

"I'm lovin' it," Johnson said. "I'm an easy target because of the way I play the game. I'm a very easy target when things aren't going right. I'm very lovable when things are going right, and I'm easy to hit when things are going wrong. I understand that. We're going to have our ups and downs as a team and right now we're down, and we're trying to find a way to pull ourselves out of this hole."

Johnson, who has 44 catches for 731 yards (16.8) and three TDs, refused to finger the Bengals' porous defense as the reason why the club is losing.

"We've just got to find a level of consistency in order to compete the way we want to — like we did in '05 (when the 11-5 Bengals reached the playoffs)," Johnson said. "We'll be fine on the other side of the ball. All I can do is focus on football. If we're 2-5, that means there are five games that we didn't score enough points to win."

What about the "Hall of Fame" jacket that he wrapped around his shoulders like a heavyweight prize fighter?

"When I put that yellow jacket on, that wasn't no joke," he said. "Ain't nothing funny about that. I will get there by any means necessary. A lot of people look at that and say, 'Oh, there he goes again.' No. I was just trying to say it in a nice way in a nice gesture. I might have said a couple of things where, you know what, I'm sorry. And when I walk off that stage (in Canton someday), I'll be sure to apologize again."

As a spokesman for Degree Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Johnson raises money for the "Feed the Children" organization when fans visit his Web site — www.trashtalk85.com.

What he won't fuel is trade talk ... and any speculation about embattled coach Marvin Lewis' future.

"This is a business," he said. "Randy (Moss) left Minnesota. T.O. (Terrell Owens) left San Francisco. They had issues. I have no issue where I am. I have none. I'm happy where I'm at. I'm happy I'm a big part of the reason why the Bengals are a contender.

"I don't feed into (speculation on Lewis' future). All I worry about is me and my offense. That's it."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com

[HairOnFire]

"This is a business," he said. "Randy (Moss) left Minnesota. T.O. (Terrell Owens) left San Francisco. They had issues. I have no issue where I am. I have none. I'm happy where I'm at. I'm happy I'm a big part of the reason why the Bengals are a contender.

Idiot. How in one breath can he claim that he has no issues here when in the previous breath he admitted that Lewis's screaming accusations of selfish play was directed directly at him?

Closed door. Screaming. White hot anger.

But no issues here, right Chad? Because selfish is good, up is down, your teammates don't matter, and he's a big reason the Bengals are a contender. (????)

BTW, by my count that's almost a dozen times now that I've heard Chad whine about him being an easy target. (((sniff)))

[membengal]

CJ's issues? Almost always go back to daddy issues. When ML had his ear, he was fine, when ML lost his ear, he isn't. For me, it all comes back to ML, and he is failing in what he is paid to do.

You can call it a daddy issue or compare it to needing a babysitter, as another poster has done. Regardless, each of you jumping to the defense of Chad are guilty of ignoring the fact that a 30-year old man, a veteran of 7 NFL seasons, shouldn't need a babysitter. And if he does, if he's so high maintenance that he needs constant stroking and supervision, well...that's just pathetic.

Like Parcells and Ditka have said, amongst others, head coaches have better things to do with their time. In fact, you can probably think of a few, right?

Again, you misunderstand or lump me in with CJ defenders in general. I am not such. What I am is a guy, like you, who constantly weighs his talent versus his issues. I wish he didn't have the issues. I really, really, REALLY, do. But, since he does, and since the Bengals are in the issues business with regard to employing CJ and his daddy/babysitter/infant psychoses, the coach needs to be a guy who can deal with that. Along with getting 11 men on the field. And gameplanning. And drafting. And all that stuff.

[HairOnFire]

What I am is a guy, like you, who constantly weighs his talent versus his issues. I wish he didn't have the issues. I really, really, REALLY, do. But, since he does, and since the Bengals are in the issues business with regard to employing CJ and his daddy/babysitter/infant psychoses, the coach needs to be a guy who can deal with that. Along with getting 11 men on the field. And gameplanning. And drafting. And all that stuff.

Then we're no different.....save for the fact that I'm sticking my neck out by saying that I'd be willing to trade Chad Johnson if he doesn't change.

No, that's not true is it? Because you've already tossed Marvin Lewis into the trash bin, right? As for me, I'd be willing to let him blow up this roster and start over if he felt it were needed.

Pretty huge gap, ehhh?

[membengal]

Yeah. With regard to Chad we are not much different. I am not sure he's worth it. Trading him wouldn't bug me. But since we are employing him, the team needs to deal with him constructively. But the reason I have been chirping about the 10-men-on-field fiasco is that it is emblematic far more of what is wrong with this team than Chad Johnson. For me, it goes back to the piss-poor coaching. And to the extent CJ is a current issue, I leave that at their feet as well. No, in an ideal world, he wouldn't need to be a line-item concern for a coaching staff. But this is not a perfect world, it's a Bengals world, and CJ is a line-item concern for a coaching staff. And it is a failure at this point.

We have a gap with regard to Marvin. His on-field coaching gives me no comfort. It hasn't gotten better. i am not comfortable turning over to him the task of blowing up this roster. I don't think he's the right fit.