Bryant DIDN'T make progress

[BengalszoneBilly]

Yeah man, I'm a Bills fan and I wanted T.O. back on the Bills but our new coach and GM were on a youth movement. So we didn't offer him anything.

And it's weird because if you watch Bills games from last year, T.O. was hands down our best player besides Jairus Byrd. He still has the speed to get separation. He still makes all the cuts. He has dropsies on some easy catches, but he redeems himself with some amazing grabs later on.

The dude will be great until he's 40ish just like Jerry Rice, I guarantee it.

I'm with you in that I thought the Bengals should have signed him from the start of FA.

BTW, Carson Palmer actually called Ryan Fitzpatrick to ask about T.O. and see if he still had it. Fitz gave him a pretty big endorsement.

Let me start by saying you and Joe Mama have been pretty civil by my perceived Buffalo standards. A few years back this forum was inundated by Bills fans who didn't show a fraction of the class you guys have.

Now to the topic of Terrell... I don't know why your front office decided to ignore him and let him walk. It could have been a money issue, but I can't actually see how that could have been possible. IMO it wasn't his fault he didn't do well in Buffalo last season. No offense but your team wasn't that good in the QB department. I honestly believe as you stated that Owens still has gas in the tank,

This promises to be an interesting year for the NFL, especially with the looming contract problems. Good luck to both our teams, for we likely need it.

[Stripes]

Let me start by saying you and Joe Mama have been pretty civil by my perceived Buffalo standards. A few years back this forum was inundated by Bills fans who didn't show a fraction of the class you guys have.

They were and will be the result of the Bengals' very strange inability to ever beat Buffalo in the Marvin Lewis era.

[ArmyBengal]

No kidding about the inability to beat the Bills. Here's to hoping that trend come to an end this season, as it is a game the Bengals need to win when looking at the remainder of the schedule. Don't get me wrong, they "need" to win as many games as they can, but when looking at the "easier" teams (sorry Bills fans) the Bills need to catch a beat down.

[jjakq27]

I guess i just dont understand why they didnt/couldnt put him on IR, or just wait a couple of weeks to see if his knee is that screwed up.

1.55 million reasons why.

They obviously made the call that his knee is screwed up pretty bad. Of course this is the same medical staff that OK'd the 4 yr deal to begin with. If he does come back and produce then it'd be a double mistake on the part of their vaunted medical staff

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. He had an additional surgery in the spring for a torn meniscus after signing the contract. His lawyer says the Bengals owe him his base salary for this year but if you look at Bryant's comments, he said he was the one that made the final decision to practice and play throughout this whole process.

/>http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100829/SPT02/308290023/Bryant-fired-wants-a-payday

[ArmyBengal]

I really thought the Bengals would get blasted in the media, but there was only a little blurb about it on ESPN.

I'm far more concerned with the rest of the WR's we have on the roster, as opposed to what the lawyers are saying about it all.

However, the Bengals can say all they want, but they need to have their medical staff take a good long look in the mirror when placing blame.

[SupaBran]

I really thought the Bengals would get blasted in the media, but there was only a little blurb about it on ESPN.

I'm far more concerned with the rest of the WR's we have on the roster, as opposed to what the lawyers are saying about it all.

However, the Bengals can say all they want, but they need to have their medical staff take a good long look in the mirror when placing blame.

I agree...we've all known how incompetent this medical staff has been but someone that doesn't follow this team doesn't know how many mistakes and bad calls they've made. Maybe this little public egg on the face will finally result in some change.

Btw, backed when he(Bryant) and TO visited...I tolded everyone that I'd rather have TO for 1 or 2 years than a Bryant for 4-5 years...but when we signed him over TO I had optimism for the idea to have a talented reciever opposite Chad. I live in Florida and the rest of my family are Buc fans so I've seen Bryant closer than others and the man has talent but if the Bucs didn't want him, y would we? Anywho, long story short... ...this dude is a giant douche for file a grievance against the Bengals! You got $8 million to do nothing! Take it and be happy and get healthy and look for another job...but this greedy mother f**ker wants his season salary paid...r u kidding me?

