HoosierCat Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 Bunch of interesting nuggets...http://www.bengals.com/press/news.asp?iCur...=0&news_id=2825Quick hits: Johnson lands job4/7/2005 - 12:50 p.m. BY GEOFF HOBSON Until he proves otherwise, Landon Johnson is the club’s starting middle linebacker as Nate Webster rehabs from two surgeries on the torn patella tendon in his kneecap. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said Thursday that the 225- to 230-pound Johnson is big enough after starting 10 games there last season as a rookie. “He finished (the season) as a starting player ... He feels confident whether Nate’s here or not that it’s going to be his job,” Lewis said. “Size and weight have nothing to do with it. He just played 16 games.” After the Bengals hosted a group of about 15 college players (mostly local) for a workout Thursday morning at Paul Brown Stadium, Lewis said he had completed a “job interview” with former Ravens and Texans linebacker Jamie Sharper. But indications are Sharper flew to his visit in Seattle without reaching a deal with the Bengals ... After the season, Lewis ruled out drafting a quarterback and cornerback in the first round with the 17th pick. Now with 16 days left until the NFL Draft, he wouldn’t rule out picking a corner that is deep at that position. He likes what he has there, “but you can never have enough.” ... Seven picks are the fewest the Bengals have had in Lewis’s three drafts and that may not be a bad thing with 17 of his 20 choices still around: “Most of our draft picks have made the team. I don’t know that would be the case this year if we had many more.” ... That svelte guy throwing the ball to wide receiver Chad Johnson was the streamlined Carson Palmer. He said he plans to stay at 230 pounds after spending last season at 248-250. He said he tried to put on extra weight last year so he could stand up to the pounding, but now he feels he’ll not only be quicker and more mobile, but that he’ll simply be in better shape. There were some stretches last year where he said he got winded. He says his knee is 100 percent after missing the last three games with torn cartilage ... Dept. of How Old Do You Feel Now? Watching Bengals analyst Dave Lapham interview one of the players the Bengals had in for Thursday’s workout, Tennessee tackle Michael Munoz, son of their Hall of Fame tackle Anthony Munoz and a Lapham teammate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeyondTheJungle Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 I think there could be some reading between the lines with this news. Promoting Landon to starting MLB might be a sign that the Sharper talks are a dead end. Why make this announcement today, only to sign Sharper 2 days later?It's amazing that 17 out of Marvin's 20 draft picks are still with the team. Especially when taking a look back to the last LeBeau draft, and how awful it turned out.Glad to hear CP's knee is 100%. That might be the best news of the offseason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted April 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 I think there could be some reading between the lines with this news. Promoting Landon to starting MLB might be a sign that the Sharper talks are a dead end. Why make this announcement today, only to sign Sharper 2 days later? I wouldn't read much into it (except that the bengals are known for using the web site to point out all their other options at a particular position when in talks with a FA ). Even if you're more optomistic than I am about the Bengals' chances in the Sharper derby, it was extremely unlikely they would have reached a deal yesterday or this morning. Sharper has Seattle begging on bended knee to please come grace their facilities with His August Presence, and six more teams with varying degrees of interest. Under those circumstances, he had no incentive to sign anything short of a blockbuster deal, and we all knew that wasn't gonna happen.I thought the most interesting news was Carson's weight. Will he get more zip, as he hopes...or will he just be 20 pounds easier to bring down...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 I think there could be some reading between the lines with this news. Promoting Landon to starting MLB might be a sign that the Sharper talks are a dead end. Why make this announcement today, only to sign Sharper 2 days later? It might mean nothing at all. Keep in mind that Sharpers agent just stated that the much of the discussion with the Bengals has been in regards to where Sharper would play if signed. The middle is the option most discussed due to Websters injury, but Sharper has experience on the outside. And like Sweinhart mentioned in another thread, Sharper would be an upgrade over Hardy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whur CHad At? Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 Sharper will sign with us, he knows in his heart that where he wants to be. Marvin made him into what he is now, and I think Marvin deserves him. Sharper won't like Seattle. All it does is rain. At least we have real football weather here in Cincy. :player: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeyondTheJungle Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 I thought the most interesting news was Carson's weight. Will he get more zip, as he hopes...or will he just be 20 pounds easier to bring down...?According to what I found on the web, he was at 232 when he was drafted. I didn't realize he'd put on 20 lbs., but I always thought he looked bulky last season. As for making him easier to bring down, I think he'll be able to outrun more pursuing defenders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walshfan Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 Sharper is 31 years old.. this is his last big contract.. He'll go for as much money as possible... Landon Johnson in the middle is not a great fit.. They need to draft a MLB if Sharper signs with another team.. Channing Crowder is the best ...Palmer did look sluggish at 248... Glad to hear he's down to 230. