Curnutte's Latest Blog Entry on QB/RB position

[membengal]

It's here:

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/s...mentId=blogDest

QUARTERBACK: Starter – Carson Palmer. Backups – Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Rowe, Jordan Palmer.

An interesting competition is shaping up behind Carson Palmer, where the returning No. 2 quarterback, Fitzpatrick did not look sharp in the June minicamp, though he now has a full season and offseason in the system. No matter who wins the second and third positions, the Bengals are in trouble if anything were to happen to Carson Palmer. A team goal this season is to take some pressure off Palmer and the pass game and rely more on the run offense. Carson's little brother, Jordan, will pressure Rowe for the third spot.

QUESTION: You are the GM. You can only keep three quarterbacks. Who are the Nos. 2 and 3 quarterbacks behind Carson Palmer, and who goes?

RUNNING BACK: Starters – RB Rudi Johnson, FB Jeremi Johnson. Backups – RB Chris Perry, RB Kenny Watson, RB DeDe Dorsey, RB Kenny Irons, FB Daniel Coats, FB Tyler Whaley, RB James Johnson, FB Bradley Glatthaar.

Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry have remained healthy through the spring, and Perry’s addition brings a dimension to the offense it has missed since 2005, when he had 51 receptions. Coats can push Jeremi Johnson for the fullback job because of Johnson’s annual weight problem, but Johnson is too strong as a blocker and has always been able to get his weight under control. Watson is steady and dependable and will help special teams because of his return to a more limited role offensively. Dorsey is shelved until at least training camp because of a hamstring pull. Coach Marvin Lewis is pleased with Rudi Johnson's health and return to the 225-pound range and determined to return to the times (2004 and 2005) when the Bengals were a power-running team.

QUESTIONS: Predict Rudi Johnson's rushing yards and rushing touchdowns for 2008, and do you expect the Bengals to place Kenny Irons (knee) on the injured reserve list for the season?

I am still almost perversely curious what Chris Perry will look like in camp.

[Pidge]

If Perry can stay healthy(ish), we'll finally have a 3rd down option again. We were so predictable last year. It killed us.

[ArmyBengal]

So if the Bengals keep 4 RB's, who stays and who goes ??

WHODEY !!!

[HoosierCat]

So if the Bengals keep 4 RB's, who stays and who goes ??

WHODEY !!!

It'll be Rudi/Watson/Perry (or Perry/Watson) to start the year with Irons PUP'd and headed to IR and DeDe PUP'd against a Perry injury. At least that's how I see it shaking out now.

[BengalPimp]

It's here:

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/s...mentId=blogDest

QUARTERBACK: Starter – Carson Palmer. Backups – Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Rowe, Jordan Palmer.

An interesting competition is shaping up behind Carson Palmer, where the returning No. 2 quarterback, Fitzpatrick did not look sharp in the June minicamp, though he now has a full season and offseason in the system. No matter who wins the second and third positions, the Bengals are in trouble if anything were to happen to Carson Palmer. A team goal this season is to take some pressure off Palmer and the pass game and rely more on the run offense. Carson's little brother, Jordan, will pressure Rowe for the third spot.

QUESTION: You are the GM. You can only keep three quarterbacks. Who are the Nos. 2 and 3 quarterbacks behind Carson Palmer, and who goes?

RUNNING BACK: Starters – RB Rudi Johnson, FB Jeremi Johnson. Backups – RB Chris Perry, RB Kenny Watson, RB DeDe Dorsey, RB Kenny Irons, FB Daniel Coats, FB Tyler Whaley, RB James Johnson, FB Bradley Glatthaar.

Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry have remained healthy through the spring, and Perry’s addition brings a dimension to the offense it has missed since 2005, when he had 51 receptions. Coats can push Jeremi Johnson for the fullback job because of Johnson’s annual weight problem, but Johnson is too strong as a blocker and has always been able to get his weight under control. Watson is steady and dependable and will help special teams because of his return to a more limited role offensively. Dorsey is shelved until at least training camp because of a hamstring pull. Coach Marvin Lewis is pleased with Rudi Johnson's health and return to the 225-pound range and determined to return to the times (2004 and 2005) when the Bengals were a power-running team.

QUESTIONS: Predict Rudi Johnson's rushing yards and rushing touchdowns for 2008, and do you expect the Bengals to place Kenny Irons (knee) on the injured reserve list for the season?