[bwillycuse]

Sucks that this happened. But it isn't my money and there is no salary cap.

I wonder if this affects getting a practice bubble.

Winning cures all and increases revenue and sells tickets.

This shows you how the players get over on the owners.

8 million for not really grasping a game plan and resting a knee.

[HoosierCat]

Two notes of interest this morning.

First up, Hobson opines that with Bryant getting cut, the Bengals are now forced to take a wide receiver in the first round next April.

(Somewhere, Hair just threw up. Violently.)

Second, with Bryant gone, Reedy predicts that the Bengals go with just 5 WRs: Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell and Quan Cosby.

Re Hobson, I think it's premature, but sadly I could see it, especially if they finally give up on Simpson. Re going with just five wideouts, I can also see that, especially if they want to keep Coats.

[Sea Ray]

Unless Bryant can show that he got hurt in his first and only Bengals practice then I don't see that he's got a case. If he was hurt when the Bengals signed him to that bloated contract then the Bengals should counter sue as they're out a lot more money than Bryant is seeking.

I'm also wondering if the Bengals stick to their guns if this will burn future bridges with his agent, Lamont Smith, in regards to future FA considerations

[Sea Ray]

Whether they go with 5 or 6 WRs depends on what they think of Simpson. They've had three yrs to evaluate the guy. If they think he can be a starter next year then they'll keep him. If they determine that he just doesn't get it then they might as well cut him now.

How certain are we that Caldwell makes it? Where was he Saturday?

[membengal]

Two notes of interest this morning.

First up, Hobson opines that with Bryant getting cut, the Bengals are now forced to take a wide receiver in the first round next April.

(Somewhere, Hair just threw up. Violently.)

Second, with Bryant gone, Reedy predicts that the Bengals go with just 5 WRs: Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell and Quan Cosby.

Re Hobson, I think it's premature, but sadly I could see it, especially if they finally give up on Simpson. Re going with just five wideouts, I can also see that, especially if they want to keep Coats.

I would be extremely unhappy if the Bengals go with just 5 receivers on the final roster. It leaves them painfully short if they come up with an inevitable injury at that spot. That just makes no sense.

[whizzo]

caldwell should definitely make the cut, if only because he proved last year that he can play.

[bwillycuse]

Whether they go with 5 or 6 WRs depends on what they think of Simpson. They've had three yrs to evaluate the guy. If they think he can be a starter next year then they'll keep him. If they determine that he just doesn't get it then they might as well cut him now.

How certain are we that Caldwell makes it? Where was he Saturday?

He is the new invisible WR now that Bryant is gone.

I would think that this would be the year to shine. But Shipley showing a ton more.

(Caldwell that is)

[membengal]

To clarify, Reedy is guessing the five receivers to be Chad, Owens, Shipley, Caldwell, Cosby with Simpson cut.

He also has Rico Murray on the club as a 5th safety.

I just can't imagine wasting the development they have in on Simpson to save a spot for Rico Murray.

Plus, in Reedy's scenario, the way they fill in for an injury to a WR is to bring Briscoe off the practice squad. Granted, I have not seen one practice, but I have heard next to no buzz about Brisco being ready to take NFL snaps anytime soon. Simpson, at least, can do that.

Nope, bad guess by Reedy. They will keep six at WR, they have to.

[JoeMama]

caldwell should definitely make the cut, if only because he proved last year that he can play.

Andre Caldwell was badass with all the clutch game winning catches last season.

It's not a sentiment driven so he could end up as a surprise cut if Bengals brass don't think he had a good preseason or was outplayed.

I'd rather see you guys keep him even if it means hanging on to 6 WRs. Great depth if nothing else.

[BengalByTheBay]

caldwell should definitely make the cut, if only because he proved last year that he can play.

Andre Caldwell was badass with all the clutch game winning catches last season.

