Bengals early depth chart

[jjakq27]

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2010/07/02/rostertology-an-early-depth-chart/

OFFENSE

• QB: Carson Palmer, J.T. O’Sullivan, Jordan Palmer
• RB: Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard, Cedric Peerman, Cordera Eason
• FB: Fui Vakapuna, Joe Tronzo
• WR: Chad Ochocinco, Jerome Simpson, Dezmon Briscoe, Freddie Brown
• WR: Antonio Bryant, Andre Caldwell/Jordan Shipley, Quan Cosby, Matt Jones, Maurice Purify
• C: Kyle Cook, Jonathan Luigs, Dan Santucci/Reggie Stephens
• LT: Andrew Whitworth, Anthony Collins
• RT: Dennis Roland, Andre Smith
• LG: Nate Livings, Evan Mathis
• RG: Bobbie Williams, Otis Hudson
• Lineman also in mix: Gabriel Manns (OT), Andrew Mitchell (OT), Isaac Sowells (G/OT); Reserved/injured list or PUP list: Jason Shirley (G)
• TE: Jermaine Gresham, Reggie Kelly, Chase Coffman, Daniel Coats/Darius Hill

DEFENSE

• LE: Robert Geathers, Frostee Rucker/Carlos Dunlap
• RE: Antwan Odom, Jonathan Fanene
• LDT: Tank Johnson, Pat Sims
• RDT: Domata Peko, Orien Harris/Geno Atkins
• Other lineman in mix: Clinton McDonald (DT), Rahim Alem (DE)
• SLB: Rey Maualuga, Michael Johnson, Rashad Jeanty/Dan Skuta
• MLB: Dhani Jones, Abdul Hodge, Roddrick Muckelroy
• WLB: Keith Rivers, Brandon Johnson, Vincent Rey
• RCB: Leon Hall, Morgan Trent/Adam Jones,
• LCB: Johnathan Joseph, David Jones, Brandon Ghee
• SS: Roy Williams, Chinedum Ndukwe, Kyries Hebert
• FS: Chris Crocker, Gibril Wilson, Tom Nelson, Rico Murray
• Others in secondary in the mix: Johnny Sears (CB), Jeromy Miles (S)

SPECIALISTS

• P: Kevin Huber
• PK: Mike Nugent/Dave Rayner
• KR: Bernard Scott, Andre Caldwell/Adam Jones
• PR: Quan Cosby/Jordan Shipley/Adam Jones/Tom Nelson
• LS: Clark Harris, Mike Windt

[HairOnFire]

Whatthehell?

How did I miss the Joe Tronzo signing?

[COB]

Whatthehell?

How did I miss the Joe Tronzo signing?

Nothing could pull your attention away from the excitement and subsequent analysis of the Mike Windt signing, and Tronzo probably flew in right under your radar.

[TJJackson]

so someone needs to start a Joe Tronzo thread to capture all this excitement

uh, not me though :-)

[HairOnFire]

Whatthehell?

How did I miss the Joe Tronzo signing?

Nothing could pull your attention away from the excitement and subsequent analysis of the Mike Windt signing, and Tronzo probably flew in right under your radar.

I'm telling ya', I've got egg on my face over this one.

But I comfort myself by noting how cool the guys name is. Sorta like a character out of a Hap and Leonard novel.

That said, I doubt very much that Tronzo is actually seen as the 2nd string FB....a role more likely to be filled by Brian Leonard if and when the need arises.

[TJJackson]

2nd string FB....a role more likely to be filled by Brian Leonard Daniel Coats if and when the need arises.

hehe

*TJ runs and hides as Bengals fan everywhere hurl shoes, eggs, anvils - whatever they can get their hands on - at him for bringing up "Hands-Of-Stone" Coats*

[Kazkal]

Only parts I feel uncomfortable with is the Oline...But when Smith is healthy and Replaces Roland and Manthis is the Starter I won't mind it.

