Bengals to announce Rudi decision this week

[jjakq27]

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art.../502150399/1066

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Bengals extend coaches' contracts

Team to reveal its Rudi decision soon

By Mark Curnutte

Enquirer staff writer

The Bengals began moving decisively through their offseason on Monday, announcing contract extensions for all of their coaches, and will make public later this week their plan regarding Rudi Johnson.

The four-year running back, who set the franchise's single-season rushing record and played in the Pro Bowl, can become an unrestricted free agent March 2. And the Bengals have until Feb. 22 to use their franchise and transition tags.

"Our decisions have been made for a while, so those things will be coming to you a little later this week," head coach Marvin Lewis said Monday.

The franchise tag limits a player's mobility in free agency. If another team would sign Johnson as a free agent, they would owe the Bengals two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Johnson is guaranteed, under the tag, a one-year salary of $6.3 million - the average of the top five running back salaries. He has said he would sit out the season rather than play under the tag.

Johnson and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, another unrestricted free agent, figure prominently in the Bengals' goals in free agency, which will begin March 2. Peter Schaffer, Johnson's agent, did not return two phone messages Monday.

"We obviously have a free agent running back, a free agent receiver, so we're going to start with those areas, and make sure we've done the research of that and move through every position, other than quarterback," Lewis said.

The Bengals move forward with great continuity.

Lewis, 16-16 in his first two seasons with the Bengals, received a one-year extension that binds him to the Bengals through the 2008 season.

The assistant coaches received two-year contract extensions that keep them with the Bengals through the 2006 season.

"Marvin has done an excellent job," Bengals president Mike Brown said in a statement released by the team's public relations department. "He has established himself with the Bengals and the community. We feel good about the future of our team being in his hands."

Lewis, who initially signed a four-year contract, received a new four-year contract after the 2003 season and a raise from $1.5 million to about $2 million a season.

"We're happy with the direction we're going and very pleased we were able to work it out," Lewis said.

Lewis has 15 assistants. They include offensive and defensive coordinators Bob Bratkowski and Chuck Bresnahan, assistant head coach/offensive line Paul Alexander and special teams coach Darrin Simmons.

The only change this offseason was the promotion of assistant coach Bresnahan to defensive coordinator. Previous coordinator Leslie Frazier was not offered a new contract.

The moves Monday give the Bengals increased stability heading into the 2005 season.

"Our goal is to win a world championship," Lewis said. "We haven't done it, so we still have that goal ahead of us. To win the Super Bowl, and that's the most important thing.

"We still have the opportunity to continue the direction we're in and continue to develop our players and grow the guys from the ground up, I think, is most important."

First, the Bengals will have to try to break a 14-year streak without a playoff berth and avoid setting the NFL record for the second longest stretch of seasons without a winning record.

The Bengals are tied with Tampa Bay with 14 consecutive non-winning seasons. New Orleans went the first 20 seasons of its existence without a winning season.

Coaching staff breakdown

A look at the Bengals' coaching staff; each received a two-year contract extension Monday:

Name Title Comment

Paul Alexander Asst. Head Coach/OL Six games with just one sack each

Jim Anderson Running Backs 10th Pro Bowl season (Rudi Johnson's first) under watch

Bob Bratkowski Off. Coordinator Franchise-record three 450-yard games in a row

Chuck Bresnahan Def. Coordinator Replacing Leslie Frazier

Louie Cioffi Asst. Secondary Worked with safeties, including rookie Madieu Williams

Kevin Coyle Secondary 20 interceptions most since 1996

Jay Hayes Def. Line Helped to develop Langston Moore and Robert Geathers

Jonathan Hayes Tight Ends Gets most out of talent pool, particularly as blockers

Ricky Hunley Linebackers Oversaw strong rookie season by Landon Johnson

Hue Jackson Wide Receivers Top receiving yards tandem, improved blocking

Chip Morton Strength and Cond. Team no longer fades in fourth quarter

Ray Oliver Asst. Strength and Cond. Fit in well in first year with team

Darrin Simmons Special Teams Rising star in coaching circles

Bob Surace Asst. Off. Line Key role in gameplan preparation

Ken Zampese Quarterbacks Prepared Carson Palmer to start

[shworge]

Not a good sign for those hoping Rudi gets a long term contract. I'm pretty sure this means they are tagging him, which is a shame we have to tie 6.3 million in cap space up in him.