It's not a sentiment driven so he could end up as a surprise cut if Bengals brass don't think he had a good preseason or was outplayed.

I'd rather see you guys keep him even if it means hanging on to 6 WRs. Great depth if nothing else.

Other fans see it, so why don't Bengals fans? IMO because of 2 fumbles (Raiders, Jets). Other than that, Caldwell should be a fan favorite as he produces well in a limited role and works ST's. I'm pretty sure Caldwell is safe.

[jjakq27]

As always, special teams will factor in as well as game day inactives. I could see them carrying an extra safety since they are banged up but I would still like to give Simpson just a little longer but definitely Caldwell over Simpson if it comes to that. The Bengals may have reached for him in the 2nd and his development has been frustrating but I think they should hang on to him. He was high on other people's draft boards as well as ours.

[JoeMama]

caldwell should definitely make the cut, if only because he proved last year that he can play.

Andre Caldwell was badass with all the clutch game winning catches last season.

It's not a sentiment driven so he could end up as a surprise cut if Bengals brass don't think he had a good preseason or was outplayed.

I'd rather see you guys keep him even if it means hanging on to 6 WRs. Great depth if nothing else.

Other fans see it, so why don't Bengals fans? IMO because of 2 fumbles (Raiders, Jets). Other than that, Caldwell should be a fan favorite as he produces well in a limited role and works ST's. I'm pretty sure Caldwell is safe.

I've already forgotten those fumbles, maybe I only retain the positive stuff.

The only thing that bodes poorly for Caldwell is that Shipley is going to be a monster slot receiver, which means Caldwell won't see the field as much.

But like I said, if I'm Bengals Brass, I'm keeping Caldwell, no questions asked. I'd rather have two very good slot receivers than one. No reason the 53 man roster can't accommodate both guys.

[COB]

Caldwell should be a fan favorite as he produces well in a limited role

Clutch, game winning catches against both Pittsburgh and Baltimore last year. He produces under pressure, so he deserves the benefit of the doubt if it's close.

[HairOnFire]

Two notes of interest this morning.

First up, Hobson opines that with Bryant getting cut, the Bengals are now forced to take a wide receiver in the first round next April.

(Somewhere, Hair just threw up. Violently.)

I'm more than willing to puke upon command if that's what the crowd desires. After all, who am I to deny my public what it wants?

That said, when I followed the link to Hobson's 2-minute drill I was mildly suprised to see it didn't say a thing about drafting a wideout next season. (Edited later for stupidity, perhaps?)

[bwillycuse]

caldwell should definitely make the cut, if only because he proved last year that he can play.

Andre Caldwell was badass with all the clutch game winning catches last season.

It's not a sentiment driven so he could end up as a surprise cut if Bengals brass don't think he had a good preseason or was outplayed.

I'd rather see you guys keep him even if it means hanging on to 6 WRs. Great depth if nothing else.

Other fans see it, so why don't Bengals fans? IMO because of 2 fumbles (Raiders, Jets). Other than that, Caldwell should be a fan favorite as he produces well in a limited role and works ST's. I'm pretty sure Caldwell is safe.

I've already forgotten those fumbles, maybe I only retain the positive stuff.

The only thing that bodes poorly for Caldwell is that Shipley is going to be a monster slot receiver, which means Caldwell won't see the field as much.

But like I said, if I'm Bengals Brass, I'm keeping Caldwell, no questions asked. I'd rather have two very good slot receivers than one. No reason the 53 man roster can't accommodate both guys.

Cosby slot as well.

Caldwell was supposed to be a super fast big play guy I thought.

He has made some clutch plays, but so has Leonard and others.

He did directly affect the loss in Oakland and almost a loss in Cleveland. He will never touch a return ball again.(Did make 2 winning TD grabs and a clutch falling down first down catch.)

Simpson has a higher ceiling. Caldwell has done nothing at all in the preseason. No evidence he will improve on his less than 10 ypc.

Have we seen Caldwells ceiling? If so he is a spot player at best. I really hope he improves.