# LE: Robert Geathers, Frostee Rucker/Carlos Dunlap

# RE: Antwan Odom, Jonathan Fanene

# LDT: Tank Johnson, Pat Sims

# RDT: Domata Peko, Orien Harris/Geno Atkins

# Other lineman in mix: Clinton McDonald (DT), Rahim Alem (DE)

# SLB: Rey Maualuga, Michael Johnson, Rashad Jeanty/Dan Skuta

I find it interesting not only is MJ not listed as a end but he jumped Jeanty on the depth chart (sure he is injured but so is Rey)

hehe

*TJ runs and hides as Bengals fan everywhere hurl shoes, eggs, anvils - whatever they can get their hands on - at him for bringing up "Hands-Of-Stone" Coats*

I'd say it doesn't matter because he's a dead man walking and won't make the team...But I won't because I said it last year and our top 2 Tight Ends were injured >_<

PS,I'm also Glad Gresham is getting first team Reps.

[Clackwoods]

Gresham better get first team reps.

He just has to be alive to be better than our TEs last season

[derekshank]

Only parts I feel uncomfortable with is the Oline...But when Smith is healthy and Replaces Roland and Mathis is the Starter I won't mind it.

I agree. At nearly every position on this team, not only do I like the starters, but I'm incredibly happy with the depth and competition. But it's a very different story with the O-Line, isn't it? There are several question marks with the starters... and even less to like with the depth. Whitworth is very solid, and I'm happy with Collins as his back-up, but that's pretty much the only place on the O-Line I feel good about.

I don't trust Cook. He was simply not very good last year. There is also no one behind him on the depth chart that has proven anything.

Bobbie's best days are behind him. He's solid in run blocking - but he was guilty of a lot of penalties last year and was a sub-par pass blocker.

I see Livings as decent depth at both OG positions, but not a quality starter. Why isn't Mathis ahead of him?

Roland is a huge liability as a pass blocker. Enough said.

If Cook improves, Mathis leapfrogs Livings, and Andre Smith gets healthy, I'll feel a whole lot better... but those are 3 "ifs" right off the bat. The O-Line makes me nervous.

Looking over the entire roster, my main fear with this team is that we'll continue to see poor pass protection. If that happens, even with new weapons and an improved playbook, they will still feature a very one dimensional offense. That's not all bad (I enjoyed it thoroughly last year), but I think without a real threat of a passing game, this team has a relatively low ceiling.

[BengalPimp]

Looking over the entire roster, my main fear with this team is that we'll continue to see poor pass protection. If that happens, even with new weapons and an improved playbook, they will still feature a very one dimensional offense. That's not all bad (I enjoyed it thoroughly last year), but I think without a real threat of a passing game, this team has a relatively low ceiling.

Here's the thing. If the pass protections breaks down on a play, the best out for a QB (outside of throwing it out of bounds) is to dump it off to the RB, but since Benson is not much of a receiving threat, I look for Gresham to simply break off his block, turn around and I'm sure Carson will dump it to him for a few yards. Again, a RB with good hands (Westbrook?) would come in handy, especially if Ced is suspended.

[redsbengalsbucks]

Looking over the entire roster, my main fear with this team is that we'll continue to see poor pass protection. If that happens, even with new weapons and an improved playbook, they will still feature a very one dimensional offense. That's not all bad (I enjoyed it thoroughly last year), but I think without a real threat of a passing game, this team has a relatively low ceiling.

Here's the thing. If the pass protections breaks down on a play, the best out for a QB (outside of throwing it out of bounds) is to dump it off to the RB, but since Benson is not much of a receiving threat, I look for Gresham to simply break off his block, turn around and I'm sure Carson will dump it to him for a few yards. Again, a RB with good hands (Westbrook?) would come in handy, especially if Ced is suspended.

WE have 2 RB's that fit that role, Leonard and Scott have both shown very good receiving skills. There is no place on this team for a washed up Westbrook.

[Kazkal]

I see Livings as decent depth at both OG positions, but not a quality starter. Why isn't Mathis ahead of him?

