Chad Guarantees Playoffs

[HoosierCat]

Article is a few days old but I haven't checked the DDN in that time and didn't see this posted here. Looks like Chad's at it again .

Bengals ready to earn their stripes

By Carlos Holmes

Dayton Daily News

If last Tuesday's showing of the Cincinnati Bengals during a voluntary coaching session is any indication as to what the regular season will hold, fans may want to brace themselves for a breathtaking year.

The energy level in Cincy was high and the players appeared to be enthusiastic about being back on the playing field. The team's tempo was upbeat and it didn't take long for players like QB Carson Palmer and WR Chad Johnson to find their groove.

Palmer was a solid performer throughout practice, demonstrating incredible arm-strength and pinpoint accuracy. I was particularly in awe over the way Palmer surveyed the field going through his progressions and looking off defenders. He was on the mark for the most part, with the exception of one pass that was picked off by CB Greg Brooks, who jumped a route toward the end of practice. Palmer also showed an increased level of leadership and maturity, two key components needed in developing a winning quarterback and something this young offense will require.

Johnson, on the other hand, was his usual flamboyant self both on and off the field. On the field, he looked to be in mid-season form, running precise routes, stretching the field and catching everything in sight. Johnson made a miraculous, one-handed diving grab on an overthrown pass, which looked beyond his reach. He plucked it out of the air, making the catch look routine. Nasty!

Off the field, Chad had a lot to say about the team's high expectations. "We are going to evolve real well," Johnson said. "Just because it's not only me setting my expectations high, but so is everyone else. I'm not going to allow them below what my standards are. I have to raise the bar, therefore when I raise it I think the bar raises for everyone else around me. Right now the sky's the limit. Who knows what's going to happen? I tell you the playoffs is a GUARANTEE, and whatever happens from that point on, so be it."

This was just Chad being Chad, making his first guarantee of the 2005 season.

Palmer and Johnson weren't the only standouts on offense that day. RB Rudi Johnson was impressive, showing good acceleration and a little wiggle while running inside, deviating from his usual straight-ahead running style. Utilityman WR Jamall Broussard displayed outstanding quickness and was most effective running the underneath pattern. WR Kevin Walter drew attention with his precise route-running and sure hands. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he is deceptive and can find the holes to settle down. Walter could make for a nice possession receiver should he make the squad.

On defense, all eyes were on first-round pick David Pollack. Pollack moved around on defense more than a military brat changes neighborhoods. He showed his quickness off edge on one play, penetrating the line while closing in on QB Jon Kitna for a would-be sack. Pollack was resilient. The Bengals plan to use Pollack in a number of ways in order to try to confuse their opponents, giving them more looks than that of Michael Jackson. The formation that caught my eye most was Pollack lining up off end with four down linemen. He is expected to play the SAM linebacker position, where he will be free to roam.

Bottom line: The Bengals could present a potent offense with all their weapons and a solid defense with some of their off-season acquisitions. Expectations for the team are high, from the owner all the way down to the security guard manning the gate. Experts in attendance commented on how the Bengals looked further along than they have in recent years. That being said, it appears that Bengal fans will have much to cheer about this season. Welcome to the Jungle.

[NJ29]

Let's just hope that the rest of the team helps to back it up.

:player:

[brownsblow05]

Playoffs or bust!

Who-Dey :player:

[andybren]

Experts in attendance commented on how the Bengals looked further along than they have in recent years.

IMHO, this is the most important thing in the article. They gotta start strong.

[membengal]

Money quote:

"On defense, all eyes were on first-round pick David Pollack. Pollack moved around on defense more than a military brat changes neighborhoods. He showed his quickness off edge on one play, penetrating the line while closing in on QB Jon Kitna for a would-be sack. Pollack was resilient. The Bengals plan to use Pollack in a number of ways in order to try to confuse their opponents, giving them more looks than that of Michael Jackson. The formation that caught my eye most was Pollack lining up off end with four down linemen. He is expected to play the SAM linebacker position, where he will be free to roam."

Been awhile since we have had a weapon like that at LB and coaches smart enough to make use of such a talent.

I cried just a little reading the above paragraph.

[redsfan2]

RB Rudi Johnson was impressive, showing good acceleration and a little wiggle while running inside, deviating from his usual straight-ahead running style.

Thank You God .... Thank you! It sounds like the light has finally come on and Rudi realizes that it's OK to cut back if the hole isn't where it's supposed to be.

How do you spell hallelujah???

[bengalindian]

Thank You God .... Thank you!

You are welcome.

CJ rocks.

[StripesNTn]

RB Rudi Johnson was impressive, showing good acceleration and a little wiggle while running inside, deviating from his usual straight-ahead running style.

Thank You God .... Thank you! It sounds like the light has finally come on and Rudi realizes that it's OK to cut back if the hole isn't where it's supposed to be.

How do you spell hallelujah???

Well as long as he doesn't pull dillons and cut back on the cut back for losses............

[NJ29]

Thank You God .... Thank you!

You are welcome.

CJ rocks.

That's some funny crap.

[Bobcat Bengal]

I thought CJ said he was done with the guarantee biznazz.

[Bobcat Bengal]

RB Rudi Johnson was impressive, showing good acceleration and a little wiggle while running inside, deviating from his usual straight-ahead running style.

Thank You God .... Thank you! It sounds like the light has finally come on and Rudi realizes that it's OK to cut back if the hole isn't where it's supposed to be.

How do you spell hallelujah???

Rudi can still break tackles like no one's biznazz though.....

I think he's perfect for our division, personally.

Hard nosed-tough between the tackles runner.

[jditty47]

RB Rudi Johnson was impressive, showing good acceleration and a little wiggle while running inside, deviating from his usual straight-ahead running style.

Thank You God .... Thank you! It sounds like the light has finally come on and Rudi realizes that it's OK to cut back if the hole isn't where it's supposed to be.

How do you spell hallelujah???

Rudi can still break tackles like no one's biznazz though.....

I think he's perfect for our division, personally.

Hard nosed-tough between the tackles runner.

once he gets past the line of scrimmage that is....

[NJ29]

I know that Rudi is already good at breaking tackles, but a new ability to to elude tackles and run people over leaves defenders guessing. If DB's know that Rudi's gonna run 'em over, they can fly around and take his legs out. If he has elusiveness added to his arsenal, they have to break down and respect his shiftiness.