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whur CHad At? Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 Thank you walshfan for agreeing with me about Crowder! Your Probably the only one. I guess we are the only ones who see his potential in being a stud in this league. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ickeyshuffler Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 Thank you walshfan for agreeing with me about Crowder! Your Probably the only one. I guess we are the only ones who see his potential in being a stud in this league.He's not the only one - I haven't posted in a while but Crowder is a monster and I'd be happy with him no matter where we take him. Injury problems are a bit scary, but IF he is healthy he will be ray lewis good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whur CHad At? Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 He will def. be Ray Lewis Good. If we take him, I will be the happiest man alive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobcat Bengal Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 Sharper is 31 years old.. this is his last big contract.. He'll go for as much money as possible... Landon Johnson in the middle is not a great fit.. They need to draft a MLB if Sharper signs with another team.. Channing Crowder is the best ...Palmer did look sluggish at 248... Glad to hear he's down to 230. I refuse to believe that Landon can't get it done as long as I see players like Zach Thomas and Donnie Edwards play the middle (and them do a Madden spot none the less).Sorry, that's just bulls**t. I don't believe in this prototypical height and weight bulls**t scouts throw out. Like I said, tackle this clown and end the down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
membengal Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 Thank you walshfan for agreeing with me about Crowder! Your Probably the only one. I guess we are the only ones who see his potential in being a stud in this league. Here is the point at which I apologize.I gave you a hard time on Crowder in the draft forum, and I apologize. I am still not sold on him at #17 given his injury history, but if the Bengals were to trade down later in the first round and take him, I wouldn't yell about it.Even then, he would be a huge risk, in my opinion, but if ML rolls the dice, I certainly won't be second-guessing him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 Thank you walshfan for agreeing with me about Crowder! Your Probably the only one. I guess we are the only ones who see his potential in being a stud in this league.Here is the point at which I apologize.I gave you a hard time on Crowder in the draft forum, and I apologize. I am still not sold on him at #17 given his injury history, but if the Bengals were to trade down later in the first round and take him, I wouldn't yell about it.Even then, he would be a huge risk, in my opinion, but if ML rolls the dice, I certainly won't be second-guessing him. I have also spoken against Crowder as well, but agree with the above... #17 would piss me off, but trade down later in the first and "MAYBE". His potential was never in question, just his 5 knee surgeries. IF he stays healthy, yes he will be a freakin beast, but NO ONE can tell me that 5 knee surgeries doesn't scare them. If it doesn't at least concern you, maybe a medical class would be due to go over the anatomy and physiology of the knee. As stated above, if ML wants him, I have no major beef about it, but still se him as a long shot being drafted by the Bengals. Just my 2 cents...WHODEY !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jditty47 Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 im glad lewis did this. he basically said that webster has a chance to be back and if we do get sharper...hes playing outside and hardy will most likely be gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybren Posted April 9, 2005 Report Share Posted April 9, 2005 What about switching to the 3-4? It's a stretch, but what about this lineup:Clemons - Robinson - SmithHardy - Sharper - Johnson/Webster - Simmons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted April 9, 2005 Report Share Posted April 9, 2005 Marvin Lewis has been very critical of teams using the 3-4 as a base defense. He admits he likes to use it as a change of pace, but used as a base defense he thinks it's too hard to generate a steady pass rush with the D-Line...forcing teams to blitz too often with their LB's....a habit that increases the risk of giving up big plays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeyondTheJungle Posted April 9, 2005 Report Share Posted April 9, 2005 And I think he's also mentioned that he prefers the 4-3 because he wants to have an extra big body on the d-line to keep o-lineman off his linebackers. That way guys like Simmons and Landon can be free to roam and wreck