Still Recovering from my understand...Or Alexander feels good about him self having 3 udfa start even though he has better options :|

[HoosierCat]

I'm fine with the o-line.

[Kazkal]

I'm fine with the o-line.

Still worried.

This is a huge positive move for the Bengals, but you can't help thinking that but for some strange coaching decisions it could have been even better. With Evan Mathis installed as the full-time starting LG the Bengals won six of seven games and he played as well as anyone.

Which is a Concern I had all last season,Going by their Ratings Manthis(14.1)7th vs Livings 52nd(-3.7?) out of guards you could tell there was a drop off in play when livings wasn't in.IMO he was very underrated and had some very key blocks in alot of Ceds big runs.

Biggest Concern: Can the coaches just settle on the best five guys they have and stop trying to over-think the whole thing?

I hope so...I'm sick of seeing unbalanced Oline more then 1-2 plays a game,I'm tired of seeing position coach call players like Stacey Andrew the best Otackle in league...

I know he was just resigned for 3 more years but I hope when Marvin Extends he fires Alexander and then he can make Dawson the Oline coach.

[redsbengalsbucks]

The coaching staff really needs to drill the O-line this camp and take care of the penalty problem. With just 1/3 less O-line penalties many stalled drives end up in points last year.

[DesperateDerelict]

I think 'zone members and coaches are over-rating our depth, For the 1st time in forever, we have five preseason games. Even if you assume that the HOF game against Dallas will be no more strenuous than the mock / intrasquad contests in training camp, i believe we need as much camp fodder as we can get.

The following will see little or no play the last 3 quarters of the HOF game (Dal), the last 2 quarters plus in preseason games 2 & 3 (DEN & PHI), the 4th quarter of game 4 (at Buf), and maybe one series at Ind in game 5:

OFFENSE

QB: Carson Palmer

RB: Cedric Benson

FB:

WR: Chad Ochocinco

WR: Antonio Bryant?

C: ?

LT: Andrew Whitworth

RT: Andre Smith

LG: Jason Shirley

RG: Bobbie Williams

TE: Reggie Kelly

DEFENSE

LE: Robert Geathers

RE: Antwan Odom

LDT: Tank Johnson

RDT: Domata Peko

SLB: Rey Maualuga

MLB: Dhani Jones

WLB: Keith Rivers

RCB: Leon Hall

LCB: Johnathan Joseph

SS: Roy Williams

FS: Chris Crocker

With a couple of holdouts, suspensiona, and / or injuries at the same position, we can get pretty thin - then they'd need to ask 1 or 2 subs to play 13 - 14 preseason quarters, or expose a starting veteran.

My biggest concerns would be at DT, OT, SS, and especially RB. Thoughts?

[BengalszoneBilly]

I think 'zone members and coaches are over-rating our depth, For the 1st time in forever, we have five preseason games. Even if you assume that the HOF game against Dallas will be no more strenuous than the mock / intrasquad contests in training camp, i believe we need as much camp fodder as we can get.

The following will see little or no play the last 3 quarters of the HOF game (Dal), the last 2 quarters plus in preseason games 2 & 3 (DEN & PHI), the 4th quarter of game 4 (at Buf), and maybe one series at Ind in game 5:

OFFENSE

QB: Carson Palmer

RB: Cedric Benson

FB:

WR: Chad Ochocinco

WR: Antonio Bryant?

C: ?

LT: Andrew Whitworth

RT: Andre Smith

LG: Jason Shirley

RG: Bobbie Williams

TE: Reggie Kelly

DEFENSE

LE: Robert Geathers

RE: Antwan Odom

LDT: Tank Johnson

RDT: Domata Peko

SLB: Rey Maualuga

MLB: Dhani Jones

WLB: Keith Rivers

RCB: Leon Hall

LCB: Johnathan Joseph

SS: Roy Williams

FS: Chris Crocker

With a couple of holdouts, suspensiona, and / or injuries at the same position, we can get pretty thin - then they'd need to ask 1 or 2 subs to play 13 - 14 preseason quarters, or expose a starting veteran.

