53 man roster announced...Roster moves through the Pre-season

[HoosierCat]

One of the reasons this team broke out last year was the emergence of team leaders.

Right...and Kelly wasn't here last season, remember?

Kelly didn't play but he stayed with the team. He didn't go home.

Yay. So make him a frikkin' assistant coach.

Mark my words: Kelly = worthless.

[cincyhokie]

This puts a ton of pressure on Kelly.

For the record, I would have cut Kelly. I am convinced the only reason he made the squad is that he has Carson in his corner & the organization does all it can to keep Carson happy.

Disagree. Keeping Coffman over Kelly would have pissed me off. One of the reasons this team broke out last year was the emergence of team leaders. This took the pressure off the coaching staff. Kelly has been a key piece of this teams success. Coffman hasn't.

And Kelly can block very well. And we are a running team.

Kelly has to reprove himself to me. All I see him as is a locker room guy and a coach on the sideline. He doesnt need a roster spot to do that.

So it seems that if Kelly or Coats is in the game its a run play. Gresham in its a pass.

I still disagree that we are a running team. We don't have a fullback. And we drafted a pass catching TE in the first round this year, paid 10 million to 2 free agent WRs and drafter another WR in the 3rd.

We were a running team last year out of necessity.

I don't follow the logic. So if Coffman is in the game (who can't block my mom) we might run the ball?

I don't know, man. I think alot of people are going to be really suprised when the season starts how the play calling looks. Remember one of the Bengals greatest weaknesses is pass protection. One of their strengths is running the ball. They keep a run blocking TE over a pass catching one, etc.

I think this team will be much more balanced with the ability to score quickly...but...I still think we are a running team.

[cincyhokie]

One of the reasons this team broke out last year was the emergence of team leaders.

Right...and Kelly wasn't here last season, remember?

Kelly didn't play but he stayed with the team. He didn't go home.

Yay. So make him a frikkin' assistant coach.

Mark my words: Kelly = worthless.

Then Coffman, who in his stellar career who caught one nice catch in preseason, is....less than worthless. Agreed.

[bwillycuse]

But - - This all means we have a little over 7 days for the season to start. I hope Coats can redeem himself. I am glad Simpson made it so he can eventually crack the lineup and get some snaps.

They need to expand the roster IMO.

This is a situation I am not used to. Cutting decent talent due to depth.

Who Dey!!!

[kingwilly]

I still disagree that we are a running team. We don't have a fullback. And we drafted a pass catching TE in the first round this year, paid 10 million to 2 free agent WRs and drafter another WR in the 3rd.

We were a running team last year out of necessity.

This is incorrect.

This is a running team, first. If this was going to be the next iteration of the greatest show on turf, they'd have gone and gotten an upgrade at RT as insurance against Skin Zepplin eating his way out of a job.

Having no FB means little. There were maybe 5 plays a game where the FB was part of the running game. FB is not necessary for Benson and this line.

Drafting Gresham was something they'd needed to do for a few years, as the failures of Coats, the injuries to Kelly and Utecht, all begged for a stabilization at TE with a high pick for a real talent to get things straight.

Dumping Coles is also no indication that this team is not a running-focused team. He is not a productive player anymore.

Bringing in Bryant was to be his upgrade/replacement, and we all know how that worked out. Then, getting TO was simply desperation.

None of this means they've moved away from being a run-first offense.

Had they gone to get a pass-protection RT, and drafted another raw WR early, then, yes, I might agree the focus was switching.

This team runs first. They run very well. They will pass more, better but running the ball is as central to this team winning as is stopping the run on defense.

[cincyhokie]

But - - This all means we have a little over 7 days for the season to start. I hope Coats can redeem himself. I am glad Simpson made it so he can eventually crack the lineup and get some snaps.

They need to expand the roster IMO.

This is a situation I am not used to. Cutting decent talent due to depth.

Who Dey!!!

The rosters really do need to be expanded. I'm thinking it's a good possibility when the new bargaining agreement is made.

Cutting talent = good team. That's what the Bengals have this year.

[COB]

Why they drafted him in the first place is another question.

Well, our tight ends coach was a teammate with and is still friends with Coffman's dad. He said on Hard Knocks that he's known Coffman his whole life.

[bwillycuse]

This puts a ton of pressure on Kelly.

For the record, I would have cut Kelly. I am convinced the only reason he made the squad is that he has Carson in his corner & the organization does all it can to keep Carson happy.

Disagree. Keeping Coffman over Kelly would have pissed me off. One of the reasons this team broke out last year was the emergence of team leaders. This took the pressure off the coaching staff. Kelly has been a key piece of this teams success. Coffman hasn't.

And Kelly can block very well. And we are a running team.

