Takeo Spikes

[LABengalsFan09]

What if the Bengals would have re-signed Takeo Spikes in 2003?

The Bengals would have never had the room in the salary cap to sign 3 key free agents in 2003. Tory James has been the Bengals best defensive back since his acquisition as evidenced by his Pro Bowl bid in 2004 and his team-leading interceptions numbers in that span. John Thornton, while undersized, has been the team's best interior lineman over the last few years applying pressure up the middle while using his speed to his advantage. Kevin Hardy was also signed and by him playing the middle LB spot, he allowed Brian Simmons to move to a more natural weak-side spot that could take better advantage of his speed and coverage abilities. (also led to the drafting of rookie MLB Odell Thurman) This spot was vacant due to Spikes leaving via free-agency. By letting Spikes walk, as painfull as that sounds and as it is in the locker room and on the field, the team was able to sign 3 important free agents for the evolution of this current team.

Now had the Bengals kept Spikes, they would have had gaping holes at LB, CB, and DT that would have been critical to address in April's draft. In 2003, we all know the Bengals selected QB Carson Palmer. But how many people remember that the decision came down to Palmer and Kansas State CB Terrence Newman? And the decision wasn't made until Palmer agreed to a contract just a few days before the draft. With Jon Kitna, and a huge need at corner, the Bengals would probably have gone in Newman's direction. Think of this offense without Palmer and things look bleak. The arm, the height, the athleticsm and now maturity has translated this season into some very explosive moments. If the Bengals offense is a Ferrari, then Palmer is the driver, his decisions and skills will steer this unit around every sharp turn and accelerate out of every corner.

So to recap, with Takeo Spikes in the lineup, the Bengals would be without their field general for the next 15 years in Palmer, their best corner and leading interceptor James, their middle LB for the next 10 years Thurman, and character, playoff-tested players that helped take a defense from terrible to a up-and-coming force to be reckoned with. What an effect the tiniest ripple can have on the pond. Just a thought. :player:

[jrandom42]

What if the Bengals would have re-signed Takeo Spikes in 2003?

The Bengals would have never had the room in the salary cap to sign 3 key free agents in 2003. Tory James has been the Bengals best defensive back since his acquisition as evidenced by his Pro Bowl bid in 2004 and his team-leading interceptions numbers in that span. John Thornton, while undersized, has been the team's best interior lineman over the last few years applying pressure up the middle while using his speed to his advantage. Kevin Hardy was also signed and by him playing the middle LB spot, he allowed Brian Simmons to move to a more natural weak-side spot that could take better advantage of his speed and coverage abilities. (also led to the drafting of rookie MLB Odell Thurman) This spot was vacant due to Spikes leaving via free-agency. By letting Spikes walk, as painfull as that sounds and as it is in the locker room and on the field, the team was able to sign 3 important free agents for the evolution of this current team.

Now had the Bengals kept Spikes, they would have had gaping holes at LB, CB, and DT that would have been critical to address in April's draft. In 2003, we all know the Bengals selected QB Carson Palmer. But how many people remember that the decision came down to Palmer and Kansas State CB Terrence Newman? And the decision wasn't made until Palmer agreed to a contract just a few days before the draft. With Jon Kitna, and a huge need at corner, the Bengals would probably have gone in Newman's direction. Think of this offense without Palmer and things look bleak. The arm, the height, the athleticsm and now maturity has translated this season into some very explosive moments. If the Bengals offense is a Ferrari, then Palmer is the driver, his decisions and skills will steer this unit around every sharp turn and accelerate out of every corner.

So to recap, with Takeo Spikes in the lineup, the Bengals would be without their field general for the next 15 years in Palmer, their best corner and leading interceptor James, their middle LB for the next 10 years Thurman, and character, playoff-tested players that helped take a defense from terrible to a up-and-coming force to be reckoned with. What an effect the tiniest ripple can have on the pond. Just a thought. :player:

Don't forget that, in letting Spikes walk, the league awarded the Bengals a 3rd round compensatory pick, which turned into Landon Johnson.

[turningpoint]

yeah i've thought of this,but i wouldn't be against him coming back when his contract runs out in Buffalo, if he wants to and is attractive as a player.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

yeah i've thought of this,but i wouldn't be against him coming back when his contract runs out in Buffalo, if he wants to and is attractive as a player.

Have you looked at the size of his HUGE head? I don't think it's possible for Takeo to be attractive!

[WhoDey93285]

yeah i've thought of this,but i wouldn't be against him coming back when his contract runs out in Buffalo, if he wants to and is attractive as a player.

Have you looked at the size of his HUGE head? I don't think it's possible for Takeo to be attractive!

We don't need TKO....We already have TKOdell...who is a defensive god by the way.

[jjakq27]

yeah i've thought of this,but i wouldn't be against him coming back when his contract runs out in Buffalo, if he wants to and is attractive as a player.

He wouldn't come back just to be a backup.

[redsfan2]

Chick Ludwig from the Dayton Daily News nominated Spikes as MVP of the year for what he did for the team by leaving.

It's one of things that is just that much funnier because it's true.