My biggest concerns would be at DT, OT, SS, and especially RB. Thoughts?

In light of the on going Benson saga, you have to be concerned about the RB position. I'll admit we have other players there that have shown promise, but they haven't established themselves as Cedric has done. Whether that is do to lack of opportunities, or lack of ability remains to be seen.

[HairOnFire]

I'm fine with the o-line.

Agreed, but the penalties do jump out. However, a second glance reveals how identical the units of Baltimore and Cincy are...right down to their fondness for penalty flags. That said, Cincy's unit has the potential to get a huge upgrade this season from Andre Smith. Meanwhile, Baltimore didn't add a player of comparable talent and any improvement the Ravens hope to get is linked to their controversial attempt to move Oher to OLT...pushing out a very effective Gaither.

In regards to the Livings/Mathis debate....I'm not convinced there is one. Just an example of a better player (Mathis) rarely being completely healthy....giving almost equal opportunity to a less talented but more physical player.

Last, it's ranking like these that make me wonder why so many still consider Pittsburgh worthy of playoff consideration.

[HairOnFire]

Looking over the entire roster, my main fear with this team is that we'll continue to see poor pass protection. If that happens, even with new weapons and an improved playbook, they will still feature a very one dimensional offense. That's not all bad (I enjoyed it thoroughly last year), but I think without a real threat of a passing game, this team has a relatively low ceiling.

Perhaps, but only if you're defining a "low ceiling" along the lines of......playoff contender/championship pretender.

[derekshank]

Looking over the entire roster, my main fear with this team is that we'll continue to see poor pass protection. If that happens, even with new weapons and an improved playbook, they will still feature a very one dimensional offense. That's not all bad (I enjoyed it thoroughly last year), but I think without a real threat of a passing game, this team has a relatively low ceiling.

Perhaps, but only if you're defining a "low ceiling" along the lines of......playoff contender/championship pretender.

That's almost word for word how I would describe it.

Another way to describe it would be one and done. It's better than not making the playoffs at all... but only slightly.

[HairOnFire]

Looking over the entire roster, my main fear with this team is that we'll continue to see poor pass protection. If that happens, even with new weapons and an improved playbook, they will still feature a very one dimensional offense. That's not all bad (I enjoyed it thoroughly last year), but I think without a real threat of a passing game, this team has a relatively low ceiling.

Perhaps, but only if you're defining a "low ceiling" along the lines of......playoff contender/championship pretender.

That's almost word for word how I would describe it.

Well then, is that really so bad when you consider how this isn't a finished product? Granted, the team is a legit playoff contender as is, but the passing game that gives you so much concern is newly constructed....mostly from new parts, and IMHO that's cause for optimism.

Another way to describe it would be one and done.

One and done because the Jets were even better at grinding than the Bengals. But would that have been true had the Bengals matched up against a hollow soon to be exposed Patriot team? Or a Raven team they had already beaten twice? Or a San Diego team they had come within seconds of beating?

It's better than not making the playoffs at all... but only slightly.

(((shrug)))

I'm reminded of the Dark Days, when my fondest hope was to see the Bengals survive August and September well enough to play meaningful football games in December.

This is better.

[ArmyBengal]

I'm surprised anyone is getting ruffled up over what was admittedly something thrown together and with the thinking of how it probably won't turn out.

I can't say as anything put together in regards to a depth chart would give me much concern at this point in time.

It is something to talk about I suppose.

[jjakq27]

I'm surprised anyone is getting ruffled up over what was admittedly something thrown together and with the thinking of how it probably won't turn out.

Hey it's Bengalszone...It's in the by-laws.

[Kazkal]

I'm starting to think Fui Will be stored on the Pup then if he's not needed 6 weeks in IR'd..I'm guessing the same with Tom Nelson...

PS, wasn't sure where else to post this

[membengal]

Can't store Fui on the pup, can they? I thought he practiced in camp before getting hurt...