Sporting News Top 99 Free Agents

[Kirkendall]

I read on another site where Abraham is looking for a huge payday. Another thing I thought was interesting, sources(that's like saying they said, who the hell is they) around the league are saying that his knee is not that bad and he's sitting out so he doesn't risk that big payday that was coming. If we want him you better hope Marvin doesn't see that

Yeap. Abraham said himself he's more concerned about the free agent market and his injury than the Jets in the playoffs.

[turningpoint]

So what I understand what he means, Notto mention I'd love to have a top 5 pass rusher in the nfl, Dwight freeney owned Ogden and i think Abraham could do the same.

Also while on the topic of the Jet's D line, can we please sign Jason Ferguson there DT, he would be a perfect fit, they were 5th in run D this season.

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/3439

He's 30 years old, but i think if we offered him a 4 year deal something to the tune of what we were offering Sapp, he'd be all for becoming a bengal.

[BengalsOwn]

exactly. we dont need rudi. tj ill take as a 3rd instead of kwash, hes more reliable once he gets in rhythm. at the beginning of the season tj did absolutely nothing.

Week 3 against the Ravens?

[oldschooler]

exactly.  we dont need rudi.  tj ill take as a 3rd instead of kwash, hes more reliable once he gets in rhythm.  at the beginning of the season tj did absolutely nothing.

Week 3 against the Ravens?

Yeah week 3 against the Ravens TJ had 7 catches

for 116 yards and 0 TD`s.

Out of the first 11 games he had ONE 100 yard game.

(that Ravens game) And he had 36 catches for 484 yards and 2 TD`s.

(the 2 TD`s both came in the 58-48 Browns game)

Over the first 11 games he averaged 3.2 catches 44 yards and

0.18 TD`s a game.

Wow impressive.

[semiotter]

I cant see why everyone wants to just dump RUDI??? Damn he rushes for 1454 yds, 4.0 avg. 12 tds. strong inside can go outside, wants to play here. Took over for COREY last year when he got hurt and did great. Plays in the toughest conf.(AFC). Doesnt bitch, dont here nothing from him about nothing. Just goes out and does his job!!!Plus he really wants to be a "BENGAL". How many players have we had that said that in awhile??? I dont think he has even reached his peak yet!! He will only get better as the BENGALS get better...But thats just me in a sea of RUDI haters!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BengalszoneBilly]

..But thats just me in a sea of RUDI haters!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yo! Don't be thinking I'm no Rudi hater! He's done quite well for us. The stats back that up. And this news flash is for those aforementioned haters:

RUDI IS NOT, REPEAT NOT GOING ANYWHERE IN THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE BECAUSE HE IS A "MARVIN LEWIS" TYPE OF PLAYER! MARVIN SURROUNDS HIMSELF WITH SUCH PLAYERS. HE DOES NOT GET ONE, THEN GET RID OF HIM AFTER HE DOES A GOOD JOB FOR HIM. MARVIN IS ABOUT LOYALTY. RUDI IS A LOYAL TEAM PLAYER! GET USED TO SEEING HIM IN STRIPES! :player:

...End of news flash.

[oldschooler]

I cant see why everyone wants to just dump RUDI??? Damn he rushes for 1454 yds, 4.0 avg. 12 tds. strong inside can go outside, wants to play here. Took over for COREY last year when he got hurt and did great. Plays in the toughest conf.(AFC). Doesnt bitch, dont here nothing from him about nothing. Just goes out and does his job!!!Plus he really wants to be a "BENGAL". How many players have we had that said that in awhile??? I dont think he has even reached his peak yet!! He will only get better as the BENGALS get better...But thats just me in a sea of RUDI haters!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree 100%

Plus Rudi only has 4 fumbles in 593 career carries.

That`s 1 FUMBLE for every 148.25 carries !

Dillon has 25 fumbles in 2210 career carries.

That`s 1 fumble for every 88.4 carries !

[bengalboomer7]

I've been saying that for weeks now, billy. Yet this topic seems to come up in almost every thread. Sorry, I think you're just wasting your breath until a deal gets announced. Then for the rest of the offseason we can use every thread to talk about if it was a good move, if we paid him too much, stuff like that. Either way, Rudi will be a conversation for the rest of the offseason.