Kelly has to reprove himself to me. All I see him as is a locker room guy and a coach on the sideline. He doesnt need a roster spot to do that.

So it seems that if Kelly or Coats is in the game its a run play. Gresham in its a pass.

I still disagree that we are a running team. We don't have a fullback. And we drafted a pass catching TE in the first round this year, paid 10 million to 2 free agent WRs and drafter another WR in the 3rd.

We were a running team last year out of necessity.

I don't follow the logic. So if Coffman is in the game (who can't block my mom) we might run the ball?

I don't know, man. I think alot of people are going to be really suprised when the season starts how the play calling looks. Remember one of the Bengals greatest weaknesses is pass protection. One of their strengths is running the ball. They keep a run blocking TE over a pass catching one, etc.

I think this team will be much more balanced with the ability to score quickly...but...I still think we are a running team.

We cut a player that could maybe build into something special for a blocking TE that fumbled and dropped most of his opportunities last year. Minus one big play against GB - oh wait he fumbled that one as well. (Thanks for hustling Leonard)

I know why they did it. I just dont agree. I know that Coffman wasn't going to contribute much. Neither is Simpson or Jordon or JTO.

Maybe we will get some explanation from the Bengals about Coffman. How he couldn't grasp the playbook, or couldnt learn how to block or like you said - why did we draft him in the first place if we were a running team.

I just hope we get a FB somewhere to take Coats' place.

[kingwilly]

Why they drafted him in the first place is another question.

Well, our tight ends coach was a teammate with and is still friends with Coffman's dad. He said on Hard Knocks that he's known Coffman his whole life.

Drafting a guy with a bum wheel is always a question...

He simply *can't* block. Cannot.

That just does not work on this team.

He can run and catch, so maybe he can go somewhere like Indy or NO, where their TE's just catch.

I am a little disappointed they cut Hodge. He is a ST beast and seemed like he made plays whenever on the field.

Looking at some of the others, many with go PS, so they'll likely retain some of the talent they targeted.

Looking at this D now, I find myself really impressed with the group they are keeping, including the acquisition of Nelson. Really impressed.

When your nickel back and 3rd safety are high r1 picks, you've got something.

In fact, Williams, Nelson, Hall, Joseph and Jones are all former r1 picks in the defensive backfield. that is a metric a55load of talent right there.

[volcom69]

Saw the Steelers relesed C Hartwig, i would go after him for depth, and maybe a guard postion. With Cook hurt with a foot problem i guess he is ok, Hartwig would be good depth

[GoBengals!]

What I don't get is why they kept 3 QBs... Both O'Sullivan and Jordan are horrible. Why not keep one back-up QB and that would of allowed Briscoe or Hebert on the final 53.

[cincyhokie]

What I don't get is why they kept 3 QBs... Both O'Sullivan and Jordan are horrible. Why not keep one back-up QB and that would of allowed Briscoe or Hebert on the final 53.

That is a good question.

[kingwilly]

What I don't get is why they kept 3 QBs... Both O'Sullivan and Jordan are horrible. Why not keep one back-up QB and that would of allowed Briscoe or Hebert on the final 53.

That is a good question.

I truly feel neither of them are good enough to be the backup on this team. The drop-off from Carson to those two is cliff-like.

[HairOnFire]

The cuts.

WR Dez Briscoe - If the Bengals can stash him on the practice squad, as speculated 30 seconds after the pick was made, it'll all make sense. If they can't...

WR Matt Jones - Jerome Simpson took your job. What's next?

K Dave Rayner - Who will they call first if/when Nugent is injured? Opie, Rayner, neither?

S Kyries Hebert - A great special team player who couldn't do anything else. Meanwhile Rico Murray and Reggie Nelson can give you depth at multiple positions....and they need to find something for the other project, Ghee, to do.

RB James Johnson - Peerman whipped him. I like Johnson well enough, but....damn.

OT/G Isaac Sowells - I barely noticed you and now you're gone. (sniff)

S Marvin White - Just checking.

WR Maurice Purify (waived/injured), DT Clinton McDonald, LB Abdul Hodge, OG Otis Hudson, and LB Vincent Rey - I'll miss Hodge the most. He's limited as a LB but a consistent physical playmaker on special teams.

Last, the trade didn't suprise me. I thought the delay in reporting the official cuts was a dead giveaway. I asumed trading a WR was more likely, but CB would have been the only other realistic choice. And getting something/anything for David Jones is borderline genius. Jones has improved alot, but IMHO he would have been the Bengals 5th CB. Who get's anything in trade for a 5th CB?

As for Nelson himself, he's been a huge disappointment for the Jags, but the Bengals do redemption better than anyone. On the other hand, this could also be just the latest in a growing number of misteps at safety. And coming at the 11th hour means this one can't be a full teardown and rebuild. Nelson will play soon.

