2 picks for Rudi?

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

You know, Rudi is one of those do your talking on the field kind of guys, he might go for a $3 million base up to $5 million with incentives contracts.

[jditty47]

man i hate u ppl...i really do. anyone, and i mean anyone can get 200 yards on the browns defense. U guys dont look at the full picture. For 10 games straight he was unable to break a run or hit a hole. He should not be resigned just because he had 1 big game vs a team that always gives up the big gains.

Pass on him, hes a career backup. His injury thing is a joke, dillon was never injured till his last year here. We need someone that can block, run, and catch, he can barely do 1 of them. I hope we dont waste money on him, i really hope some other team wastes a ton of cash and finds out that hes a bust.

This last game finally got him over the 4 yrd a carry mark for the season. He was at 3.8 for the entire season, mind you, the only running back in the top 20 under 4.0. Wanna know why? CUZ HE DOESNT HIT THE HOLE OR MAKE PPL MISS.

Didnt u guys read that article on bengals.com about a week ago b4 the browns game. He went to the OLine and told them that all he needs is a hole and he'll break it from there....u know what the olines response was, "make someone miss then." He hasnt done s**t all season. 1 game does not generate a paycheck.

Perry or Alexander in 05...

[jditty47]

I really think that the Bengals will get a deal done with Rudi... I can see Daugherty's point in the article, but tell Dan Marino that a rushing game can just be found anywhere....Paul's Eagles comment was way wrong.... Brian Westbrook has been hurt most of the season, and you can ask any player on that offense who the most important player is: Brian Westbrook...he integral to that offense...with him they are a machine...without him they just get by...

A running game is essential to having long term success....there is no way around it... and since we haven't had a chance to see Perry this year, its even more important to keep Rudi... This team is on the verge of breaking into the next level of success, the more continuity they can have the better...

Now there is an economic breaking point.... which is why I think it would be smart to at least throw a modest offer out on the table now.... It will only get worse as the season goes on and his numbers and all the hype increase..... Put something on the table now for them to chew on.... He just might take it....

a consistent running game is key. There is nothing consistent about rudi.

[kevnz]

Now there is an economic breaking point.... which is why I think it would be smart to at least throw a modest offer out on the table now.... It will only get worse as the season goes on and his numbers and all the hype increase..... Put something on the table now for them to chew on.... He just might take it....

They already did, Rudi turned down the offer. Hence the Perry Pick. Rudi's agent expects to break the bank for Rudi. He kinda has a point, cause Rudi will be the youngest Free Agent RB in history. But it should be a slightly crowded market at RB this year with S Alexander, J Lewis (who will probably be tagged) Edgerrin James, and Travis Henry along with Rudi, so that hurts his bargaining postition a bit. Plus it looks like a team like Miami and Oakland who both need a good RB will be drafting high enough to get one. It's gonna be interesting.

But Rudi could have very well signed to be a Bengal for Life, like his agent claims he wants to be, last year but said no, so let's not act like he's some super duper team first player. He had the chance to be the man, get his payday and help the team (do you really think that Perry would have been drafted if Rudi signed long term? A RB would have been drafted by the 3rd round, but not in the first) But he said no," I want more" (or at least his agent said that) Besides, everyone loves to blame Palmer for the Jets game and the Titans game cause of his turnovers late trying to bring the team back, but truth be known Rudi fumbled twice for touchdowns in those games and put Palmer in that postition. So people like to say Rudi doesn't fumble, or Rudi hasn't been injured....Well no kidding, he hasn't had the ball that much until this year so those sorta things are very misleading.

[Kirkendall]

a consistent running game is key.  There is nothing consistent about rudi.

I don't know about that ditster. I think a lot of that perception may come at Brat's play calling and/or how much we're losing at key points in the game.

Kev - I wonder what the $ figures were when Rudi did turn down the multi-year contract. Perhaps, turning it down was in anticipation of having a breakout year.

[WorldBFree]

jditty's comments are just as asinine as the guy who thinks Rudi is better than Shawn Alexander.

He's a pro-bowl caliber running back who's young and improving every year. Does he have weaknesses? Yes, he isn't a good pass receiver and he isn't a breakaway threat, but his strengths outnumber those weaknesses. Consistent, hard working, rarely fumbles, can handle 30 carries per game, doesn't humiliate the team with foolish antics. The list goes on and on.

Would I put the franchise tag on Rudi? No. Only because I don't think that another team will pony up the draft picks to sign him.

Should the Bengals give him top 10 RB salary? Yes. He's done everything to deserve it. And, his YPC are not those of a running back who can't make someone miss.

Chris Perry may very well be a better runningback down the road, but this is not something you gamble on when you are a borderline playoff team. A 20th or lower ranked rushing attack next year would destroy the Bengals hopes.

Offer Rudi a contract similar to what the 10th highest paid runner in football gets and if he really wants to be a Bengal for life like he says, he'll take it.

But don't try to convince me that he's a career backup or that he's the second coming of Eric Dickerson either.

[schweinhart]

Rudi's playing to fetch the highest bidder. He's gonna be hitting hats hard come Sunday like the end of the world is nigh.