[Kirkendall]

Yea, I don't believe this is good news unless a deal has already been struck, which doesn't seem likely if they're planning on annoucing something.

[turningpoint]

Na the deal would have been leaked or announced already, and he said nothing about garunteeing RUDI wil be here, next year.( kinda like how the colts said they'd garuntee James back, and the Jets with abraham, and eagles with SIMON) Sorry, but i understnad the bengals not valueing him that much.

Look the guy isn't going to be tagged, TJ isn't going to be resigned.( unless they're demands decrease dramatically) EDIT: well things already have, apperently RUDI wont sit out and TJ has changed agents.

I have feeling Marvin is talking with Brat, about who would be a good cheap fit to sign as an backup plan at RB in case Perry aint all he's supposed to be.

Marvin is also going over every teams FA's and looking to see which ones to target, look for him to announce thurs-friday, which Position(S) he'll be targeting in the offseason, so we can then have something else to chat about until FA period actually begins.

[ArmyBengal]

After Rudi saying he probably wouldn't sit out if tagged, that it was only an "option", I have to think this conversation has already taken place with him, MB, and ML and he WILL be tagged. I just don't see them letting him walk.

WHODEY !!!

[jditty47]

that is the worst thing ive heard from lewis since hes been here. basically he is saying we decided to tag him weeks ago and we've been trying to get a deal going that isnt going to happen. so basically we are throwing 6.3 mill on a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if he does come back next year he better f**king prove me wrong and not make me cringe when he gets the ball. Ill stop the rudi hating once he proves he is worth it. he hasnt proved s**t to me yet. ESPECIALLY for 6.3 million.

[Bobcat Bengal]

so basically we are throwing 6.3 mill on a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Actually, breaking tackles is his specialty.

He lead the league in broken tackles.

[LABengalsFan09]

Ditty,

We're talking about Rudi Johnson, not Ki-jana Carter. Rudi may be the best in the biz at breaking tackles. He broke the Bengals single season record you know, with a schedule heavy in #1 defenses and with an inexperienced QB to relieve 8 man fronts... we should be so lucky to have him... We're going to need a back like that in the AFC North... A La Jerome Bettis anyone???

[DontPushMe]

that is the worst thing ive heard from lewis since hes been here. basically he is saying we decided to tag him weeks ago and we've been trying to get a deal going that isnt going to happen. so basically we are throwing 6.3 mill on a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if he does come back next year he better f**king prove me wrong and not make me cringe when he gets the ball. Ill stop the rudi hating once he proves he is worth it. he hasnt proved s**t to me yet. ESPECIALLY for 6.3 million.

Excellent post, i agree completely.

Rudi sucks,.

[Kirkendall]

that is the worst thing ive heard from lewis since hes been here. basically he is saying we decided to tag him weeks ago and we've been trying to get a deal going that isnt going to happen. so basically we are throwing 6.3 mill on a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if he does come back next year he better f**king prove me wrong and not make me cringe when he gets the ball. Ill stop the rudi hating once he proves he is worth it. he hasnt proved s**t to me yet. ESPECIALLY for 6.3 million.

Again, relax ditster... this is just giving the Bengals more time to work the long term deal out. Go the optimistic route...

[ArmyBengal]

After Rudi saying he probably wouldn't sit out if tagged, that it was only an "option", I have to think this conversation has already taken place with him, MB, and ML and he WILL be tagged. I just don't see them letting him walk.

WHODEY !!!

Boy it's nice to be able to quote yourself, although not sure about the etiquet in it, however, I feel real smart all of a sudden. I need to write this in my journal and go buy a lottery ticket...

[ShulaSteakhouse]

a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You're joking right?

[Ox]

a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You're joking right?

No doubt.

[not-another]

that is the worst thing ive heard from lewis since hes been here. basically he is saying we decided to tag him weeks ago and we've been trying to get a deal going that isnt going to happen. so basically we are throwing 6.3 mill on a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if he does come back next year he better f**king prove me wrong and not make me cringe when he gets the ball. Ill stop the rudi hating once he proves he is worth it. he hasnt proved s**t to me yet. ESPECIALLY for 6.3 million.