I am still almost perversely curious what Chris Perry will look like in camp.

Don't be surprised if Perry has a monster year.....If i'm not mistaken, he has either 1 or 2 years left on his contract......contract years usually equal big seasons...and he's healthy....

[BengalszoneBilly]

Don't be surprised if Perry has a monster year.....If i'm not mistaken, he has either 1 or 2 years left on his contract......contract years usually equal big seasons...and he's healthy....

...for now. Let's see him take a few regular season games worth of hits and see if he remains so.

[HairOnFire]

It's funny how two different people can look at the same things and come to opposite conclusions.

For example, the writer of this article seems to be implying the Bengals backup QB spots may not be the team strength some would have you believe. Of particular note, Fitzgerald isn't looking sharp despite all of the time he and the Bengals have devoted to "book learning".

Still, it's nice to learn that my previously expressed concerns weren't a figment of my overheated imagination. Ehhh?

[HoosierCat]

For example, the writer of this article seems to be implying the Bengals backup QB spots may not be the team strength some would have you believe.

No one said it was a "team strength," only there are very few teams who could lose their starting QB and still be successful. But by all means, I'll keep my fingers crossed this year that Palmer gets hurt so we can get someone else some snaps and ease your mind in '09.

[kingwilly]

Jeff Rowe looked more than capable last year pre-season. granted, it was pre-season but he did beat out Doug Johnson (again, not syaing too much).

Jordan Palmer, Rowe and Fitz will compete to see who get to hold the clipboard but the byproduct will be the best player of the three will step in should Mr. Franchise have an issue.

To me, this is not a weakness on the team.

As for RB's, I remain unconvinced tht Rudi is in rebound mode. When I see him stop the foot shuffling and get decisive about where to run, I will re-evaluate. If he is NOT ready to lead the team in rushing, then he needs to be cut/traded. Perry the same. 3D appears to be fragile enough to wonder about his future as well. I wish he was more durable but if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Watson appears to be the only reliable back on the list, so here is to hoping Rudi is ready to tote the note.

RB is the biggst crapshoot of all offensive positons on the list.

[HairOnFire]

No one said it was a "team strength," only there are very few teams who could lose their starting QB and still be successful. But by all means, I'll keep my fingers crossed this year that Palmer gets hurt so we can get someone else some snaps and ease your mind in '09.

And I'll cross my fingers hoping you eventually tire from the strain of breathing out of your own anal cleft for the last couple of months.

However, you're right about one thing, and probably one thing only. That being, no one said the Bengals backup QB position was a team strength. I mean c'mon, how stupid would you have to be to think that?

Accuracy counts in this life, and in your case I believe you're only guilty of saying a few incredibly stupid remarks about the Bengals being no worse off than any of the rivals they'll be fighting with for a playoff spot.

So there's that.

[HairOnFire]

To me, this is not a weakness on the team.

But how would you know? Fitzpatrick hasn't taken a snap for the Bengals since being signed, and neither Rowe or Jordan Palmer have ever thrown a regular season pass for this team. In fact, if Jordan Palmer's most recent remarks are accurate Carson handles more than 80% of all snaps in practice, Fitzgerald is limited to less than a dozen passes each practice at best, while Rowe and Jordan rotate taking the remaining snaps....said to be fewer than a handful for each.

Furthermore, anyone who thinks this situation puts the Bengals on even footing with their top rivals, should each teams starting QB miss any significant playing time, are probably sniffing copious amounts of glue.

Remember, Pittsburgh can counter with Charlie Batch, and Cleveland can counter with a 1st round draft pick.

Bottom Line: Both rivals could lose their starting QB's for a month or so and probably remain in a tight playoff race. Meanwhile, the Bengals margin of error is so slim they probably couldn't stay in the same playoff race should Palmer miss more than a single game.

[HoosierCat]

Bottom Line: Both rivals could lose their starting QB's for a month or so and probably remain in a tight playoff race. Meanwhile, the Bengals margin of error is so slim they probably couldn't stay in the same playoff race should Palmer miss more than a single game.

So what? The Bengals aren't a playoff team, right? In which case, what matters their backup QB? Or are you saying that they are a playoff team should they acquire a No. 2 QB with some experience in stripes...say, Akili Smith?