[TubThumper]

I'll tell yopu what made me love TJ. I can't remeber if it was the New Englad game or the Buffalo game(I think new England) But Kitna threw one of those wobblers with no nustard on them to Tj across the middle and TJ got"JACKED UP" and still held on to the ball. Then, there were a couple of other games where the guy just got killed over and over and even was real slow to get up a few times(might have been his big170 yd day) and just kept on making plays. That is a football player!!

Exactly!! and Kirkendall mentioned the catch against the Giants - fourth-and-youse-guys-hit-the-showers-'cause-you'll-never-make-it, and he skies up and grabs THE catch. Once TJ got warmed up coming off his injury season, not only did he consistently take the punishment and still make plays, he made them when they were most needed. There's no substitute for heart, and TJ's got it.

[BengalszoneBilly]

I've been saying that for weeks now, billy. Yet this topic seems to come up in almost every thread.

I know, I know. It's just insane, part of the off season blah, blah, blah that breeds baseless rumors and the comedy of mock drafts. I am yet to see one of those that was even remotely close to how any team drafts on draft day! But...when I do, I'm kidnapping that sucker off to 'Vegas, and we'll be placing some big $$$ bets I can assure you!

[bengalboomer7]

I'm already working on the Bengalzone gambling thread. I think it's jditty that lives in Vegas, if we can get him in, then we'll just sit back and watch the cash roll in Baby!

[jditty47]

it comes up cuz everyone knows rudi's stats are decieving. if he had more cinsistency and more ability to break big runs, id be all for keeping him - but hes not. hes a good back who is a great backup, but not a great starter. hes not the type of player that can take his game to another level. he proved it this year.

if we somehow do resign him, he'll be ok with perry mixing it up and eventually taking over.

[BengalszoneBilly]

it comes up cuz everyone knows rudi's stats are decieving. if he had more cinsistency and more ability to break big runs, id be all for keeping him - but hes not. hes a good back who is a great backup, but not a great starter. hes not the type of player that can take his game to another level. he proved it this year.

if we somehow do resign him, he'll be ok with perry mixing it up and eventually taking over.

Okay...now I'm really confused here jditty. First, you say Rudi's stats are deceiving, but if the Bengals do end up keeping him (which I belive will happen) he'd be okay mixing it up with Chris Perry.

How do you know this!?! Especially the part about Perry? His stats aren't deceiving, THEY'RE NON-EXISTENT! You can't get less deceiving than that I suppose!

I'll lay it out the way I see it:

Rudi Johnson= a proven running back that Mavin Lewis likes who has undeniably racked up big numbers in the last couple seasons as a Bengal at a relatively bargain price. Oh, and he's consistently an unselfish team player who seldom fumbles and likes playing in Cincy. The "Anti-Corey", if you will.

Perry = an totally unproven running back (NFL-wise that is...college stats look damn impressive! But as he's finding out, this ain't college anymore. Everybody up here except the kicker hit's hard, and on some teams even he'll lay one on ya'!) that has only really racked up a hefty list of consistently happening injuries/papercuts/agonizing hangnails/upset tummys, or whatever various malady that you may imagine! Well, he did rack up one other thing. The check he gets from being picked #1 last year.

For some reason every time I envision Perry going to the bank with his $$$, I hear South Park's Eric Cartmans voice in the backround just saying "Sweet!"

Now I'm not for getting rid of either of these backs...especially Perry! Money has been invested, but there has been no return yet! He better start scoring TD's, or scrubbing locker room toilets! The Bengals better get something out of their money!

Now Rudi...especially for what they thought they were getting when he was drafted 100th overall in the 4th round out of Auburn in 2001! I'd say the team has made a profit on this guy, and you all know how Mikie loves profit! And Marvin likes him too, so does anyone here really still think he's going anywhere? IMHO you had better think again. :player:

[jditty47]

i was saying that about rudi cuz if we do keep him i have no choice and will be forced to find the good in him. hes not a bad back dont get me wrong, but hes not worth it at this time to keep him for what he'll want. if i have a choice, my choice would be to not resign rudi and let perry/watson carry the rock. that way we have 5 more mill or so to sign FA players like a DT, TE, or a S.

