Marvin Lewis on-line chat

[jjakq27]

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...SPT02/301060001

Marvin Lewis chats with Cincinnati.Com

amy (Jan 4, 2005 12:17:46 PM)

Welcome to today's chat with Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.

amy (Jan 4, 2005 12:17:56 PM)

Coach Lewis is standing by for your questions.

jjakq27 (Jan 4, 2005 12:19:27 PM)

With year two now complete, did you feel that there was good continuity from last year to this year since you were not starting from scratch?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:19:28 PM)

I think we had some continuity, but you do start over more than you would ever imagine.

Cas (Jan 4, 2005 12:20:23 PM)

Hey Coach, congrats on the season, was glad to see some progress and Carson develop nicely. Question about Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry, is it possible to have two high salary RBs on the roster and still resign TJ? I don't know how the salary cap works but having two high salary RBs sounds like it could make the budget tight in other areas.

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:20:23 PM)

It would be possible to make both moves. There would be ramifications out in the future.

amy (Jan 4, 2005 12:20:38 PM)

A reminder: This is a moderated chat, so your questions will not appear until Coach Lewis has had a chance to review them and respond.

jjakq27 (Jan 4, 2005 12:20:59 PM)

Do you think that Cliff Russell could become a guy like TJ was this year?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:20:59 PM)

We would hope that we could develop Cliff to be more consistent and learn our offense, so we could reap the benefits of his speed.

BigR (Jan 4, 2005 12:22:31 PM)

hi marvin, with the 17th pick in the draft will you address need or will you pick the best available athlete?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:22:31 PM)

We are a long way from the draft and I haven't begun to evaluate the college prospects. We have a few needs that we would be excited about to address with the 17th pick: defensive help, whether it be the line, linebacker, offensive line, wide receiver, tight end.

Rico (Jan 4, 2005 12:23:29 PM)

Don't you think that it is unfair to say that you played your first team against the eagles 2nd and 3rd team when you have so many players on injured or on IR including many starters?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:23:30 PM)

It was convenient message portrayed. We have been minus a lot of our starters for the entire season and we must play who they put out there.

amy (Jan 4, 2005 12:24:43 PM)

In case you missed it, today's Enquirer has a two-page wrap up of the Bengals season. Look for it in today's newspaper.

lantaur (Jan 4, 2005 12:25:09 PM)

Coach, what, if anything, was Chris Perry able to gain from this season?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:25:10 PM)

Chris was able to gain an appreciation for what an NFL season is like. He didn't get involved in the games as much as we would like but it doesn't curb my excitement for him in the future.

WHODEYNATION (Jan 4, 2005 12:26:15 PM)

Are there any plans to trade Peter Warrick with the improved play of TJ and Kelley Washington. Johnson, Tj and Washington make a great recieving core. Trading Warrick for a legitimate run stopper would improve our defense.

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:26:15 PM)

We have no plans to trade any of our players at this point.

garys (Jan 4, 2005 12:26:45 PM)

hi couch lewis......is the physical situation with carson palmer is one where he can completely rehab his knee without any surgery and be 100% ready to go for next season.....he was such a pleasure to watch the last month of this season

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:26:45 PM)

Carson will require no surgery.

jjakq27 (Jan 4, 2005 12:27:41 PM)

Other than the Tennessee game the defense seemed to step it up after you called the defensive plays in the first Cleveland game. How involved are you with the defense during a game and is it hard to step back from it?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:27:41 PM)

I listen to our calls offensively and defensively and interject within the series my thoughts when possible.

Sid in Chicago (Jan 4, 2005 12:28:37 PM)

Coach, how often do you see your players during the off-season? Do you keep tabs on their workouts and strength training to ensure they're ready for training camp?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:28:38 PM)

We've encouraged our players to take some time off and recharge and refresh. They will begin to arrive back in Cincinnati in the first weeks of March, and we will open our offseason conditioning program the first week of April.

Rico (Jan 4, 2005 12:29:06 PM)

How is khalid abdullahs recovery coming along? Will he be ready for next season?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:29:06 PM)

Khalid is progressing well. We hope to have him at full speed when we get on the field in May.

