Moch Suspended Four Games

[HoosierCat]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/19/report-dontay-moch-suspended-four-games-pending-appeal/

As if our LB corps didn't have enough question marks.

Appeal pending...

[derekshank]

I'm betting he failed because of medicine he's taking for migraines. That's more than likely why he's appealing too.

I'm betting he still gets suspended... but I feel bad for the dude if he can't play because of migraines, and he can't play because of migraine medication. Catch-22.

[Sea Ray]

I may be a cock eyed optimist but I see a silver lining here. It'll give us an extra roster spot to dicker with at the beginning of the season and it'll give him a chance to really get back into football shape. He's not a part we're used to having so it's not like it's a big loss. Let's hope he's ready to come in roaring with fresh legs and all for that 5th game and contribute

[ArmyBengal]

Muckelroy slides to backup the spot behind Lawson and furthers the odds of one Mr. Burfict making the roster.

[Stripes]

Great way to stunt his development even more. Meh.

[HoosierCat]

I'm betting he failed because of medicine he's taking for migraines. That's more than likely why he's appealing too.

That seems to be the consensus guess at this point.

[ArmyBengal]

I'm betting he failed because of medicine he's taking for migraines. That's more than likely why he's appealing too.

That seems to be the consensus guess at this point.

Well, if that's not the case, at least it's a better excuse than, "I took my wives medicine by mistake"...

[HoosierCat]

I'm betting he failed because of medicine he's taking for migraines. That's more than likely why he's appealing too.

That seems to be the consensus guess at this point.

Well, if that's not the case, at least it's a better excuse than, "I took my wives medicine by mistake"...

Yup. Tat said, after the news came out, Moch tweeted something to the effect of "have to learn from your mistakes and move on," so it doesn't sound like he's expecting a break.

So figure he's gone for the first four. Rey probably sits out the opener. Who plays MLB week 1?

[cHaD711Johnson]

I'm betting he failed because of medicine he's taking for migraines. That's more than likely why he's appealing too.

That seems to be the consensus guess at this point.

Well, if that's not the case, at least it's a better excuse than, "I took my wives medicine by mistake"...

Yup. Tat said, after the news came out, Moch tweeted something to the effect of "have to learn from your mistakes and move on," so it doesn't sound like he's expecting a break.

So figure he's gone for the first four. Rey probably sits out the opener. Who plays MLB week 1?

You coupled them together as if Moch was backing up Rey. If Rey indeed does sit out the opener I'd bet on Skuta starting unless Burfict completely wows us in camp.

[HoosierCat]

You coupled them together as if Moch was backing up Rey. If Rey indeed does sit out the opener I'd bet on Skuta starting unless Burfict completely wows us in camp.

Sorry, poor wording. Just wondering if anyone thought they might slide Lawson or Howard over for a game. Skuta hasn't impressed me and Burfict I don't see as an option.

[GapControl]

you've got muckelroy probably penciled in behind rey and skuta. i'd say they'll go skuta and muckelroy depending on the down / formation

[cHaD711Johnson]

I think Muck will get slid over to SAM as a backup from everything I've seen written.

[ArmyBengal]

Said it before, Muck backs up Lawson if Moch is in fact gone, which it sounds like he's eluding to.

If Rey gets a game, which i'm not so sure of, Skuta gets the start minus some miracle in camp by another player.

Skuta, while underwhelming in a starting role, is (at this time) probably the only other LB with the knowledge of how this defense runs the MLB spot.

While I don't see Burfict as an option to start in Rey's possible absence, I can see him backing up the spot.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

The lack of attention to the LB position this off-season is astounding, even Lapham mentioned he did not understand what the Bengals' were or were not doing (not signing Brandon Johnson for one).

They have no depth there at all, and a real lack of talent. I don't get it at all.

[ArmyBengal]

I simply think they are banking on what they've got.

Whether fans like it or not, Lawson, Rey, and Howard are the starters. I think it could be worse.

The depth is the main concern from my standpoint.

Moch ?? Getting negative attention and probable 4 game suspension coming.

Muchelroy ?? Coming back off injury that took him out of the season.

Skuta ?? Fan favorite, just not mine and NOT a starter.

Burfict ?? Huge question mark, but I like having him.

The others ?? All nothing more than question marks.

The depth "could" be alright, but it is certainly a concern.

[HoosierCat]

The lack of attention to the LB position this off-season is astounding, even Lapham mentioned he did not understand what the Bengals' were or were not doing (not signing Brandon Johnson for one).

And...Johnson is a Steeler.

/>http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/13/steelers-add-former-bengal-brandon-johnson/

No, I don't get the plan at LB, either.

[Walrus]

The lack of attention to the LB position this off-season is astounding, even Lapham mentioned he did not understand what the Bengals' were or were not doing (not signing Brandon Johnson for one).

And...Johnson is a Steeler.