[BengalszoneBilly]

if i have a choice, my choice would be to not resign rudi and let perry/watson carry the rock. that way we have 5 more mill or so to sign FA players like a DT, TE, or a S.

Okay...worst case scenario. Let's just pretend it turns out that neither Perry and Watson can carry a tune, much less the rock. Now the Bengals are in quite a pickle, wouldn't you say?

Until you're sure you have someone capable (Key Word!) to take his place, why would you let Rudi go? That's the way it was done with Dillon, right? Rudi showed he was capable, and it made trading Dillon just all that much easier.

I DO like your train of thought on the having $$$ for free agents issue. Marvin has impressed me with his FA work so far. Yeah...I remember the Sapp thing, and now it looks as though we we fortunate to lose out there. I didn't hear his name mention one time on Sports Center since he's been playing with the Raiders. A far cry from his Tampon bay persona, eh?

[jditty47]

true but let me point out watson is more than capable of carrying the load while perry progresses. do you not agree?

i doubt we get any big named ppl again just cuz the fact that big name players are usually overpaid and marvin just wont do it, which i like. but with that cash we can build great depth so we can be ready for anything...look at the pats secondary.

[staticx682000]

I don't want to see rudi go anywhere either.I have my doubt's he will stay...He is a marvin player..Marvin would like to keep him...But the day's of over paying for a player are out also. marvin has proven that also.....He would'nt over pay for a couple free agent's..Marvin and the bengal's will offer rudi what is fair....If he walk's he walk's...In marvin we all should trust...He has done us good so far.....I think the only reason we have not re-signed rudi is because we are waiting on the market....Why throw big dollar's now....Wait and be patient..

[BengalszoneBilly]

let me point out watson is more than capable of carrying the load while perry progresses. do you not agree?

Watson? More than capable? More capable than Perry no question. Hell, right now you are I seem more capable than Perry.

I honestly can't say I've seen enough of Watson to agree here. Just not enough carries to see the big picture for me yet. I will say the potential is there. I just need to see it more established to at least the level Rudi was when he supplanted Corey.

Until Chris Perry can stay healthy for at least 2/3 of a season, and maybe even pick up a 1st down or two, or possibly (God willing!) score a TD , he's not even worth mentioning in this role. A total non factor!

[Dan2330]

So who should we go after? I think J. Peterson at LB from the 49ers is a good option.

[jditty47]

how can u say that. he was a first round draft pick and was injured. u think if he plays hes not gonna be a factor?

[BengalszoneBilly]

how can u say that.  he was a first round draft pick and was injured.  u think if he plays hes not gonna be a factor?

How can I say that!?! I guess you'll have to read my lips, but I swear jditty, I have not lied about anything that involves raising your taxes later! Just kidding you overly pious Republicans!

Now here is how I can say that, and I'll actually ask YOU the $64.00 question:

Since when is being selected #1 (or any other number for that matter) by any NFL team in the draft a sure "dead solid" lock guarantee against turning out to eventually be a bust? Is it even a guarantee to keep you in the league beyond your 1st year!?!

If you're a #1 pick, yes. There is too much money invested to just s**tcan you after one single year. Teams usually wait until things are five times worse with #1 draft picks before deciding they've lost enough money to dump the player they spent too much on to begin with!

***deeeeeeep beath***

Here's just a fraction of the NFL's all time 1st round draft busts. And to keep thing interesting, I'm going to omit all of the Cincinnati Bengals busts. Why? Two reasons, the first is because, well...because it just too easy! : The second reason is that I don't want to induce a severe case of "Carpal Tunnels Syndrome" due to excessive typing!

The "All-Time #1 Draft Bust List":

Tim Couch. Cleveland Browns. As a QB at UK I loved him! Cleveland fixed that for me.

Ryan Leaf. San Diego Chargers. Now has the same connotation as Woody Harrelson had with "Munsoned" in the movie "King Pin.".