Run right at Ray-Ray and stay away from Hartwell and he might just get a buck 50.

Rooooodeeee

[Bobcat Bengal]

Rudi's I-IGHT.

He can break tackles, runs hard, but he's not a recieving threat and not elusive enough to make people miss.

People keep talking about him being a team player, which he very well might be, but c'mon man, if you wanna be a Bengal for life, give them something to work with. After a little more than half of a season, you'd think this dude was a perennial Pro-Bowler.

Ken Griffey WANTED to play in Cincy, and we all know he was worth a whole lot more on the open free market than what we paid him. Rudi SAYS that, but I dunno....how much does he want?

Like I said before, he's I-IGHT.

and

What a conondrum.

[Bobcat Bengal]

Would I put the franchise tag on Rudi? No. Only because I don't think that another team will pony up the draft picks to sign him.

Should the Bengals give him top 10 RB salary? Yes. He's done everything to deserve it. And, his YPC are not those of a running back who can't make someone miss.

So.....you mean to tell me....

No one will bite on a trade offer....

YET...

We should pay him like a top 10 back?

Bass Ackwards logic.

If he's gonna be paid like a top ten back like you say, and we franchise him and dangle him out there for a team that needs a power running game, why wouldn't a team trade a pick for him?

[bengalsfan33]

I'm surprised Rudi has over 1000 yards with that crappy O-Line they have(except for Big Willie). We get rid of him, and strart Perry, I'm going to be one angry Bengals fan...

[Bobcat Bengal]

I'm going to be one angry Bengals fan...

You mean you haven't been pissed off all this time?

[schweinhart]

Besides, everyone loves to blame Palmer for the Jets game and the Titans game cause of his turnovers late trying to bring the team back, but truth be known Rudi fumbled twice for touchdowns in those games and put Palmer in that postition. So people like to say Rudi doesn't fumble, or Rudi hasn't been injured.

Ain't trying to bust your balls here Kev. But Rudi only fumbled once that was returned for TD and that was Jets game.

Palmer's the one who fumbled 9 yds away from tying the score at Tennessee. Rudi didn't lose fumble that game.

Rudi did lose fumble vs. Skins but Skins got no pts. on TO.

To my knowledge, those are only 2 fumbles Rudi has lost this year.

IIRC, Rudi has lost 3 fumbles in 2 years, however many carries that is.

Roooodeeeee :player:

[walzav29]

There is no way you can tell me he is in the class of Priest, LT, or Jamal. Those guys are on another level. Therefore you can't pay him like those guys. That's it. He's a great character/team guy, but we have to look at the big picture.

[membengal]

There is no way you can tell me he is in the class of Priest, LT, or Jamal. Those guys are on another level. Therefore you can't pay him like those guys. That's it. He's a great character/team guy, but we have to look at the big picture.

That's a pretty good point.

I am torn on this one, and can see both sides of the argument. Look, Bengals have already locked up CJ and had to shell out big for Palmer because of where he was drafted. That makes it tight to spend huge at another offensive position. Tough.

For instance, in Indy, it looks like they are gonna let Edgerrin walk rather than lock him up, and if they lock him up, then maybe Harrison walks a few years later. With Peyton's contract, they won't be able to pay all three when the other two contracts come up.

It's a tough call. Hobson mentioned the thought of signing a LaMont Jordan type for a fraction of Rudi's re-up and rolling with him and Perry and spending money elsewhere. That makes some sense.

But it also makes a ton of sense to lock up your 1500 yard back who is just 25 frickin years old.

Dunno, glad ML is the one involved in this decision.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Rudi is following closely in Priest Holmes pattern. Holmes didn't have his first good year until his 5th season. Since then, he has had over 1400 yards every year. Rudi is going into his 5th year next year. He is at the age where he's getting a handle on the teams he plays each year, and will only continue to get better. Baltimore gave up on Holmes and let him go to KC in his 5th season by the way. Do we really want to let Rudi go and create the next Priest Holmes in another uniform?

Rudi's YPC over his career is the same as LTs, just not as many attempts over his career. LT has averaged over 100 more carries a season in his first 3 seasons than Rudi has. Go figure, his overall yardage, TDs, 1st downs, etc. are greater. Give Rudi as many chances to run over that period, and I think he WOULD be the equal of LT in stats.

Cokeboy: Hey, he might be the best running back in the league, explaining why Baltimore didn't keep Priest around. However, I don't think Perry can pull a Jamal in replacing Rudi. Besides, I'd rather have a character guy like Rudi than a coke dealer like Jamal on our roster.

Rudi IS one of the top 10 backs in the league. He is #6 in the league in rushing yardage this season, #11 in rushing touchdowns (and our offense hasn't been all that great this season), he's #7 in the league in yards per attempt among starters too.

Rudi is 25 freaking years old! He will get better and has at least 5 more good years in him. Letting him go would be a mistake. If we pay $4 million a year or even $5 million a year, he's worth every penny.

[oldschooler]

Rudi is following closely in Priest Holmes pattern. Holmes didn't have his first good year until his 5th season. Since then, he has had over 1400 yards every year. Rudi is going into his 5th year next year. He is at the age where he's getting a handle on the teams he plays each year, and will only continue to get better. Baltimore gave up on Holmes and let him go to KC in his 5th season by the way. Do we really want to let Rudi go and create the next Priest Holmes in another uniform?