havoc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walshfan Posted April 10, 2005 Report Share Posted April 10, 2005 Sharper is 31 years old.. this is his last big contract.. He'll go for as much money as possible... Landon Johnson in the middle is not a great fit.. They need to draft a MLB if Sharper signs with another team.. Channing Crowder is the best ...Palmer did look sluggish at 248... Glad to hear he's down to 230.I refuse to believe that Landon can't get it done as long as I see players like Zach Thomas and Donnie Edwards play the middle (and them do a Madden spot none the less).Sorry, that's just bulls**t. I don't believe in this prototypical height and weight bulls**t scouts throw out. Like I said, tackle this clown and end the down. Landon Johnson played at 215lbs last year and if you think thats sufficient for a MLB to weigh then your living in the 60's my friend... Zach Thomas is 5-11 and probably closer to 5'10" and weighs 235Donnie Edwards is 6'2 and weighs around 230'landon Johnson wasnt drafted to play MLB.. He was put into that position because of the injuries to Webster and Miller....The team needs to acquire a MLB that can handle the heat in the middle...Either sign Sharper or draft the best MLB they can.. If they want the best in the draft it would be Channing Crowder... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whur CHad At? Posted April 10, 2005 Report Share Posted April 10, 2005 I agree with Walshfan, sign Sharper, or Draft Crowder. If we are in that dieing need of a LB than draft Crowder. from nfl.comINJURY REPORT2002 -- Did not attend school, as he had surgery on both knees after his high school senior season. Crowder first underwent knee surgery as a sophomore as he had an anterior cruciate ligament transplant. After his senior year, Crowder again underwent surgery, this time on both of his knees. Shortly after his 18th birthday, on Dec. 2, 2001, he had additional knee surgery. There was another surgical procedure on the left knee in April of 2002 to fix complications from his sophomore operation. He worked diligently to get back in shape, but had to sit out the 2002 season -- not enrolling at Florida to save a year of eligibility. 2003 -- Underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery on Oct. 1, prior to the Mississippi game, and missed that contest. He returned against eventual national champion LSU 10 days after surgery to lead the linebacking unit with seven tackles. 2004 -- Bothered by a groin strain during spring drills. … Missed most of the Georgia game and the entire Vanderbilt and South Carolina contests after straining a a tendon in his right foot (arch) in the first quarter of the Georgia tilt.He's is pretty dedicated if he came back 10 days after surgeory where most guys would miss a month, and played. A highly intelligent person, he was a member of the National Honor Society, carrying a 3.5 grade point average. On the field, he is brash and cocky, but has the talent to back up his bold outbursts. He earned National Defensive Freshman of the Year honors from the Sporting News and All-America accolades from the Football Writers Association in 2003, starting nine games at middle linebacker.Kind of Similar to chad, not smart, but cocky, but can back it up. Also pretty impressive is being an All-American his Freshman Year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schweinhart Posted April 10, 2005 Report Share Posted April 10, 2005 Landon Johnson played at 215lbs last year and if you think thats sufficient for a MLB to weigh then your living in the 60's my friend... Zach Thomas is 5-11 and probably closer to 5'10" and weighs 235Donnie Edwards is 6'2 and weighs around 230'landon Johnson wasnt drafted to play MLB.. He was put into that position because of the injuries to Webster and Miller....The team needs to acquire a MLB that can handle the heat in the middle...Either sign Sharper or draft the best MLB they can.. If they want the best in the draft it would be Channing Crowder... That's straight up.Landon is a great, tough player w/ amazing range. I'd like to see him play SS because of his range and willingness to attack. But it's more likely he's the WSLB of the future if he can keep his shoulders together, which is a real question mark w/ him due to the multiple surgeries he's had.Caleb Miller may turn out to be the next Jim Leclair, but I doubt anyone is counting on that.The Bengals need a MLB. Whether Sharper can fill that bill for a couple years or not is open for discussion. A solid ILB prospect or two will get picked somewhere along the line by Bengals in this year's draft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walshfan Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 My personal opinion on the draft is that Marvin is going to pull a "Marvin" and surprise everyone by drafting a center with his first pick....the team needs one desperately and whats wrong with grabbing the best center in the draft to protect the 50 million dollar arm of Palmer?? Chris Spencer is very gifted.. He has the WHOLE package to be a probowler for the next decade... His intellect impresses everone... He's athletic and has a mean streak to boot when playing...Our O-line will be one of the best with his presence.The MLB that fits Marvin's style is Marcus Lawrence.. He'll be drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round and will have an immediate impact on the run IMO.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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