Who Will Get Cut/Cuts Are In/Who Gets Cut

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Terrell Roberts: bit of a surprise, another one no one predicted. Attributed to injury.

He's #25 on Big O's hit list.

Hit list...YYYEEEEEEEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

You make me sound like Pat Robertson!

So, because he was one of about 1/3rd of the roster on the list, it's a prediction?

[Whur CHad At?]

I say we add Duane Clemons on there. He is getting up there...

[The Big Orange]

Terrell Roberts: bit of a surprise, another one no one predicted. Attributed to injury.

He's #25 on Big O's hit list.

Hit list...YYYEEEEEEEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

You make me sound like Pat Robertson!

So, because he was one of about 1/3rd of the roster on the list, it's a prediction?

I left the 50 or so I thought would make it...is that not a prediction?

[KiLBurn]

If my "You pick the roster" thread was still available (its not) I had all these cuts nailed except for Abdullah and Roberts... It's still over at the Insiders if anyone cares... And yes I got the Warrick cut right.

[HoosierCat]

Roberts is back...sort of...

9/1/05: CB Terrell Roberts, waived/injured by the Bengals on Aug. 28, cleared waivers yesterday and now reverts to the Cincinnati Reserve/Injured list. Roberts will be under supervision of the Bengals athletic training and strength/conditioning staffs as he completes rehab from a knee injury suffered in the team's Aug. 5 Intrasquad Scrimmage.

[clevelandbengal]

Roberts is back...sort of...

9/1/05: CB Terrell Roberts, waived/injured by the Bengals on Aug. 28, cleared waivers yesterday and now reverts to the Cincinnati Reserve/Injured list. Roberts will be under supervision of the Bengals athletic training and strength/conditioning staffs as he completes rehab from a knee injury suffered in the team's Aug. 5 Intrasquad Scrimmage.

Will he get paid his full salary or will he make practice squad money?

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Cliff Russell makes the team.  Who is the #1 KR?  Tab?  He hasn't showed me anything to make me want to count on a rookie to start the season.  Just my opinion.

Well, if he does, Walter is probably gone. Six receivers, and I don't see Tab Perry leaving.

So which is better, having an experienced kick returner or wedge buster?

[BENGAL]

Cliff Russell makes the team.  Who is the #1 KR?  Tab?  He hasn't showed me anything to make me want to count on a rookie to start the season.  Just my opinion.

Well, if he does, Walter is probably gone. Six receivers, and I don't see Tab Perry leaving.

So which is better, having an experienced kick returner or wedge buster?

There is no way they cut Walter...be has been playing the best among all the receivers (besides chad, not so much tj)

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Cliff Russell makes the team.  Who is the #1 KR?  Tab?  He hasn't showed me anything to make me want to count on a rookie to start the season.  Just my opinion.

Well, if he does, Walter is probably gone. Six receivers, and I don't see Tab Perry leaving.

So which is better, having an experienced kick returner or wedge buster?

There is no way they cut Walter...be has been playing the best among all the receivers (besides chad, not so much tj)

Yes, against other teams' 3rd teamers, we see this every year. So who do you cut? Tab Perry, the coach's project? Russell, the only experienced kick returner? The top 4 spots are locked, only 6 get kept, leaving two openings for Walter, Russell, and Perry. Somebody has to go.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Cliff Russell makes the team.  Who is the #1 KR?  Tab?  He hasn't showed me anything to make me want to count on a rookie to start the season.  Just my opinion.

Well, if he does, Walter is probably gone. Six receivers, and I don't see Tab Perry leaving.

So which is better, having an experienced kick returner or wedge buster?

There is no way they cut Walter...be has been playing the best among all the receivers (besides chad, not so much tj)

Yes, against other teams' 3rd teamers, we see this every year. So who do you cut? Tab Perry, the coach's project? Russell, the only experienced kick returner? The top 4 spots are locked, only 6 get kept, leaving two openings for Walter, Russell, and Perry. Somebody has to go.

Chris Perry will be taking some return duties tomorrow....

[Stripes]

Cliff Russell makes the team.  Who is the #1 KR?  Tab?  He hasn't showed me anything to make me want to count on a rookie to start the season.  Just my opinion.

Well, if he does, Walter is probably gone. Six receivers, and I don't see Tab Perry leaving.

So which is better, having an experienced kick returner or wedge buster?

