The Secondary

[derekshank]

Cool, by me. Like I said, taken from the official site, so no issue.

The reason this thread never really took off is, I honestly don't think there is going to be much to discuss.

I think the secondary is already pretty much set.

Yeah. The only real uncertain issue appears to be a 3-man race for 2 roster spots (D. Jones, Trent, and Hebert).

That debate is simply nowhere near as interesting as the WR situation. In fact, it may be the least interesting roster battle outside of QB.

[savagehenry54]

Cool, by me. Like I said, taken from the official site, so no issue.

The reason this thread never really took off is, I honestly don't think there is going to be much to discuss.

I think the secondary is already pretty much set.

Yeah. The only real uncertain issue appears to be a 3-man race for 2 roster spots (D. Jones, Trent, and Hebert).

That debate is simply nowhere near as interesting as the WR situation. In fact, it may be the least interesting roster battle outside of QB.

LOL, I think you're right. Only QB has less questions about who's going to make it.

[Kazkal]

Yeah. The only real uncertain issue appears to be a 3-man race for 2 roster spots (D. Jones, Trent, and Hebert).

Even then it's not much of a Race

-Trent well they wanted to improve still looked Very good

-Hebert is the Special teams Captian and I could have seen him beating out Ndukwe had we drafted a Safety early

-D.Jones Burnt Toast doesn't do much on special teams doesn't offer much as a returner and probably worst CB that isn't a undrafted rookie...dead man walking

think you're right. Only QB has less questions about who's going to make it.

Hell I'd say most roster is pretty easy to call outside of the 6th WR spot and who makes it on the Dline...

[ArmyBengal]

I simply love what the Bengals did this offseason and think the secondary made great strides to add additional talent and depth they were lacking last season.

[Kazkal]

To each their own I guess because no way David Jones beats out Hebert IMO...The only reason we had 6 CB's last year was because Roy was Injured...This year with the talent we have for our top 5 CB's + Crocker being able play nickle in a pinch...the 10th DB needs to be a special teams player so like Wide Receiver it will come down to whos the best special teamer...So who do you think that is David Jones below average at everything he does or Hebert our special teams captain someone who was brought in purely for his special teams play / swagger?

I'd put money down that Hebert makes it over David Jones Minus injury.

[ArmyBengal]

That's really the only question that remains. Will they carry 5 CB's and 5 safeties or 5 and 5 ??

I still think they give much thought to carrying the 6 CB's based on the opposing pass happy offenses they face this season and injuries taking place. It's not to say it's a lock, but I also won't place the bet they carry 5 and 5 based on Crocker playing the nickle CB spot when needed. It's not that he's not capable, but rather how many snaps and situations do you throw one of your starting safties into ?? Meaning, he is coming off of injury as it stands and I'm sure they would like to keep him healthy when you have people that are probably better at it than him anyway.

That's the only thing to watch in regards to this secondary though.

What a nice problem to have huh ??

[ArmyBengal]

And then you have this from Ludwig:
/>http://cincinnati.com/blogs/ludwig/2010/07/18/cornering-the-market/

The race for jobs is on in the Cincinnati Bengals’ secondary, and one of the most intriguing position battles will take place at cornerback when training camp opens July 29 at Georgetown (Ky.) College.

The top two positions are locked up by left corner Johnathan Joseph and right corner Leon Hall. But who will back them up is the big question as five players battle for three jobs.

The candidates are Adam Jones, David Jones, Morgan Trent, third-round rookie Brandon Ghee and college free agent Johnny Sears.

The third and fourth cornerbacks in 2009 were David Jones and Trent.

David Jones, a fourth-year vet in 2010, backed up Joseph, while Trent (a 2009 rookie) backed up Hall.

With the additions of Adam Jones — formerly known as “Pacman” — and Ghee, David Jones and Trent find themselves in a fight for their lives.

David Jones is a swift cover corner who has played in 26 games the past two years with seven starts — all in 2008. But he’s fairly brittle, physically.

Trent played in all 16 games last year and emerged as the nickel corner. He swatted two passes in an 18-12 victory at Pittsburgh, but came back the following week and got burned in a bitter loss at Oakland.

Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is on record saying some guys who played last year are not going to make the squad this year because of the team’s improved depth.

As I sit here today in the Miamisburg War Room, 10 days before the team arrives in Georgetown, I believe Adam Jones will become the nickel cornerback.

Ghee will play lots of special teams as he works his way on the field.

Either David Jones or Trent could feel the “knife” because the team won’t keep six corners.

You’ll see 10 DBs — five corners and five safeties.

Gentlemen, buckle your chin straps.

So if we are certainly going to see 5 and 5, Hebert is a lock without ANY thought at all. I still think Trent is the odd man out.

He knock coming out was that he was slow and lacked coverage abilities. There were to few times where he disproved that thought.

Would he get snatched up trying to clear waivers ?? Probably. Would I care ?? Nope.

That's what happens when your team gets better.

[BengalPimp]

If they only keep 5 CB's, It wouldn't surprise me if David Jones beat out Morgan Trent. I'd like to keep both, but I just think a healthy David Jones has more potential (and speed).

He also played pretty well filling in for JJoe when he got hurt in'08.

[ArmyBengal]

David Jones had the #3 CB spot locked down prior to his injury and for good reason. It's not to say that there aren't better players than him when considering a roster spot, I simply don't think that better player is Morgan Trent. That pretty much sums it up for me...