Ditty,

If you want to make a point make sure that half of your post isnt censored out with "*****" and has over 26 exclamation points. And it would be a lot helpful if you got your facts right.

Anyways. I hope that Rudi gets a contract here. Like, someone said in another post. He could actually be like Bettis in coming years. Sturdy, thick, and fast. The Bengals have let good players slip through their fingers. Lets not let him go.

[jditty47]

if were paying him that much he better improve.

oh and all of your responses to me saying he cant break a tackle...ill correct my though process. HE CANT BREAK AWAY PERIOD!!! oh and most of his broken tackles came in the backfield because hes retarded and never hits the hole. I wonder how many broken tackles he had that were 4-5 yards past the line of scrimmage. I'd venture to bet about 5% of his BT's.

[CTBengalsFan]

that is the worst thing ive heard from lewis since hes been here. basically he is saying we decided to tag him weeks ago and we've been trying to get a deal going that isnt going to happen. so basically we are throwing 6.3 mill on a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if he does come back next year he better f**king prove me wrong and not make me cringe when he gets the ball. Ill stop the rudi hating once he proves he is worth it. he hasnt proved s**t to me yet. ESPECIALLY for 6.3 million.

....Rudi can't break tackles???

do you watch the games or....

[jditty47]

that is the worst thing ive heard from lewis since hes been here.  basically he is saying we decided to tag him weeks ago and we've been trying to get a deal going that isnt going to happen.  so basically we are throwing 6.3 mill on a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  if he does come back next year he better f**king prove me wrong and not make me cringe when he gets the ball.  Ill stop the rudi hating once he proves he is worth it.  he hasnt proved s**t to me yet.  ESPECIALLY for 6.3 million.

....Rudi can't break tackles???

do you watch the games or....

or you dont keep reading. my next post i corrected myself.

[OICanDoThat]

if were paying him that much he better improve.

oh and all of your responses to me saying he cant break a tackle...ill correct my though process. HE CANT BREAK AWAY PERIOD!!! oh and most of his broken tackles came in the backfield because hes retarded and never hits the hole. I wonder how many broken tackles he had that were 4-5 yards past the line of scrimmage. I'd venture to bet about 5% of his BT's.

A little unfair to blame him for something that is a paultry offensive line's fault. Don't get me wrong, I don't want Rudi back for 5 mil, let alone 6.3, but running hard is what this kid does best, whether they are before or after the line of scrimmage, it is just everything else he seems to struggle with.

On that note, if Rudi refuses to sign the tender, he is an idiot. He will NEVER get 6 mil in one year.

[jamesbrooks21]

On that note, if Rudi refuses to sign the tender, he is an idiot. He will NEVER get 6 mil in one year.

You're exactly right, but he will sign all that sitting out s**t was just to see if he could bluff the Bengals into something long term. He will play.

[bengalsfan33]

The reason Rudi didn't break away was because he was playing behind a weka line most of the year. And look how good he did with the backup lineman. I think we need to get Rudi a 3 or year deal with for about 18 mill. Because I think if you get Rudi a healthy o-line, you'll have a potential 1500-1700 yard back...

[OICanDoThat]

The reason Rudi didn't break away was because he was playing behind a weka line most of the year. And look how good he did with the backup lineman. I think we need to get Rudi a 3 or year deal with for about 18 mill. Because I think if you get Rudi a healthy o-line, you'll have a potential 1500-1700 yard back...

6 mil a year, now that is plain ridiculous, do you know what a salary cap is? You don't give contracts like those to slightly above average players, no matter their personality. Give Rudi that contract, and you can't afford to get that better offensive line he needs to perform. Either he takes a more affordable contract, or he is gone. Simple.

[jditty47]

f**k that. the oline was not at fault for rudi's s**ttiness. Yes at times it was the lines fault, but i dont know how many times per game i would cringe at the fact that rudi missed an opening or didnt hit a cut and just made mistake after mistake in the backfield.

