Position Battle - Running Back

[HAPPYJAQ]

The Bengals have never kept 5 HB's, but it stands now that Rudi, Perry, Watson, Dorsey and James Johnson could all make the team. Rudi has had a good offseason, by all accounts, and is the only true bell-cow RB of the group. He is probably the only true lock to make the final 53. Perry looks healthier than he has in a while and gives the Bengals something that the others don't with his combination of size, speed, hands and blocking ability. Watson is coming off a career season, but is also getting older and is not an every down back. DeDe Dorsey plays well in limited action last season and might be the most explosive RB on the team, and showed some versatility last season on ST's. James Johnson has probably been the offensive MVP so far as an UDFA, with Palmer comparing him to Warrick Dunn. Here's a good read on James Johnson.

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports/local/25651399.html

I think that he'll beat our Dorsey for the last spot, behind the others. I X-factor appears to be Dan Coats. If he plays well at FB during the preseason and the rest of camp, the Bengals could go with no official FB's on the roster, which could open the door for another RB or CB/S.

[BengalPimp]

I REALLY hate to say this, but you are assuming all of them will go through the preseason healthy.

Dorsey seems sort of fragile. I really think Perry's injuries are behind him, and look for him to really help them this season.

[TippCityRick]

I look for the Bengals to keep 3 RB and 1 FB. They have too many depth issues in the defensive backfield to keep an additional offensive back. I'm guessing Rudi, Kenny, and Chris will be on the 53 man with James Johnson on the PS. Dorsey, I hardly knew ya . . .

[vettespd20]

I really think chris will have a HUGE year this year, as long as he dont go down again

[GregCook]

I look for the Bengals to keep 3 RB and 1 FB. They have too many depth issues in the defensive backfield to keep an additional offensive back. I'm guessing Rudi, Kenny, and Chris will be on the 53 man with James Johnson on the PS. Dorsey, I hardly knew ya . . .

Running back is shaping up as a big unknown going into the season. Just don't know what some of the backs can give. I do see Kenny Watson and CP as part of the 53 assuming they are healthy. Only way Rudi gets cut is if DeDe or James Johnson lights it up over 4 preseason games. The funny thing about Rudi is the Bengals are on record saying this year is running back by committee, yet in years gone by they also said Rudi needs to run the ball in all 4 quarters to tire the defense out by the 4th quarter. So where does Rudi fit in?

What is up with Jeremi Johnson? If he is so out of shape why haven't they cut him? Has he practiced yet? u

[TippCityRick]

Jeremi hasn't practiced as he is on the little used "Non-Football Injury List". He's running hills in 5 layers of clothes trying to lose weight. I watched his interaction with both teamates and coaches and to say it was less than positive would be an understatement.

[Spor_tees]

The Bengals could be hyping up some of their RB's in order to make them look like good trade bait. I am sure once the Preseason shakes out, there will be some teams looking for a RB. Look at St. Louis and what they are dealing with. Stephen Jackson is threatening to sit out the first half of the season and will be a free agent next year.

[jjakq27]

Since they cut Whaley, how many guys are left?

Also since Perry will probably be a third down back, would they go with one less WR? or TE? just to have an extra body in case he gets hurt?

[TippCityRick]

Doubtful they would keep an extra RB in case of injury. However this is where Jeremi Johnson was so valuable since he could step in at RB in the case of full devestation. I don't see Coates becoming a lead runner any time soon.

[GROIII]

The more I think about it the more I think TippCityRick is right. Jeremi Johnson is going to make this team. He will be ready in a few weeks and if the Bengals didn't think so they would have already cut him. I don't know what they are going to do if they like so many running backs. I'm guessing James Johnson is going to the PS. It is going to be hard to let Dorsey go.

[TippCityRick]

Oh, I'm not sure JJ makes this team. ML was definately pissed that he showed up north of 3 bills. His comments today not withstanding, their moving Coates to FB indicates to me that JJ will have to do great things to win the privilege of wearing stripes again.

[GROIII]

I never said you were sure I'm just saying i'm pretty sure now. I don't see them letting him go and going with a TE to take his spot.

[Ickey44]

Maybe they should let him go. Not ever having a fullback out there would make it hard for defenses to know when we're running since Brat seems to only run when we have a FB in the backfield.

[kingwilly]

Listen, when I see, WITH MY OWN EYES, Rudi Johnson run the ball wth purpose and get back to what we all remember, I wil be convinced he is a lock. As it is, I think he is on the bubble and here is why:

1. Perry is healthy. If healthy, he COULD <big if> be the every down guy. He is coming back from the long, annopying road from injutry and has a lot to prove but if he can deliver, we will find out NOW.

from bengals.com - Most impressive part of the one end-of-practice sprint Wednesday night? Running back Chris Perry busting it with sweat streaming down his face and winning it with no sign of physical problems after sitting out just one practice since Friday's scrimmage.

2. Watson is versatile. He can run on any down, catch the ball, block and play ST. in my mind he is uncuttable unless hurt.

3. DeDe is a true x-factor weapon. Fragile? maybe. Fumbles? needs good coaching. Gamebreaker? yes.

4. JJohnson - to me, this guy reminds me of Warrick Dunn, too, but bigger. 4.5 40 ime seems slow till you watch him. heck, CJ had a 4.5 40 at the combine...

To me, RUDI is the odd man in this group.

coming off his worst season spent injured or ineffective (no, 100 yrds v Cleveland in a shootout is not that great) this is where Rudi needs to substanitate his value. if not there are 3 of the 4 above ready to go.

[HAPPYJAQ]

James could be the new Rudi circa 2003, when he beat out a quickly off-injured Corey Dillion, who then foced the trade the following season that brought Madeiu Williams here. Watson and Rudi are locks, as the Bengals want to give Chris Perry every opportunity to prove he is worth resigning next year. This could be the difference of the Bengals deciding on trying to draft Beanie Wells or Baby Animal next year.