[HairOnFire]

So what? The Bengals aren't a playoff team, right

I'd say that depends on who you talk to. Personally, I don't see a playoff team, but when I entered the room you and others were busy claiming they had as much of a shot as any team in the division. So there's that.

In which case, what matters their backup QB?

It's hard to say if it'll matter at all. Palmer could take every snap this season, right? Then again, he could very easily go down for a game or two....or maybe 4 to 6 weeks....or worse. But regardless of how long he might be missed it doesn't seem very much of a stretch to suggest the Bengals are weaker at the backup QB spot than their most important rivals, especially a Pittsburgh team that can turn to Charlie Batch.

Or are you saying that they are a playoff team should they acquire a No. 2 QB with some experience in stripes...say, Akili Smith?

I don't think they're a playoff team for plenty of reasons. For example, Curnutte wrote about the backup QB and RB positions, right? Well, wouldn't you have to give the Steelers the advantage here as well?

[HoosierCat]

But regardless of how long he might be missed it doesn't seem very much of a stretch to suggest the Bengals are weaker at the backup QB spot than their most important rivals, especially a Pittsburgh team that can turn to Charlie Batch.

Who has won...what? Ditto for Baltimore: if they turn to Boller, he's got how many rings? As for Cleveland, Quinn is a complete unknown.

I don't agree with your assumption that an experienced backup means a lot. We had Kitna in 2004 and when Palmer went down in the Pats game...the season went down the tubes. We had Kit in '05 and we all know how that turned out.

Bottom line: Jeff Hostetlers are few and far between. And I don't see anyone in the division who's got one.

[HairOnFire]

Who has won...what? Ditto for Baltimore: if they turn to Boller, he's got how many rings?

Any chance you'll stop being a deliberate douche anytime soon? The reason I ask is probably as obvious as your intent to interject your unique brand of stupidity in each of your posts. For example, you ask why haven't the Bengals signed Akili? And then you follow up by wondering how many championships Kyle Boller has won? All of which makes me wonder aloud how incredibly stupid you might be prepared to act? No matter though. All I need to know now is if you intend to continue claiming the number of championships won is the standard most often used when judging backup QB's?

I don't agree with your assumption that an experienced backup means a lot.

That's your problem, not mine. I'd say your rant about the Bengals having as good a chance to win the division as Pittsburgh or Cleveland rests entirelly with a willingness to judge the respective teams only on paper, and only after you've reached positive answers for each of the staggering number of questions the Bengals currently face.

It's practically Hobsonian.

[kingwilly]

Now that we've established that fact that HoF and HC will be bickering like perimenpausal women, let's track back to the back-up QB discussion.

Here is an assessment, starters and back-ups, of the QB's at each AFCN team:

Baltimore: Grade - C-

Presumtive Starter: Kyle Boller - last chance for Mr. boller. If he falters, it will be Flacco in there quickly. Boller has looked like a back-up his whole NFL career.

Back-up: Troy Smith - Has good "back-up" ability. Started 2 games as a rookie (12/23/07 at Sea. and 12/30/07 vs. Pit.) in relief of injured starters Steve McNair and Kyle Boller

Completed 40 of 76 passes for 452 yards (including a Ravens’ season-long 79-yard TD strike to WR Derrick Mason), 2 TDs and no INTs

Drafted: Joey Flacco - Heir appearant. Boller will bust out by game 5 and Flacco will take over.

Cleveland: Grade - B

Presumtive Starter: Derek Anderson - sleeper player who emerged in 07 as a competent passer. can he repeat?

Back-up 1: Brady Quinn - cleveland has mucho deniero tied up at QB. Quinn will get his chance to show his ability in pre-season. As an r1 pick he will get planty of snaps.

Back-up 2: Ken Dorsey - an extra arm should one of the above two need a rest through camp/pre-season. Doubtful he will make the team let alone dress for a Sunday.

Cincinnati: Grade - A

Presumtive Starter: Carson "The Franchise" Palmer - elite NFL QB. barring injury, will be at top of league in passing categories.

Back-up 1: Ryan Fitzpatrick - book smart journeyman who flashed in a couple of games for the Rams. Will need to show No. 2 skills and poise in pre-season

Back-up 2: Jeff Rowe - underrated gamer who handled the offense well last pre-season. May be a bit soon to be #2 but he has the tools.

