Bengals sign QB Doug Johnson

[indybengalsfan72]

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5065

[BengalByTheBay]

This looks like classic Marvin signing. Not even on the FA list and out of football since September and he's still better than our current backup (Krenzel, not Kitna -- he's probably almost as good as Kitna though). More training camp competition.

[HoosierCat]

Sigh. Not that I object to the move, but it's so damn depressing to be back signing the Gus Frerottes, Scott Mitchells and Neil O'Donnells of the league again.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Didn't see it posted anywhere yet:

Story

Nevermind - feel free to delete

[turningpoint]

Sigh. Not that I object to the move, but it's so damn depressing to be back signing the Gus Frerottes, Scott Mitchells and Neil O'Donnells of the league again.

yeah but no chance in hell doug is our starter....

I still think we sign a qaulity veteran backup.

[Stripes]

I would imagine D.J. is better than Krenzel. I'd agree that this is simply intended to create more training camp competition.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Doug Johnson doesn't really help this team in any way that I can tell, unless he's a #3 target.

If he's a #2, then I think they could've found someone better.

[turningpoint]

Not to mention with Palmer out they need someone to throw the ball to our WR's.

He's just an extra arm that is greatly needed.

I bet he doesn't make it into the 2nd week of september, unless the plays astoundingly well in the preseason.

[ArmyBengal]

This was my reaction to this signing...

WHODEY !!!

[AMC]

He was signed to throw to the WRs in spring practice....

[TJJackson]

I'm taking in the following manner

1) Palmer is out, and will not be back during training camp, so we will need the extra arm for minicamps et al. 100% certainty.

2) Kitna is not a sure bet to return. Having this fellow signed to what I am certain is a very minimal cap number, and Krenzel as an alternative, is a nice piece of insurance. 90% certainty

3) In the perfect world, where Kitna returns and Palmer IS ready by training camp, you have two journeyman qb's trying to earn the 3 spot for relatively little money each. Very nice. 90% certainty.

4) If this guy amounts to nada, the cap hit to release him is probably next til nil. 90% certainty.

5) It never hurts to get some insight on a division opponent's team. This fellow has knowlege of the Browns to bring. In this day and age, no matter how good your team is, the Davids of the league will occasionally beat the goliaths. Knowlege of your opponent provides and edge. 80% certainty.

6) Say Kitna is set to sign elsewhere, and he decides to give the Bengals a chance to match the money. I think given his personality and character, he'd do this. With Krenzel and Johnson in camp, desperation (which isn't a good thing to consider) becomes less of a factor in the decision to match or wish him well. 50% certainty.

Bottom line: this is a bargain signing and has potentially good impact on the Bengal's organization.

[BengalByTheBay]

I agree TJJ. I see this as nothing more than cheap insurance -- low risk, low reward move.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

It's all about how many QBs can we get signed to at least take a look at before we actually go to work in the spring.

This means nothing.

[derekshank]

Remember when Doug Johnson was the starting QB for the Bills? He was supposed to be the next Jim Kelly. Anyway ,I'm fine with the move... and like TNBT, it really means nothing. There's no need to read too much into this right now.

Quick question though... was he not in the league this year? His name isn't in the NFL.com player database.

[Spain]

I love itm get him started now. The guy has a gun he could probably run the system better than Kitna.

[Big Hugg]

Remember when Doug Johnson was the starting QB for the Bills? He was supposed to be the next Jim Kelly.

That was Rob Johnson.

[Spain]

I like this more and more. The guy has a shot at restarting his career. He has better arm strength than Kitna. This guy could end up starting the season for us. He wont take the long ball away like Kitna does. Kitna is a scheme QB and he is never going to win a playoff game. Most of Kitnas success has hapened because of the situation he is in. DJ could be better than Kitna by the start of season. DJ never has had this type of O-line and recievers. All he has to do is not loose games ala Rottnf**ks. Kitnas days are numbered. Good riddence, I really think I can throw harder than him. After watching Palmer, Kitnas balls look like hot air balloons. This guy should give him the door. IMHO

[kingwilly]

DJ is a live arm with NFL game experience. Sounds like a sharp guy also. I doubt he will be the opening day starter, though.

It signals to me they are not expecting Kitna back and are planning for his absence.

DJ, Krenzel, and a late round QB, like Drew Olsen or Josh Betts will keep mini-camp and training camp moving.

[Stripes]

DJ, Krenzel, and a late round QB, like Drew Olsen or Josh Betts will keep mini-camp and training camp moving.

That's what I like to hear!

Give us the next Redhawk star!

The first Butler High School NFL quarterback!

Even if he would just be to fill space while we wait for Carson.

[Whur CHad At?]

Great Move, Bengals sign a amazing back up. He can do wonders for this team. Who needs Palmer anyway....