There is no way they cut Walter...be has been playing the best among all the receivers (besides chad, not so much tj)

Yes, against other teams' 3rd teamers, we see this every year. So who do you cut? Tab Perry, the coach's project? Russell, the only experienced kick returner? The top 4 spots are locked, only 6 get kept, leaving two openings for Walter, Russell, and Perry. Somebody has to go.

And that somebody should be Tab Perry.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Cliff Russell makes the team.  Who is the #1 KR?  Tab?  He hasn't showed me anything to make me want to count on a rookie to start the season.  Just my opinion.

Well, if he does, Walter is probably gone. Six receivers, and I don't see Tab Perry leaving.

So which is better, having an experienced kick returner or wedge buster?

There is no way they cut Walter...be has been playing the best among all the receivers (besides chad, not so much tj)

Yes, against other teams' 3rd teamers, we see this every year. So who do you cut? Tab Perry, the coach's project? Russell, the only experienced kick returner? The top 4 spots are locked, only 6 get kept, leaving two openings for Walter, Russell, and Perry. Somebody has to go.

And that somebody should be Tab Perry.

Perry has great upside, Walter has thoroughly demonstrated mediocrity. His claim to fame is that he's a great possession receiver against 3rd stringers - in short, he's worthless as a WR.

The only thing said about him that makes any sense is that he is good on special teams. The best chance Perry gets cut is if they think they can sneak him onto the practice squad. The only other chance is if they decide to roll the dice with new guys as kick returners and cut Russell. To me, an established returner is worth more than a wedge guy, but if C. Perry or Henry or whoever breaks one in the last preseason game, all bets are off.

In any event, Walter will not be playing any at receiver this year even if he does make the team, so forget it.

[BENGAL]

I bet you if they started Kevin Walters against the first teamers he would still produce. As for Tab Perry...has be even caught a ball this preseason???? He hasn't played in the last two games...My question is that between Walter and Russel how can you put a guy who has done NOTHING over a guy who has been here 3 years, knows the system, is a demon on special teams, and most importantly has played superb at WR in the past 3 games (not to mention he has not dropped one ball, which we can't really say about the others).

[BENGAL]

CORRECTION...I meant to say "BETWEEN WALTER AND TAB"

[jjakq27]

Curnutte's pick's to make the team.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art.../509020413/1066

Friday, September 2, 2005

One last chance to impress

Some jobs still up for grabs as Bengals enter preseason finale

By Mark Curnutte

Enquirer staff writer

The most interesting part of the Bengals' preseason finale tonight won't be how the starters perform.

(Don't blink - you might miss the one series the high-flying first-string Colts offense will play.)

As many as 10 spots on the Bengals' 53-man roster, which will be announced Saturday, could be decided tonight. So the second half will be played with great intensity because jobs are at stake.

"I think there's quite a battle for eight positions, for eight spots," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said.

He wouldn't volunteer where spots are most tightly contested, but the way the 68-man roster is weighted offers clues.

Lewis' emphasis on special teams also will play a factor in who stays or goes. Remember, Lewis said wide receiver Peter Warrick's one-dimensional role as a non-starter was one reason the wide receiver's contract was terminated Tuesday.

Here's one opinion of how the roster could look Saturday, with the number of players projected by The Enquirer at each position in parentheses:

Quarterback (3)

The Bengals are carrying four quarterbacks, but it's highly unlikely they'll keep them all. The fight between Casey Bramlet and Craig Krenzel for No. 3 is too close to call.

Starter: Carson Palmer. Backups: Jon Kitna and Bramlet or Krenzel.

Running back (5)

The team has six tailbacks or fullbacks on its roster. At least one, maybe two, will go. Quincy Wilson could end up on the practice squad. If the Bengals keep fullback Ronnie Ghent, who also can play tight end, they could go lighter at tight end.

Starters: Rudi Johnson and Jeremi Johnson (fullback). Backups: Chris Perry, Kenny Watson and Ghent or Wilson.

Tight end (2)

Reggie Kelly is the starter and, as an excellent blocker at the point of attack, a Lewis favorite. Matt Schobel is the best-receiving tight end. Tony Stewart is a solid player and a consummate pro, but he could be the one to go if the club sticks with Ghent as a swingman. Stewart, a valuable special-teams player, might stay ahead of someone such as linebacker Larry Stevens, another special-teams player who has one more season of practice-squad eligibility.

Starter: Kelly. Backup: Schobel.

Wide receiver (6)

The top five are set, but the No. 6 spot - Lewis said he would not keep seven receivers - will be partly decided on special-teams value. Cliff Russell, the Bengals' best kickoff return man in 2004, will be pitted against rookie wide receiver Tab Perry. Newcomer Dante Ridgeway, a rookie, could be headed for the practice squad.