Demetrius Underwood. Minnesota Vikings. Never even showed up for camp.

Lawrence Phillips. L.A. Rams. Career total yardage less than 2000.

Brian Bosworth. Seattle Seahawks. Yeah, yeah draft dorks...I know he went in the supplemental draft a year early, but there is NO DOUBT some team would have picked him #1 had he waited. As it turns out...waiting would have been a good idea for him. Even if he kept us waiting for eternity. At least that way we wouldn't have to endure his crap B movies on $1 movie night!

Tony Mandarich. Green Bay Packers. A prime example why size isn't everything. Jditty is a strict believer when it comes to women on this rule! He's never known the joy of riding a "Cellulite Tsunami" in his life! Poor bastard!

Yo homes...I could go on and on, but you know what I'm saying, and I got a wave to catch! Surf's up dude!!

[turningpoint]

So who should we go after? I think J. Peterson at LB from the 49ers is a good option.

he will be tagged, or demand a huge amount of money, i'd rather have Jason Fergeson of the Jet's. He's a NT and would be a great guy tp pencil in as our offer starting DT.

[WHO DEY AGAIN?]

You must be talking about the "after the shoulder injury" Couch. Couch did fine in Cleveland when they finally got an o-line for him. Too bad he was hurt soon there after. After he recovers from shoulder surgery he'll be back in the league.

[BengalszoneBilly]

After he recovers from shoulder surgery he'll be back in the league.

As long as it isn't with the Browns...I wish him well. :player:

[jditty47]

how can u say that.  he was a first round draft pick and was injured.  u think if he plays hes not gonna be a factor?

How can I say that!?! I guess you'll have to read my lips, but I swear jditty, I have not lied about anything that involves raising your taxes later! Just kidding you overly pious Republicans!

Now here is how I can say that, and I'll actually ask YOU the $64.00 question:

Since when is being selected #1 (or any other number for that matter) by any NFL team in the draft a sure "dead solid" lock guarantee against turning out to eventually be a bust? Is it even a guarantee to keep you in the league beyond your 1st year!?!

If you're a #1 pick, yes. There is too much money invested to just s**tcan you after one single year. Teams usually wait until things are five times worse with #1 draft picks before deciding they've lost enough money to dump the player they spent too much on to begin with!

***deeeeeeep beath***

Here's just a fraction of the NFL's all time 1st round draft busts. And to keep thing interesting, I'm going to omit all of the Cincinnati Bengals busts. Why? Two reasons, the first is because, well...because it just too easy! : The second reason is that I don't want to induce a severe case of "Carpal Tunnels Syndrome" due to excessive typing!

The "All-Time #1 Draft Bust List":

Tim Couch. Cleveland Browns. As a QB at UK I loved him! Cleveland fixed that for me.

Ryan Leaf. San Diego Chargers. Now has the same connotation as Woody Harrelson had with "Munsoned" in the movie "King Pin.".

Demetrius Underwood. Minnesota Vikings. Never even showed up for camp.

Lawrence Phillips. L.A. Rams. Career total yardage less than 2000.

Brian Bosworth. Seattle Seahawks. Yeah, yeah draft dorks...I know he went in the supplemental draft a year early, but there is NO DOUBT some team would have picked him #1 had he waited. As it turns out...waiting would have been a good idea for him. Even if he kept us waiting for eternity. At least that way we wouldn't have to endure his crap B movies on $1 movie night!

Tony Mandarich. Green Bay Packers. A prime example why size isn't everything. Jditty is a strict believer when it comes to women on this rule! He's never known the joy of riding a "Cellulite Tsunami" in his life! Poor bastard!

Yo homes...I could go on and on, but you know what I'm saying, and I got a wave to catch! Surf's up dude!!

its not dead solid but u have to give the man a chance. and its worth risking having a guy that played very solid for you last year in watson (rushing, catching, and blocking) and a first round pick that the coach says has a ton of potential and cant wait to get on the field. Ill take those chances with signing a 3rd rb that can jsut flat run the rock like a big downhiller but not for more than the minimum.