[Ox]

Someone give me a reason why this was neccessary?

Bengals sign veteran QB Johnson

By GEOFF HOBSON

February 7, 2006

Posted: 1 p.m.

Johnson has thrown for 2600 yards in six seasons with Atlanta, Tennessee and Cleveland. (Getty Images)

The one thing Doug Johnson has never had a problem doing is throwing the ball. That became quite evident last week when the veteran quarterback arrived at Paul Brown Stadium and zipped the ball well enough to earn a one-year contract.

“I think I’d thrown once since November,” said Johnson on Tuesday after the club announced the deal. “I can roll out of bed and throw the ball. ... February isn’t the normal time for workouts, but I know they’re in a unique situation.”

You can say that again and even Johnson, 28, a six-year veteran, expects the Bengals to sign somebody else. They don’t know when starter Carson Palmer (knee) can be ready. They don’t know if they’ll have No. 2 Jon Kitna (free agent) as the backup. And No. 3 Craig Krenzel hasn’t taken a game snap since he signed here last June. He and Johnson are the only healthy quarterbacks signed for next season.

Indications are the Bengals are going to continue looking at quarterbacks as Palmer rehabs from reconstructive knee surgery and his status for Opening Day remains in doubt. It doesn’t appear that the addition of Johnson precludes the Bengals from re-signing Jon Kitna, or another unrestricted free agent, or taking one on the second day of the NFL Draft.

“I would expect they’re going to sign at least one more guy since it’s just me and another guy right now, and I would think they’d try to re-sign Jon,” Johnson said. “I don’t think anybody really knows because (of Palmer’s injury). They’re looking for an experienced guy who can come in and play if needed, and I’ve played in the league for seven years.”

Johnson says the Bengals wanted to get somebody in the fold as quickly as possible in order to learn the system from offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese. With Kitna telling the team he wants to test free agency, any quarterback signed after March 3 is going to be on the fast track getting ready for the May and June camps.

“I’ve got calls in to Ken and Bob now to set something up and sit down with them and get going on the offense,” Johnson said.

The 6-2, 220-pound Johnson has plenty of experience in a variety of passing offenses, starting with his career at the University of Florida. He’s 2-9 as an NFL starter with eight starts coming in place of the injured Michael Vick in Atlanta in 2003. He threw eight touchdown passes and had 12 interceptions that season to go with his NFL total of 13 and 18, respectively. The Falcons were 1-7 in his starts and he got replaced by Kurt Kittner for a stretch. But Atlanta also scored at least 26 points in three of the losses Johnson started.

He’s thrown just 12 passes since ‘03, all coming with Tennessee in 2004 before signing with Cleveland. The Browns released him back in September.

After his initial meeting with Bratkowski and Zampese, Johnson already feels comfortable with the scheme.

“They do some of the things that I’m used to doing,” Johnson said. “I’m excited with what they let the quarterback do. They give him a lot room out there making calls and put a lot on him.”

Johnson, who signed as an undrafted free agent with Atlanta when he got out of Florida in 2000, is simply looking for a niche.

“It’s about opportunity,” Johnson said. “I got my chance in Atlanta and it didn’t work out, and now I’m here and I’m going to do the best that I can to get ready if they need me.

“I think this is Cincinnati’s time. Every team goes through peaks and valleys with the salary cap and free agency. But this is their time and I’m excited about it.”

[Tasher]

....scene from inside PBS...

[Hobson running up coridor, panting]

Hobs: "Mike, Marv, ya gotta DO something! It is now TWOOOO DAYS into the off-SEEson and the BENGALSZONE board is BORED! They are losing focus!"

Marv: "What is it Hobs, what can we do?"

Mikey: "Hobs, breathe! Breathe! What should we do? We can't risk losing that FAN BASE that we have worked three long years to recapture! What should we do, something quick!"

Marv: "Ew, Mikey, I know, I know! We can sign that guy Don Johnson, eh, I mean Doug Johnson to a league mini contract, that 'ill get em takin over there on a slow news day! besides, we could use 'im to throw balls to keep our receivers' legs loose and hands sharp while we wait fer Carson."

Hobs: "Ya, Ya! I like it, I'll start writing the Bengals.com article right now!"

Mikey: "You sure 'bout this one, marv?"

...conversation continues and fades around corner...

[maanster]

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/6439047

[CBin2k7]

I don't see the problem with this. It's not like they are breaking the bank, nor are the bringing Johnson into compete with Palmer. Why not take a shot on Doug Johnson, maybe he shows he is a good fit in this offense and wins a backup. If he doesn't work out I am sure he will last just as long as Kurt Kittner did.

[NJ29]

Yo! My only recollection of Johnson is is crappiness during Vick's injury.