[jjakq27]

that is the worst thing ive heard from lewis since hes been here.  basically he is saying we decided to tag him weeks ago and we've been trying to get a deal going that isnt going to happen.  so basically we are throwing 6.3 mill on a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  if he does come back next year he better f**king prove me wrong and not make me cringe when he gets the ball.  Ill stop the rudi hating once he proves he is worth it.  he hasnt proved s**t to me yet.  ESPECIALLY for 6.3 million.

From a different thread about Rudi, I submit the following, "For all of the Rudi-bashers, here is a stat I heard on the Lance McAlister show yesterday. According to Chick Ludwig of the Dayton Daily News, Rudi led the NFL in broken tackles with 54. That total was 14 more than Edgerrin James (40) and 39 more than Curtis Martin (15).

I'd like to know what Corey Dillon or Jerome Bettis' numbers were. If anybody in the Dayton area can find that article, please let us know. I'd love to see the whole list."

He leads the league in breaking tackles but he can't break a tackle. OK.

[DontPushMe]

that is the worst thing ive heard from lewis since hes been here.  basically he is saying we decided to tag him weeks ago and we've been trying to get a deal going that isnt going to happen.  so basically we are throwing 6.3 mill on a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  if he does come back next year he better f**king prove me wrong and not make me cringe when he gets the ball.  Ill stop the rudi hating once he proves he is worth it.  he hasnt proved s**t to me yet.  ESPECIALLY for 6.3 million.

From a different thread about Rudi, I submit the following, "For all of the Rudi-bashers, here is a stat I heard on the Lance McAlister show yesterday. According to Chick Ludwig of the Dayton Daily News, Rudi led the NFL in broken tackles with 54. That total was 14 more than Edgerrin James (40) and 39 more than Curtis Martin (15).

I'd like to know what Corey Dillon or Jerome Bettis' numbers were. If anybody in the Dayton area can find that article, please let us know. I'd love to see the whole list."

He leads the league in breaking tackles but he can't break a tackle. OK.

for a RB who CANT DO ANYTHING TO AVOID TACKLERS i would expect him to have a lot of broken tackles, but still, how many times did you see rudi, a 'power' rb, fail to convert on 3rd or 4th and <1

you would like to know corey dillon's numbers? how about 1700 yards and a super bowl ring? yeah im sure hes real jealous of rudi's broken tackles

dillon has less broken tackles, because he has other means of avoiding defenders

[jjakq27]

that is the worst thing ive heard from lewis since hes been here.  basically he is saying we decided to tag him weeks ago and we've been trying to get a deal going that isnt going to happen.  so basically we are throwing 6.3 mill on a back that CANT f**king BREAK A TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  if he does come back next year he better f**king prove me wrong and not make me cringe when he gets the ball.  Ill stop the rudi hating once he proves he is worth it.  he hasnt proved s**t to me yet.  ESPECIALLY for 6.3 million.

From a different thread about Rudi, I submit the following, "For all of the Rudi-bashers, here is a stat I heard on the Lance McAlister show yesterday. According to Chick Ludwig of the Dayton Daily News, Rudi led the NFL in broken tackles with 54. That total was 14 more than Edgerrin James (40) and 39 more than Curtis Martin (15).

I'd like to know what Corey Dillon or Jerome Bettis' numbers were. If anybody in the Dayton area can find that article, please let us know. I'd love to see the whole list."

He leads the league in breaking tackles but he can't break a tackle. OK.

for a RB who CANT DO ANYTHING TO AVOID TACKLERS i would expect him to have a lot of broken tackles, but still, how many times did you see rudi, a 'power' rb, fail to convert on 3rd or 4th and <1

you would like to know corey dillon's numbers? how about 1700 yards and a super bowl ring? yeah im sure hes real jealous of rudi's broken tackles

dillon has less broken tackles, because he has other means of avoiding defenders

You answered your question, now answer mine. I know Corey got 1700 yards but that is not what I asked. I am curious to see the entire list for the broken tackles just to see where Dillon and Betis and a few others rank.

I seem to recall a certain power back in this town get stuffed regularly, especially inside the five. But that was the line's fault. Now he's gone and the line is great and Rudi sucks, right?