Back-up 3: Jordan Palmer - genetic "copy" of Carson but lacks experience and intangibles to make the team. Not sure iof he can PS but that is where they could hide him away.

Pittsbugh: Grade - A-

Presumptive Staretr: Ben "El Douche-O" Rothlispeltwrong - overrated and annoyingly lucky sack who, were it not for his previous line and RB's and defense would be known as "Rothlis-who?"

Back-up 1: Charlie Batch - efficient and competent. what is not to like.

Back-up 2: Dennis Dixon - highly athletic Q coming off an injury...big ? mark.

Back-up 3: camp arm..not a factor

[HairOnFire]

Now that we've established that fact that HoF and HC will be bickering like perimenpausal women....

With all due respect the entire message board seems to be filled with women. Seriously, right at this moment we've got BengalBytheBay throwing a hissy fit apparently because I forgot to call her after a long forgotten booty call, and now there's a new thread for posters to compare how nervous they are about unsigned draft picks. And only a week ago many of the same lil' douches were wringing their hands about whether the Bengals would welcome back Chris Henry.

Bottom Line: Pointless yammering and near constant imaginary drama have made life little more than an endless hen party for most of you.

[membengal]

Seems to me if Palmer gets hurt, the Bengals are f**ked. Is anybody disagreeing with that?

[HairOnFire]

Seems to me if Palmer gets hurt, the Bengals are f**ked. Is anybody disagreeing with that?

"I don't agree with your assumption that an experienced backup means a lot." --- HoosierCat

[HoosierCat]

Seems to me if Palmer gets hurt, the Bengals are f**ked. Is anybody disagreeing with that?

"I don't agree with your assumption that an experienced backup means a lot." --- HoosierCat

Once again, let's use the whole quote:

I don't agree with your assumption that an experienced backup means a lot. We had Kitna in 2004 and when Palmer went down in the Pats game...the season went down the tubes. We had Kit in '05 and we all know how that turned out.

Bottom line: Jeff Hostetlers are few and far between. And I don't see anyone in the division who's got one.

As to mem's question, yup. Palmer gets hurt and we're screwed. Same goes for Cleveland if Anderson gets hurt or comes back down to Earth, or for Pitt if Big Ben goes down. As for baltimore, they don't even have a starting QB, much less a backup.

[Ickey44]

Seems to me if Palmer gets hurt, the Bengals are f**ked. Is anybody disagreeing with that?

"I don't agree with your assumption that an experienced backup means a lot." --- HoosierCat

Once again, let's use the whole quote:

I don't agree with your assumption that an experienced backup means a lot. We had Kitna in 2004 and when Palmer went down in the Pats game...the season went down the tubes. We had Kit in '05 and we all know how that turned out.

Bottom line: Jeff Hostetlers are few and far between. And I don't see anyone in the division who's got one.

As to mem's question, yup. Palmer gets hurt and we're screwed. Same goes for Cleveland if Anderson gets hurt or comes back down to Earth, or for Pitt if Big Ben goes down. As for baltimore, they don't even have a starting QB, much less a backup.

Pittsburgh's done pretty well with Batch filling in for Big Ben. I wouldn't say that they suck with Batch, but they're not as hard to beat either.

[HairOnFire]

As to mem's question, yup. Palmer gets hurt and we're screwed. Same goes for Cleveland if Anderson gets hurt or comes back down to Earth, or for Pitt if Big Ben goes down. As for baltimore, they don't even have a starting QB, much less a backup.

Wow, way to break it all down to a fine point. All backup QB's are the same and everyone else is going to suck....because you really, really, really want to believe it.

So, is that it?

Nothing more at all?

[HairOnFire]

Pittsburgh's done pretty well with Batch filling in for Big Ben. I wouldn't say that they suck with Batch, but they're not as hard to beat either.

They know what they got, and it's better than most.

So, if it's not too much trouble...can I ask what level of performance can the Bengals expect from their backups?

And exactly what would those expectations be based upon?

Nothing, right?

And there's the rub, because IMHO this isn't about backup QB's. It goes way beyond that.

This teams roster is absolutely bursting with 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th and 5th year players who have barely played.

No kidding, start making a list in your head and see how far you can go.

Still going, right?