Casey (Jan 4, 2005 12:30:00 PM)

Coach Lewis--I know that re-signing Rudi is a key focus, but, is it possible that you will bring in a free agent RB? Maybe Chester Taylor from the Ravens?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:30:00 PM)

We will evaluate all of the options of prospective free agent players.

bogie (Jan 4, 2005 12:31:15 PM)

Just by watching bowl games l on TV I have been impressed by a DE from Boston College, a Center from Minnesota, and a DT from Iowa. When will you get around to evaluating the college talent andd do you have anyone working on that now?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:31:15 PM)

Our scouting staff begins working in August in evaluation of upcoming senior prospects. Around the first of March, our coaches will enter the process to evaluate by their position.

Jethro (Jan 4, 2005 12:32:10 PM)

Mr. Lewis, do you believe you and your staff will look again for an impact player on the defensive line through free agency?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:32:11 PM)

In free agency we will evaluate prospects that fit us. I'm unaware at this point if there will be a group of defensive linemen who would upgrade us.

Riverboy7 (Jan 4, 2005 12:32:48 PM)

Coach, I am a longtime Bengals fan and really appreciate the organziation, enthusiasm and motivational skills that you have brought to the team. I believe you are only a few players away from a really great team. A defensive tackle that is a run-stopper seems to be a key area. What college players do you like at that position?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:32:48 PM)

Please explain to me what a run-stopping defensive tackle is.

BigR (Jan 4, 2005 12:33:34 PM)

Is Corey Simon from the eagles on your list as a possible addition to fiiling the need for a run stopper/ qb sacker ( 26.5 career sacks) ?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:33:35 PM)

Corey is an outstanding physical talent. He has vertical speed and explosiveness key to being a top defensive tackle in the NFL, rather than just a run-stopper.

sparky (Jan 4, 2005 12:34:21 PM)

coach Lewis, did u ever give any thought to switching Stacey Andrews to the d line?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:34:21 PM)

Stacy gives us joy every time we see him move, and yes we have considered that.

amy (Jan 4, 2005 12:35:14 PM)

We are about half way through today's chat. Coach Lewis does have a number of questions already, and he will get through as many as he can.

Guest (Jan 4, 2005 12:35:18 PM)

Coach, congratulations on a good season. What areas will be addressed via the draft and what areas through free agency?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:35:19 PM)

We will try and upgrade our players at wide receiver, offensive line, tight end, running back, defensive pass rusher, linebacker, safety, kick returner and see how it fits together.

dezno24 (Jan 4, 2005 12:35:46 PM)

will jon kitna be back next year or who do you have in mind to back up palmer?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:35:47 PM)

Jon is under contract for the next two years.

Stal Lo (Jan 4, 2005 12:36:33 PM)

Coach Lewis with the fall out with Shaun Alexander his head coach and Shaun being a free agent now what are the possibilities of bringing Shaun home to Cincy?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:36:33 PM)

Shaun Alexander, I would think, would unbalance our salary cap.

Jim (Jan 4, 2005 12:37:11 PM)

Will your coaching staff be able to coach any of the senior games this year like last year?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:37:11 PM)

I don't think we will get the opportunity to coach the Senior Bowl this year. We would attend the practices and review all the video tape.

nivram siwel (Jan 4, 2005 12:38:08 PM)

What features would you like to have in a potential indoor practice facility near PBS? I was surprised to hear that the Bengals recently had to bus the team out to Mason to work out. Does lack of this facility hurt the free agent signing process?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:38:08 PM)

A lack of an indoor practice facility does not hinder free agency. Free agency is less of a recruiting process than people think.It's more of opportunity and financial dynamics.

Guest (Jan 4, 2005 12:38:56 PM)

What do you believe is the most important aspect of the offseason in regards to player development and maturation?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:38:57 PM)

We are going to learn football the way you play it in your back yard as a kid.

union bengal (Jan 4, 2005 12:39:34 PM)

Coach - how about some important issues. Any new uniform designs (possibly the helmet) in progress? Thanks for restoring the faith here.