/>http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/13/steelers-add-former-bengal-brandon-johnson/

No, I don't get the plan at LB, either.

Ugh. Was it 2006 when we were down to like 2 healthy LBers at one point? WTF? Maybe we're transitioning to a 5-2 defense.

[derekshank]

No, I don't get the plan at LB, either.

The Bengals typically carry 7 LBs, and they brought back Brandon Johnson last season only after Muckelroy was placed on IR. So I have to think the coaches have a high opinion of Muckelroy.

If I had to guess what the Bengals "plan" is, it would be:

Will: Howard and Muckelroy

Mike: Maualuga and Burfict (hopefully over Skuta)

Sam: Lawson and Moch

ST: Vincent Rey

Your guess is as good as mine as to who will get the roster spot for Moch while he's suspended.

I'm comfortable with the starters and there is a lot of high potential youth as depth. It's certainly not the strength of the roster... but I don't see it as a glaring weakness either.

[ArmyBengal]

The lack of comfort I think has more to do with what happens if a starter goes down.

I really don't have much issue with the starters of Lawson, Rey, and Howard.

After them, the question marks are bolder than at other positions.

[derekshank]

The lack of comfort I think has more to do with what happens if a starter goes down.

I really don't have much issue with the starters of Lawson, Rey, and Howard.

After them, the question marks are bolder than at other positions.

I get that. But Marvin was just quoted the other day saying that the hardest thing to do in the NFL is to get young and stay young.

This seems to obviously be what the Bengals are attempting to do here.

Brandon Johnson might be more proven and reliable. But we all know what we're getting from him. He's a suitable back-up when you're in a pinch - nothing more. He's also 29 and keeping him would require parting ways with guys who are younger and have a ton of potential.

Muckelroy is 25, Moch is 23, and Burfict is 21. These are very young guys with lots of talent. Potential is just a word... and the odds are against all three of them growing to become stars in the NFL - but I just can't get behind cutting any of them in favor of an aging veteran back-up.

[HoosierCat]

I'm comfortable with the starters and there is a lot of high potential youth as depth. It's certainly not the strength of the roster... but I don't see it as a glaring weakness either.

Oh, it's not a glaring weakness...it's an incandescent one. I think you can make the case that it's the weakest unit on the team and a disaster waiting to happen.

Lawson and Howard I'm OK with. Maualuga? I'm pretty much off that bandwagon. I'm tired of the excuses about booze and injuries and all the happy talk about how it will be different this time around. And your lineup of reserves is frightening: 2 guys with zero NFL experience and a third who hasn't played since 2010 -- and then almost exclusively on teams.

IF the starters stay healthy and IF Rey's BS turns out to finally not be BS, they might muddle through. But it's a big risk.

FWIW, I think Skuta sticks and Burfict ends up on the taxi squad.

[derekshank]

IF the starters stay healthy and IF Rey's BS turns out to finally not be BS, they might muddle through. But it's a big risk.

Zimmer has gotten by with far less talent at the LB position than is currently on the roster.

Lacking in experience? Sure. But that's the necessary side effect when you are actively building a youthful roster. We'll see if it pans out - but for my part, give me the inexperienced but talented young guys over the experienced but mediocre veterans.

[redsbengalsbucks]

Burfict has more potential than all the other LB's, including the starters. Skuta is a servicable backup, with a big motor.

I think Burfict will stick. Skuta may as well until Moch gets back, doesnt Skuta play more spots than just MLB?

[ArmyBengal]

The lack of comfort I think has more to do with what happens if a starter goes down.

I really don't have much issue with the starters of Lawson, Rey, and Howard.

After them, the question marks are bolder than at other positions.

I get that. But Marvin was just quoted the other day saying that the hardest thing to do in the NFL is to get young and stay young.

This seems to obviously be what the Bengals are attempting to do here.

Brandon Johnson might be more proven and reliable. But we all know what we're getting from him. He's a suitable back-up when you're in a pinch - nothing more. He's also 29 and keeping him would require parting ways with guys who are younger and have a ton of potential.

Muckelroy is 25, Moch is 23, and Burfict is 21. These are very young guys with lots of talent. Potential is just a word... and the odds are against all three of them growing to become stars in the NFL - but I just can't get behind cutting any of them in favor of an aging veteran back-up.

I should have continued by saying, THAT concern isn't MY concern.

I agree with what you said about getting younger there Derek. I think it's just a level of comfort thing.

[HoosierCat]

[We'll see if it pans out - but for my part, give me the inexperienced but talented young guys over the experienced but mediocre veterans.

The problem is that neither you nor I have any idea if these guys are talented or not, because they haven't been on the field. Hobson notes today that the Bengals may not even have a spot for Moch after his suspension because he's till struggling with the transition from DE to LB. Meanwhile, Skuta is reportedly neck and neck with Lawson for a starting spot, which could mean Skuta's really improved...or that Manny has gone to crap.