Starters: Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Backups: Kelley Washington, Chris Henry, Kevin Walter and Perry or Russell.

Offensive line (9)

The group is down to 10 after tackle Belton Johnson was waived Wednesday. Several linemen can play more than one position, and that flexibility gives the Bengals the ability to carry nine.

Starters: Levi Jones, Willie Anderson, Eric Steinbach, Bobbie Williams and Rich Braham. Backups: Larry Moore, Scott Kooistra, Eric Ghiaciuc and Stacy Andrews.

Defensive line (8)

The team is carrying 10 and probably won't go with fewer than eight. Rookie end Jonathan Fanene is headed for the practice squad. Tackle Matthias Askew has one more year of practice-squad eligibility, but Lewis wants to see him play. Tackle Shaun Smith could be the odd man out.

Starters: Justin Smith, Bryan Robinson, John Thornton and Robert Geathers. Backups: Carl Powell, Langston Moore, Duane Clemons and Shaun Smith or Askew.

Linebacker (7)

The position became more complicated to analyze after the acquisition of Hannibal Navies. There are nine linebackers on the roster, but it's difficult to see the team keeping more than six. Derek Curry is the long shot. The health of Caleb Miller's ankle could shape this position. Marcus Wilkins sticks because of his special-teams play.

Starters: Landon Johnson, Odell Thurman and Brian Simmons. Backups: David Pollack, Wilkins, Navies and Miller.

Defensive back (10)

The signing of safety Ifeanyi Ohalete makes decisions here more difficult. He's likely to make the roster because of special-teams desire and knowledge of Lewis' defense. Cornerbacks Patrick Body and Greg Brooks could end up on the practice squad; so could safety Herana-Daze Jones. Cornerback Reggie Myles is the heart of the special teams, and safety Anthony Mitchell is a key on kick coverage.

Starters: Tory James, Deltha O'Neal, Madieu Williams and Kevin Kaesviharn. Backups: Keiwan Ratliff, Rashad Bauman, Myles, Ohalete, Mitchell and Jones.

Specialists (3)

Brad St. Louis is a lock for a seventh season as the long snapper. Kicker Shayne Graham is here, despite a tender groin that sidelined him for part of the preseason. Punter Kyle Larson could be challenged by sixth-year pro Micah Knorr, who had a tryout Wednesday after his release Sunday by the Jets. Knorr can both punt and kick off.

If Graham can't yet kick off because of his injury, Knorr has a chance to make it ahead of Larson.

The Bengals do not want to carry two kickers. Carter Warley is expected to be cut, but his preseason performance here could make him attractive to another team.

[TippCityRick]

Perry has great upside, Walter has thoroughly demonstrated mediocrity. His claim to fame is that he's a great possession receiver against 3rd stringers - in short, he's worthless as a WR.

The only thing said about him that makes any sense is that he is good on special teams. The best chance Perry gets cut is if they think they can sneak him onto the practice squad. The only other chance is if they decide to roll the dice with new guys as kick returners and cut Russell. To me, an established returner is worth more than a wedge guy, but if C. Perry or Henry or whoever breaks one in the last preseason game, all bets are off.

In any event, Walter will not be playing any at receiver this year even if he does make the team, so forget it.

DC, you're delusional. Walters (that's his name) WILL make the club and WILL DRESS every week. He is currently our number one gunner on the team for both punt and kick coverage. He also covers the other team's gunners on punt and kick returns. No, he's not our best receiver. He may not even be in our top 4 receivers, however he can play in a pinch.

Yep, he's done a fine job as a possession receiver against 3rd stringers. But he has also shown not only a willingness to block downfield in the running game, but also an aptitude. I believe he'll get 5-10 snaps a game in the slot to aid the running game and give TJ (the only other slot receiver that will dress regularly unless Brousard wins the kick return job) a blow.

Pay attention to special teams. They mean more to ML than you may think, as well they should.

[TippCityRick]

ok, i'm an a**. his name is walter.

[The Big Orange]

I wonder what it's like for th 15-20 guys left on the bubble, knowing tomorrow may be there last day in an NFL uni.

It's tomorrow, right?

[TippCityRick]

Saturday at 6:00pm O.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Perry has great upside, Walters has thoroughly demonstrated mediocrity. His claim to fame is that he's a great possession receiver against 3rd stringers - in short, he's worthless as a WR.