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:39:34 PM)

We cannot re-design the uniform for a five-year period.

Guest (Jan 4, 2005 12:40:10 PM)

A DT bigger than 300 lbs with athletic ability.

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:40:11 PM)

Athletic ability is the key component. Now we think alike.

amy (Jan 4, 2005 12:40:17 PM)

We have only about five minutes left in today's chat. If you haven't already asked your question, please do so quickly.

Jim (Jan 4, 2005 12:40:50 PM)

Run stopping defensive tackle = Sam Adams, Gilbert Brown, etc

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:40:50 PM)

Sam Adams: explosive, athletic ability. Gilbert Brown has never played on a top-rated defense.

Mt. Adams Al (Jan 4, 2005 12:41:20 PM)

Do you think the AFC North will improve next year...or is Cleveland and Balt. on a down swing?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:41:20 PM)

I believe Cleveland will be improved and the Bengals will be the best team in the AFC North.

amy (Jan 4, 2005 12:42:03 PM)

A transcript of today's chat will be posted later today on Cincinnati.Com. While you're online, be sure to check out our 2004 season highlights photo gallery and electronic postcards.

pault2 (Jan 4, 2005 12:42:20 PM)

coach - how close do you see this defense to being on the level of your baltimore or washington defensive units? are we just missing a few key components?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:42:20 PM)

A cap summary of those two groups would show you the difference. We will mature into being a better unit for a long period of time.

Cami (Jan 4, 2005 12:42:36 PM)

Mr. Lewis just wanna say you and your bengal boys are an absolute joy to watch. and this is coming from a former florida girl.

Bob in Tampa (Jan 4, 2005 12:43:03 PM)

Just wanted to say that you have done a great time. Thanks for bringing football back to Cincinnati!

Marijo (Jan 4, 2005 12:43:29 PM)

Marvin - met you at Women's 101, and I am a season ticket holder. Thank you for everything! Keep it up the great job

ukcats41094 (Jan 4, 2005 12:43:44 PM)

Coach, I appreciate your serious minded attitude towards your job but I wonder if there is a more laid back joking side of your personality that we dont see on t.v. or on these chat sessins? Thanks for the wonderful job you have done for our team and our city,

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:43:44 PM)

I enjoy having a good time, however, this is a very serious job with many people's livelihoods depending on the direction and the decisions that I must make each and every day.

udub (Jan 4, 2005 12:43:52 PM)

Coach- Good Luck next season! We're very glad your here in Cincinnati!

cjfan (Jan 4, 2005 12:44:11 PM)

Coach Lewis--you have done an awesome job! Good Luck next season! Who-Dey!

jake (Jan 4, 2005 12:44:32 PM)

My daughter is 2.5 years old. When she was born, I swore I would not let her grow up to be a Bengals fan. Today, she knows both Bengals songs from start to finish (which is better than the fans who sit near me). Good job.

Guest (Jan 4, 2005 12:44:35 PM)

Marvin, any chance of scoring the young Munoz boy from TN? And can we expect a ticket price hike next season? I don't think that would be appropriate.

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:44:36 PM)

Michael has had an outstanding career and will be a player that will have a fine career in the NFL. Let's go through the process and see what happens on draft day.

shells (Jan 4, 2005 12:45:19 PM)

I am a huge fan, and I'm thrilled with the progress we've made. Is there any more I as a fan can do to support the team?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:45:19 PM)

Thanks for your support and continue to bring your loud friends to the games and never allow Bengals fans to sell their tickets to the Steelers fans.

Who Dey Jake (Jan 4, 2005 12:45:48 PM)

Coach Lewis, Before you leave, I just want to say Thank you. For everything you bring to our City. Thank you!

CZAR420 (Jan 4, 2005 12:45:54 PM)

Coach Lewis, are you going to sign Rudi and TJ?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:45:54 PM)

We are in the process of negotiating with the representation of both Rudi and T.J.

robyn (Jan 4, 2005 12:46:31 PM)

THANK GOD for Marvin Lewis and his ability to create a REAL football team again in Cincinnati! You have no idea how great it is to have a stand-up guy coaching here!!!