[HairOnFire]

Saw the Steelers relesed C Hartwig, i would go after him for depth, and maybe a guard postion. With Cook hurt with a foot problem i guess he is ok, Hartwig would be good depth

The real news here is Pouncey is now a confirmed badass....effectively winning the Steelers starting job at C while still in training camp.

[HairOnFire]

Coffman too?

Ha!

[volcom69]

Saw the Steelers relesed C Hartwig, i would go after him for depth, and maybe a guard postion. With Cook hurt with a foot problem i guess he is ok, Hartwig would be good depth

The real news here is Pouncey is now a confirmed badass....effectively winning the Steelers starting job at C while still in training camp.

Your telling me Hartwig is not one the best Steelers lineman, please he could start for them at guard if they wanted him to. There line sucks, and they just let a starter walk, ill take him for depth or for whatever he might be.

[kingwilly]

Hartwig would also be a SMART move, as he can play G as well, adding depth across the O-line.

Pouncey is very good but as a rookie he will be vulnerable. I imagine Zimmer would prefer knowing Pouncey is snapping rather than Hartwig.

It will be interesting to see who else gets picked up. Watkins could still come here, even with Nelson being traded for. Would be smart considering the risky health of the S they have.

[HairOnFire]

I've got no problem with Hartwig. He's solid enough and I'm one of the guys who keeps barking about the OC position, right? But Pouncey is rare stuff....and will be a pain in our collective sides for years.

[volcom69]

I've got no problem with Hartwig. He's solid enough and I'm one of the guys who keeps barking about the OC position, right? But Pouncey is rare stuff....and will be a pain in our collective sides for years.

No doubt he will, but at least this year maybe he will make those rookie mistakes

[TJJackson]

"never in doubt" .... since Antonio Bryant was released.

since AB did not play special teams, I repeat - the outcome was never in doubt

NEVER

IN

DOUBT

[Stripes]

Yes, Cosby made the team. That is not evidence that his making the team was "never in doubt".

[HairOnFire]

Yes, Cosby made the team. That is not evidence that his making the team was "never in doubt".

Shouldn't "never in doubt" be written in all caps?

[TJJackson]

Yes, Cosby made the team. That is not evidence that his making the team was "never in doubt".

Shouldn't "never in doubt" be written in all caps?

and add an exclamation point :-)

[jjakq27]

Here's a nice summary from Lance's blog. I gotta think that Coffman, Miles, Hudson, Briscoe and maybe Tronzo or Purify have a real chance at making the PS.

The Bengals today made the following 22 roster moves in reaching the NFL limit of 53:

* Released one player under the "Waived/Injured" category:

-- FB Fui Vakapuna (second-year player; shoulder)

(Vakapuna will revert to the Bengals' Reserve/Injured list if he clears waivers tomorrow.)

* Terminated the contracts of two veterans not subject to waivers, releasing them to free agency:

--LB Abdul Hodge

--WR Matt Jones

* Waived the following 19 players:

--K Dave Rayner (fourth-year player; Michigan State)

--G Isaac Sowells (fourth-year player; Indiana)

--S Marvin White (fourth-year player; Texas Christian)

--DT Orien Harris (third-year player; Miami-Fla.)

--S Kyries Hebert (third-year player; Louisiana-Lafayette)

--TE Chase Coffman (second-year player; Missouri)

--TE Darius Hill (first-year player; Ball State)

--HB James Johnson (first-year player; Kansas State)

--DT Clinton McDonald (first-year player; Memphis)

--S Rico Murray (first-year player; Kent State)

--WR Maurice Purify (first-year player; Nebraska; injury settlement)

--WR Dezmon Briscoe (rookie; Kansas)

--G Otis Hudson (rookie; Eastern Illinois)

--OT Gabriel Manns (rookie; North Carolina Central)

--S Jeromy Miles (rookie; Massachusetts)

--LB Vincent Rey (rookie; Duke)

--OT Chris Rodgers (rookie; Ohio)

--CB Johnny Sears (rookie; Eastern Michigan)

--FB Joe Tronzo (rookie; Louisville)

PRACTICE SQUAD: Fourteen of the 19 players waived from the roster today are eligible to be signed to an NFL practice squad if they clear waivers tomorrow. The five who are not eligible for practice squad signing are Orien Harris, Kyries Hebert, Dave Rayner, Isaac Sowells and Marvin White. The Bengals plan to announce tomorrow a practice squad of up to eight players.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: The Bengals today waived rookie HB Cordera Eason from the club's Reserve/Injured list, with an injury settlement. Eason is eligible to be signed to an NFL practice squad if he clears waivers tomorrow.