The only thing said about him that makes any sense is that he is good on special teams. The best chance Perry gets cut is if they think they can sneak him onto the practice squad. The only other chance is if they decide to roll the dice with new guys as kick returners and cut Russell. To me, an established returner is worth more than a wedge guy, but if C. Perry or Henry or whoever breaks one in the last preseason game, all bets are off.

In any event, Walters will not be playing any at receiver this year even if he does make the team, so forget it.

DC, you're delusional. Walters (that's his name) WILL make the club and WILL DRESS every week. He is currently our number one gunner on the team for both punt and kick coverage. He also covers the other team's gunners on punt and kick returns. No, he's not our best receiver. He may not even be in our top 4 receivers, however he can play in a pinch.

Yep, he's done a fine job as a possession receiver against 3rd stringers. But he has also shown not only a willingness to block downfield in the running game, but also an aptitude. I believe he'll get 5-10 snaps a game in the slot to aid the running game and give TJ (the only other slot receiver that will dress regularly unless Brousard wins the kick return job) a blow.

Pay attention to special teams. They mean more to ML than you may think, as well they should.

I'm not discounting special teams, I know lots of people love Walter, and I'm glad he can block downfield, but he's not the 6th best receiver on the team. Just understand that Walter isn't getting on the field on offense basically at all, outside of blatant running downs. Even then, why not an extra blocking TE? Also, I'm pretty sure the Bengals don't run 10 times out of a 3 WR set, I don't think he gets on the field even that often. He's certainly not getting the ball, he had 8 catches all last year.

I'm all for keeping Walter IF we can get Tab on the PS, or IF they're a lot more confident in one of the Perrys running kicks than I've seen so far. But if it means giving up on our only kick returner (Russell right now), forget it. Guess we'll see how Chris Perry looks returning kicks tonight.

I'll readily admit, it looks like they're trying to cut Russell. But they better be sure, because I'd rather have a bad gunner than some guy who fumbles kickoffs.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

I wonder what it's like for th 15-20 guys left on the bubble, knowing tomorrow may be there last day in an NFL uni.

It's tomorrow, right?

For most of them, it's not their last day in an NFL uniform. Most of them will end up on a practice squad or another squad eventually. Those who don't have had the dream at least for a while.

[TippCityRick]

I'm all for keeping Walter IF we can get Tab on the PS, or IF they're a lot more confident in one of the Perrys running kicks than I've seen so far. But if it means giving up on our only kick returner (Russell right now), forget it. Guess we'll see how Chris Perry looks returning kicks tonight.

I'll readily admit, it looks like they're trying to cut Russell. But they better be sure, because I'd rather have a bad gunner than some guy who fumbles kickoffs

Let's just say I'm glad you're not making the final cutdowns! Walter is on the team with CJ, TJ, KW, and CH since neither KW or CH give you ANYTHING on ST.

The final spot will go to a returner. Much will depend on tonight's game but I look for them to try to get Tab on the PS. If they feel he won't clear waivers (and as a 6th rounder he may not) he will make the squad. I'm hoping that CP will look good returning kicks cuz that would make the decision to keep TP a bit easier. That would give him time to get healthy and to practice a bit more as a returner before he has to do it on Sunday afternoon.

You may not agree with me about the importance of the gunners on ST, but I think I'm in line with ML on this one.

[Bobcat Bengal]

This must suck for the coaches....I wouldn't want to tell any of these guys to turn in their playbooks.

So, for my 2,000th post....

CB's-O'Neal, James, Ratliff, Bauman, I'd say Williams because this guy has actually gotten on the field. I've liked the way he's played so far.

I'd like to put Brooks on the PUP or something.

S-M.Williams, KK, Mitchell, Myles, Ohalete or Body....Ohalete wins this one.

Body has reminded me he was out there with some nice fumble recoveries.

LB's-Simmons, L.Johnson, Thurman, Pollack, Webster (PUP), Navies, Stevens

DE-J.Smith, Geathers, Clemons, Fanene (I like him)

DT's-Thorton, Robinson, Askew, S.Smith

QB's I think Bramlet gets the nod over Krenzel

RB's Kenny Watson over Wilson

TE's- Stewart over Ghent

OT's- Kooistra stays, Logheed goes

WR's-Perry and Walter over Broussard and Russell

[StripesNTn]

Not much to argue with there

Ohalete sure showed out in his first game as a bengal. Great pickup, KK will have a tough time holding on to that starting spot, which is good KK is a good backup to both saftyspots.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

I think Herana-Daze Jones makes the squad, over Body.