Guest (Jan 4, 2005 12:46:41 PM)

I think Kenny Watson did a great job as a third down back and change of pace runningback, do you envision him playing the same role next year with a resigned Rudi and a healthy Chris Perry?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:46:41 PM)

Kenny is an excellent football player and gives us a great third-down back and change-of-pace. He also excells on our special teams units.

AMWimm25 (Jan 4, 2005 12:47:36 PM)

Coach, I just wanted to say good luck next season and im planning on watching the Bengals for another GREAT season! My wife and I never liked watching the Bengals until you became head coach because you have totally changed this team around. Thanks for these recent seasons of Bengals football a pleasure to watch.

Geoff (Jan 4, 2005 12:47:38 PM)

Hopefully, Rich Braham will be physically up for another year as a starter. However, if he can't go, can you fill that gap with a rookie (i.e.,is it difficult for a rookie center to start in the NFL because of all the line calls/responsibility)?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:47:38 PM)

You are right. It would be difficult for a rookie center to shoulder the responsibilities in the NFL, particularly in our division with the multiple fronts played by Pittsburgh and Baltimore on third down.

Mt. Adams Al (Jan 4, 2005 12:48:34 PM)

Will it be harder to advance to the Superbowl in the AFC vs. the NFC over the next couple of years?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:48:34 PM)

I would think that the AFC -NFC dominance would begin to level out. The AFC seems to play more physical football.

whodeynation (Jan 4, 2005 12:49:33 PM)

Thanks Coach Lewis for reviving bengalmania in Cincinnati...WHODEY IN MARVIN WE TRUST!!!!

Guest (Jan 4, 2005 12:49:34 PM)

Would you consider the failed signing of Warren Sapp situation a blessing in disguise?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:49:35 PM)

By pulling back on Warren, we were able to use that cap space to sign Bobbie Williams, trade and re-sign Deltha O'Neal, sign Rich Braham, Rogers Beckett and Patrick Johnson.

Sid in Chicago (Jan 4, 2005 12:50:46 PM)

Coach, you have suggested in the past personnel needs may be affected by division opponents' strength; and you said you were disappointed with our early performance vs. AFC North teams in 2004. What do you need to do to be more successful against AFC North teams next year?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:50:46 PM)

We must run the football more consistently and not have the big turnovers. Conversely, we must stop the run and allow no explosive plays on defense and win the battles in the kicking game.

Guest (Jan 4, 2005 12:51:52 PM)

congrats on the season marvin. did you ever expect grahm would have the year he did?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:51:52 PM)

By matching the offer by Jacksonville, yes, we knew we had a very fine kicker in Shayne Graham.

bogie (Jan 4, 2005 12:52:08 PM)

Despite the what the draft critics say , keep up the good work in the draft. I think your first two drafts have been quite a success.

Guest (Jan 4, 2005 12:52:47 PM)

Marvin I'm a Bengals fan that lives in Steeler country. I'm trying to convert people to become Bengals fans.

David (Jan 4, 2005 12:53:23 PM)

Coach-we had success this year(and last) going deep down the middle with the tight end.

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:53:24 PM)

In our three-wide sets this year with the amount of blitz pressure we saw in games, we were in more seven-man protections, which did not allow the free release of the tight end as much. Matt Schobel and Kenny Watson did an outstanding job protecting the quarterback and allowing Chad Johnson and T.J. to catch the only ball on the field.

Troy (Jan 4, 2005 12:53:39 PM)

Coach - With the advercity this team faced this year, i.e. injuries, harder schedule, young QB, etc... I think the 8-8 season is a tribute to you as a great coach. Thanks for the fun and exciting year, good luck in the offseason!

sparky (Jan 4, 2005 12:54:08 PM)

Coach, how is D. Weathersby doing?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:54:08 PM)

Dennis has progressed well mentally and will be evaluated soon on his ability to continue a career playing football.

bob (Jan 4, 2005 12:54:46 PM)

coach, if peter warrick is unable to play next year will you try to get another reciever to help chad and TJ? either by draft or free agency?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:54:46 PM)

Peter Warrick should have no problems being able to play next year.