Can he step in for TO or Chad? I dont think so.

The question is, when is he gonna play?

I am glad Simpson is getting special teams reps. I just think he can be a better WR. BUt I am not in the practices and huddles.

[redsbengalsbucks]

caldwell should definitely make the cut, if only because he proved last year that he can play.

Andre Caldwell was badass with all the clutch game winning catches last season.

It's not a sentiment driven so he could end up as a surprise cut if Bengals brass don't think he had a good preseason or was outplayed.

I'd rather see you guys keep him even if it means hanging on to 6 WRs. Great depth if nothing else.

Other fans see it, so why don't Bengals fans? IMO because of 2 fumbles (Raiders, Jets). Other than that, Caldwell should be a fan favorite as he produces well in a limited role and works ST's. I'm pretty sure Caldwell is safe.

I've already forgotten those fumbles, maybe I only retain the positive stuff.

The only way that anybody can stay sane and follow the Bengals.

[BengalByTheBay]

caldwell should definitely make the cut, if only because he proved last year that he can play.

Andre Caldwell was badass with all the clutch game winning catches last season.

It's not a sentiment driven so he could end up as a surprise cut if Bengals brass don't think he had a good preseason or was outplayed.

I'd rather see you guys keep him even if it means hanging on to 6 WRs. Great depth if nothing else.

Other fans see it, so why don't Bengals fans? IMO because of 2 fumbles (Raiders, Jets). Other than that, Caldwell should be a fan favorite as he produces well in a limited role and works ST's. I'm pretty sure Caldwell is safe.

I've already forgotten those fumbles, maybe I only retain the positive stuff.

The only thing that bodes poorly for Caldwell is that Shipley is going to be a monster slot receiver, which means Caldwell won't see the field as much.

But like I said, if I'm Bengals Brass, I'm keeping Caldwell, no questions asked. I'd rather have two very good slot receivers than one. No reason the 53 man roster can't accommodate both guys.

Cosby slot as well.

Caldwell was supposed to be a super fast big play guy I thought.

He has made some clutch plays, but so has Leonard and others.

He did directly affect the loss in Oakland and almost a loss in Cleveland. He will never touch a return ball again.(Did make 2 winning TD grabs and a clutch falling down first down catch.)

Simpson has a higher ceiling. Caldwell has done nothing at all in the preseason. No evidence he will improve on his less than 10 ypc.

Have we seen Caldwells ceiling? If so he is a spot player at best. I really hope he improves.

Can he step in for TO or Chad? I dont think so.

The question is, when is he gonna play?

I am glad Simpson is getting special teams reps. I just think he can be a better WR. BUt I am not in the practices and huddles.

I'm not Caldwell's agent or anything, so I have nothing to gain or lose by what they do except I am more comfortable with somebody who has actually played (and played well for the most part) in real games and in clutch time. I think Shipley will be good and *hope* that Simpson will be good, but neither has done anything in the NFL yet. The fact that Shipley is a slot receiver doesn't mean that there is not a spot for Caldwell on this team. In my book he remains ahead of Cosby as a receiver because Cosby is first-and-foremost a return guy. In addition, Caldwell provides quality snaps at ST's and that is a huge plus for what is going to be, essentially, a utility receiver position. I have no particular insight, but I think he sticks because - while young - he has some good experience.

[HairOnFire]

The fact that Shipley is a slot receiver doesn't mean that there is not a spot for Caldwell on this team.

True, but by the same token I think you have to wonder how much the Bengals still value the experience Caldwell has a slot WR. Because so-far the commitment to Shipley has been instantaneous, total, and presumably long-term. Furthermore, from the moment Shipley was drafted the Bengals have been painting Caldwell as a WR who has been playing out of position.

[Kazkal]

For Caldwell being most improved player this offseason doesn't seem like anyone wants to throw to him he has 2 catches in the last 3 games for 16 yrds.

because Cosby is first-and-foremost a return guy. I

I wouldn't say return guy but Special teams guy being good chance he makes team even without being a returner.