[membengal]

I still think David Jones smells like feet. As does his CB play.

I vote him off the island.

[Kazkal]

David Jones had the #3 CB spot locked down prior to his injury and for good reason. It's not to say that there aren't better players than him when considering a roster spot, I simply don't think that better player is Morgan Trent. That pretty much sums it up for me...

Because he was experienced and alrdy had time in the system,He didn't win his job back when he did return so ain't saying much for me...Trent I Just feel like Trent offers more,He did get torched on a few plays last year so has David Jones threw out his career... I think Trent offers more in the run game & special teams though...David Jones is in his 4th year hasn't lived up to his upside and has been banged up every year he's played...Sounds like a Defensive Dede Dorsey to me...

I still think David Jones smells like feet. As does his CB play.

I vote him off the island.

Yup and I don't think he has the Immunity Idol

[ArmyBengal]

Fair enough and again, I'm glad this is all we currently have to worry about with the secondary heading into camp.

I'll stick in the camp that says a heathly D. Jones beats out Trent, but I also won't say as I will give it much thought either way.

[HairOnFire]

I still think David Jones smells like feet.

Odd, my wife has often commented about my feet smelling like David Jones.

That said, I prefer Morgan Trent over both of the Jones boys.

Not joking.

[membengal]

I know I prefer Morgan Trent over David Jones. I don't have an opinion on whether he should be over Adam Jones, because I will need to see Adam Jones to know what skills he retains. I would expect the first week of reports from practices will help.

[Kazkal]

I still think David Jones smells like feet.

Odd, my wife has often commented about my feet smelling like David Jones.

That said, I prefer Morgan Trent over both of the Jones boys.

Not joking.

I agree myself The guy was a 6th round pick and actually played really well outside of a few plays and 1st round CB's get torched now and then.

He also has physicalness and swagger that fits our defense.

[membengal]

From Reedy's column today:

Not amused: David Jones struggled on a couple of plays, drawing the ire of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. After one miscue, Jones was relegated to the sideline.

Yeah. Still smells like feet.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

That said, I prefer Morgan Trent over both of the Jones boys.

On that note, do we have any recent intel on how the Pacman is looking?

[membengal]

Been starting in place of JJ (out with a thigh bruise) and running at 3rd corner when both Hall and JJ practice. Holding his own and getting better as practices go on, although Owens' size has given him some issues. No surprise there.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Been starting in place of JJ (out with a thigh bruise) and running at 3rd corner when both Hall and JJ practice. Holding his own and getting better as practices go on, although Owens' size has given him some issues. No surprise there.

Sounds good. I'd be more worried about Owens if he wasn't giving Pacman some trouble.

If Marvin can hold this group together, he should get coach of the year - again. But it sure sounds good now. Of course, there's only so much trouble to be had in Georgetown,KY.

[kingwilly]

Been starting in place of JJ (out with a thigh bruise) and running at 3rd corner when both Hall and JJ practice. Holding his own and getting better as practices go on, although Owens' size has given him some issues. No surprise there.

Sounds good. I'd be more worried about Owens if he wasn't giving Pacman some trouble.

If Marvin can hold this group together, he should get coach of the year - again. But it sure sounds good now. Of course, there's only so much trouble to be had in Georgetown,KY.

If the three CB's starting the season are JJ, Leon and Jones, this team will be very hard to pass on.

Something not often considered is that if MJ can get up to speed covering a TE, then this defense could lead the league. MJ is big enough and fast enough to neutralize almost any TE they will face.

Adam Jones. Reborn in the 'Nati. Who'd a thunk it?

[Kazkal]

That said, I prefer Morgan Trent over both of the Jones boys.

On that note, do we have any recent intel on how the Pacman is looking?

From what I've read he's look good like make some mistakes but still has his athleticism and still making some plays.

[Sea Ray]

My guess is Adam Jones will be asked to cover Wes Welker quite a bit on Opening Day. That's quite an entrance exam.

From what I've read the coaches have been very pleased with him and he has made some athletic INTs in red zone drills

[redsbengalsbucks]

My guess is Adam Jones will be asked to cover Wes Welker quite a bit on Opening Day. That's quite an entrance exam.

That sounds like a much better chance of success than having, Trent or David Jones covering him.

[derekshank]

It'll depend on the situation.

Jones is said to be having trouble with T.O. because of his size. When facing a bigger, more physical pass catcher, Trent will probably go in.

When facing a smaller quicker type, Jones will go in (if he's playing as well as Chad claims).

The assumption that Jones will face Welker assumes that Edelman will be a starter? I'd be pretty happy with that. Hall shuts down Edelman, JJoe gets safety help with Moss, and Welker only plays in 3WR packages? Yeah... I'd be real happy with that.

[Trevor]

It'll depend on the situation.

Jones is said to be having trouble with T.O. because of his size. When facing a bigger, more physical pass catcher, Trent will probably go in.

When facing a smaller quicker type, Jones will go in (if he's playing as well as Chad claims).

The assumption that Jones will face Welker assumes that Edelman will be a starter? I'd be pretty happy with that. Hall shuts down Edelman, JJoe gets safety help with Moss, and Welker only plays in 3WR packages? Yeah... I'd be real happy with that.

Nah,.. I think hall will cover moss,.. JJo will get tory holt and shut him DOWN lol, pac vs welker or edelman cuz they're fairl similar...