Guest (Jan 4, 2005 12:55:06 PM)

How many times will I see you in Detroit next year?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:55:06 PM)

Two times.

Rex (Jan 4, 2005 12:56:08 PM)

Marvin were you pleased with the new field surface this year?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:56:08 PM)

(This is the last question Coach Lewis will take) ... We were very pleased with the FieldTurf at PBS. We were able to practice on it many of the damp days we had during the fall.

amy (Jan 4, 2005 12:56:59 PM)

Coach Lewis has stayed with us longer than scheduled, but we will now be closing today's chat.

amy (Jan 4, 2005 12:57:17 PM)

Thank you, Coach Lewis for joining us online today and for an exciting season of Bengals football.

jeremy kepf (Jan 4, 2005 12:57:20 PM)

what are the best motivational books on your bookshelf right now?

Marvin Lewis (Jan 4, 2005 12:57:20 PM)

Pick any John Maxwell book or Pat Riley's "The Winner Within." ... Thanks for your support, passion and see you in the fall. Who-dey. ... This concludes Coach Lewis' chat today on Cincinnati.com

amy (Jan 4, 2005 12:57:52 PM)

Thank you fans for joining us today. Remember to watch for a transcript of today's chat on Cincinnati.Com.

Guest (Jan 4, 2005 12:58:59 PM)

Thanks coach and good luck next season! WHO DEY!

[jditty47]

wow he answered a ton of good questions.

is the superbowl in detroit next year?

u cant change ur uniforms for 5 yrs after making a change....i never knew that.

[HoosierCat]

There's actually a lot of good stuff in there. How much of it can be believed...who knows? Sounds like WR is a day one option, there'll be no (pure) big fatty DT, no Alexander, and Marvin wants more $$$ spent on defense (which makes you wonder about Rudi and TJ, no matter what the front office officially says).

[Kirkendall]

There's actually a lot of good stuff in there. How much of it can be believed...who knows? Sounds like WR is a day one option, there'll be no (pure) big fatty DT, no Alexander, and Marvin wants more $$$ spent on defense (which makes you wonder about Rudi and TJ, no matter what the front office officially says).

Pretty much everything we expected JC.

How cool would Edwards of Mich. or Williams of USC be if we picked them up. Chad would be competing for number one.

[bengalboomer7]

I really like the part where he says they considered making Andrew a DT. Now that would have been the fat guy we needed

[JPW]

I really like the part where he says they considered making Andrew a DT.  Now that would have been the fat guy we needed

How do you know that he was talking about Tackle ?

Stacy Andrews runs like a 4.9 40-yard dash...

Maybe they were thinking about a 6'6" 350 Lb Defense END !!!

[HoosierCat]

How cool would Edwards of Mich. or Williams of USC be if we picked them up. Chad would be competing for number one.

And within second of the selection the board would be flooded with posts declaring that Marvin has no power, Mikey is still pulling all the strings, we'll never win...heck, it's almost worth it for the online entertainment value alone!

[HoosierCat]

I really like the part where he says they considered making Andrew a DT.  Now that would have been the fat guy we needed

How do you know that he was talking about Tackle ?

Stacy Andrews runs like a 4.9 40-yard dash...

Maybe they were thinking about a 6'6" 350 Lb Defense END !!!

y'know, that's just crazy enough to work???

[Tiger Stripes]

i like marvins comment about the bengals being the best team in the afc north next year.

[bengalboomer7]

As athletic as they say he is, that would be one tough Dlineman no matter where you put him, but our future at oline is more bleak than dline

[turningpoint]

I actually like Marvin Philosphy, of spening more on D! Hell i really wouldn; miss TJ or RUDI...

Honestly, if Perry recovers fully, he is the perfect back for our Offense, and were getting back Pdub and we have Kellet Washington. TJ wasn't even in the mix 6 months ago to even be in on 3 wide sets.