Rudi's YPC over his career is the same as LTs, just not as many attempts over his career. LT has averaged over 100 more carries a season in his first 3 seasons than Rudi has. Go figure, his overall yardage, TDs, 1st downs, etc. are greater. Give Rudi as many chances to run over that period, and I think he WOULD be the equal of LT in stats.

Cokeboy: Hey, he might be the best running back in the league, explaining why Baltimore didn't keep Priest around. However, I don't think Perry can pull a Jamal in replacing Rudi. Besides, I'd rather have a character guy like Rudi than a coke dealer like Jamal on our roster.

Rudi IS one of the top 10 backs in the league. He is #6 in the league in rushing yardage this season, #11 in rushing touchdowns (and our offense hasn't been all that great this season), he's #7 in the league in yards per attempt among starters too.

Rudi is 25 freaking years old! He will get better and has at least 5 more good years in him. Letting him go would be a mistake. If we pay $4 million a year or even $5 million a year, he's worth every penny.

Great post !

And I agree 100%.

Funny how you mentioned $4-5 million.

The Bengals don`t seem to want to pay him that

much from what it says in today`s enquirer.

Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, is believed to be asking for $4 million-$5 million a year. The Bengals apparently think that's too much to pay Johnson, especially given the big contracts invested in quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Chad Johnson.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...020380/1066/SPT

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Right tackle Willie Anderson wants Johnson re-signed: "Rudi fits our (power) scheme very well. He's good at getting downhill and making people miss. He's a guy teammates like to be around, and to have a great attitude is a rare quality."

That's the most important thing in the article!

[kingwilly]

Whoever compare Rudi to LT is way off base. LT is a much more complete back than Rudi. He catches the ball as well as any back ever.

Look, Rudi is approaching an elite level but let's not get carried way.

I think he is worth the $ it will take to keep him here given the options and the Benglas circumstances. Jut don't compare him to LT please.

[HoosierCat]

If the Bengals are balking at $4 million or even $5 million, that's a mistake, IMHO. Rudi's already making $1.8 million, and if we let him walk we'll have to sign another RB. Even if that RB is some 3rd-stringer or rook, that'll be another half-mil or so. So we're looking at a net cap "savings" $1.8-$2.8 million if Rudi goes. That isn't enough to justify letting him go.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

If the Bengals are balking at $4 million or even $5 million, that's a mistake, IMHO. Rudi's already making $1.8 million, and if we let him walk we'll have to sign another RB. Even if that RB is some 3rd-stringer or rook, that'll be another half-mil or so. So we're looking at a net cap "savings" $1.8-$2.8 million if Rudi goes. That isn't enough to justify letting him go.

Uh Joisey, are you still smoking that stuff?

If we don't pay Rudi $4 million, and we pay a rookie or 3rd stringer $500,00, that's a cap savings of $3.5 million. If Rudi isn't here next year, he doesn't count towards the cap at all, he's paid up.

The question is, do we increase our spending at that position from $1.8 million to $4 million....

[HoosierCat]

The question is, do we increase our spending at that position from $1.8 million to $4 million....

Math was never my strong suit . But you got my point: vs. what we are already spending, we're only talking about another $2.2 million to $3 million, which isn't going to make or break our cap. By contrast, if Rudi goes for that $6-8 million franchise level, now we're talking about nailing down an additional $4-6 million+. That's getting too rich for my blood, we have too many other needs.

[Dewboy01]

I'm pretty new to this board, but have been a Bengals fan forever. The Bengals will have a certain amount of $$ to spend. It seems to me the question comes down to where is the money most needed/best spent? If Perry can be a 1200 yd/season RB and catch 40-50 balls for another few hundred yds, I would rather see the money spent on defense. Did anyone watch the last game? Hello? The freaking Browns put up 48 pts on us? The Browns with Kelly Holcomb (5 tds), William Green and Steve Heiden (3 tds)? WTF? I'm not saying Rudi doesn't deserve the money, he has definitely come thru for us this year, I just think we have much more pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball and Perry certainly wasn't drafted in the 1st round to sit the bench.

[walzav29]

On the other hand. A durable player who isn't always injured is quite a valuable commodity. Perry has played 3 downs. He could be like Kijana in that aspect. Remember that? That was horrible. Is it at all possible to trade Perry? It won't happen, but I say spending it on Rudi is ok. It's putting all of that money in the RB position that I think is a bad idea.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Did anyone watch the last game? Hello?

I agree completely! Hello, did you watch the last game? Rudi had over 200 yards rushing and looked like one of the best backs in the league. You don't let a guy who does that go, unless he's an asshat like Leon!

[jditty47]

lol there u go again trying to pay rudi for ONE ***damn GAME. He has sucked all season by not hitting his holes and running strong and making ppl miss. I hope hes not here next year, i do not think he's worth the money he will want. Hes becoming overrated FAST. We can spend the money we'll save on another back and a few other players at positions we truly need. We do not need rudi.