Cincinnati Looking to Add More Injury-Prone Running Backs to Their Roster

As ifthe injury-riddled Chris Perry, Kenny Irons and Rudi Johnson weren't enough for Cincinnati to contend with last season, Bengals.com is reporting that the recently-released Shaun Alexander could be visiting the town of three rivers early next week.

Alexander's ethical and spiritual behavior is well-documented, so this could be why some are deaming this move a "bad fit." Other reasons may be in line with the fact that the Bengals desperately need to bolster their defense instead of worrying about adding yet another running back to their roster - regardless of name.

Bengals.com is quick to point out the character issue:

His strengths are that he's a solid guy, adds another dimension in the passing game with terrific hands, has had tremendous production in the past, and his wrist is apparently healed.

I would put that first on the list as well.

The days of MVP Alexander are long gone, but given the fact that Kenny Watson looked like Ickey Woods last season could mean potential big-games. Of course, this also means that the team would have to release at least one of their current running backs. Maybe more if Dede Dorsey is even considered to be one of those at this point.

Alexander to visit [Bengals.com]

Since It Worked So Well Last Year...

Last season, the Miami Dolphins chose Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. over would-be starting quarterback Brady Quinn out of Notre Dame. A surprising move at the time, the Dolphins apparently had a plan in place as they selected John Beck in the second round. This selection, or lack of, likely had something to do with the fact that the 'Phins will be choosing first overall this coming draft.

With Boston College's Matt Ryan sitting there for the picking, this seems like a no-brainer. Right? Wrong. Miami is reportedly in talks with Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long.

I find it interesting that Tom Condon represents both Ryan and Long. What I find more interesting is the following quote:

The Dolphins are believed to be happy with quarterback John Beck, and they are not considering Ryan as an option with the first pick.

Could the Dolphins be taking a page out of the Browns' textbook that says an offensive line needs to be in place before a quarterback can succeed? Lord knows that Trent Green wasn't the answer, and if Beck gets another shot, it looks like it'll be behind a brand new bodyguard. No word on who they plan on taking with the first selection in 2009.

Burritos Make Cedrick Wilson Angry

When looking at what teams have done in the off-season, one team that hasn't done much to get better is the Pittsburgh Steelers. While I thought that Tomlin and Company would want to capitalize on a career year by their quarterback, you can't deny that the black and gold have lost more than they have gained. And as of today, they've lost one more after releasing wide receiver Cedrick Wilson.

Wilson, apparently longing to be accepted by Najeh Davenport, got into a little altercation with his former girlfriend. In a Mexican restaurant.

Wilson, 29, was charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct after allegedly hitting his former girlfriend Wednesday night. According to Northern Regional Police, Wilson struck Lindsey Paulat, 26, in the face at the Patron Mexican Grill in Pine Township.

Ced may want to think twice about this next time, as it appears that his ex-girl has been known to pack some heat from time to time.

The mother of Wilson's 1-year-old daughter, Paulat was involved in a 12-hour armed standoff with police on January 19 and currently is awaiting a hearing on charges of discharging a firearm in an occupied structure. After getting in an argument with Wilson, Paulat allegedly fired two shots from a handgun in Wilson's house. Wilson filed for a protection-from-abuse order two days later, claiming he feared Paulat would shoot him.

I would say that his "fear" has a bit of support. If I were Wilson, I'd have my agent lobbying to have me added to a team out West. Hey, I hear there's an opening in Seattle!

Steelers release Wilson after arrest [National Post]

Report: Reggie Bush Will Try Now

It looks like the New Orleans Saints and keeper-league fantasy owners will have something to look forward to this season: Reggie Bush will focus on football this year.

This will all come conveniently after a sub-par sophomore season that saw the former second-overall selection get the first crack at carries following the knee injury to teammate Deuce McAllister. Bush didn't respond well to the increased workload, averaging only 3.7 yards per carry over the course of the season.

Yes, he remains a lethal weapon in terms of his pass-catching abilities, but those that thought his game would translate flawlessly to the next level have been met with quite a wall. The final four games of the 2007 season were played sans-Bush, and all of the media blitz turned to his "relationship" with Kim Kardashian along with the possibility that the running back received some special treatment at the University of Southern California. When books titled Tarnished Heisman hit the shelves, it's never going to cast a great light.

But while the lawsuit is pending, Bush claims that this season will be greeted with more focus.

"That's what I feel like and that's why I'm taking a whole different approach this year in just how I go about my business and my life," Bush said. "As football goes and in very aspect of my life I'm just trying to cut everything down. Cut a lot of stuff out. Cut a lot of people out, and just focus on football."

On the 205th tips us off on the fact that Bush's new-found focus may not be starting off on the right foot. But when you sit courtside, where the limelight shines bright, "focus" may be one of the last things on one's mind.

Bush vows to focus on football [Sun Herald]
Uh oh... Woman Confronts Reggie Bush [On The 205th]

Bengals Fans: The World Is Against Us!

The NFL Free Agency period is off and running. I could attempt to recap what went down this past weekend, but a quick Google search or a trip to NFL.com can give you all of the details. But with that said, one deal has stuck out so far: That involving defensive tackle Shaun Rodgers.

You see, Rodgers was supposedly all but packed for his relocation to Cincinnati, but the NFL had other ideas. The defensive tackle was going to be dealt to Cincy for a third and fifth round draft pick, but the office of the NFL rescinded the offer - with the sticking point having something to do with Rodgers' roster bonus?

Either way, the big man is on his way to Cleveland for a third-round selection, and cornerback Leigh Bodden. And Bengals fans are not happy.

Here's just a snippet of the comments that could be found at the Bengals Blog over at the Cincinnati Inquirer:

at 2/29/2008
10:35 PM Anonymous said...
Just an excuse for the NFL to get back at the Bengals for past problems.

at 2/29/2008
10:36 PM Anonymous said...
There's only two scenarios here and both are horrible:
1) Bengals front office works on a trade all day and doesn't make it work under league ules. So in this case they are overmatched and incompetent. 2) The league really does have it out for the Brown family and Bengals (handling Odell, unfair suspensions, this trade) Either option makes me want to give up the NFL.

at 2/29/2008
10:45 PM John said...
Ah, the Bungles strike again. If the Browns signed Rogers this will be very bad. If so Goodell, the NFL and the rest for nixing the deal. Looks like 1 more year of false hope. thanks Roger, u b@stard.

at 3/01/2008
8:02 AM Anonymous said...
You state that the trades can only involve draft choices, how can the Browns deal involve a current player and be valid? Not being a conspiracy theorist, but it seems like the commissioner's office has gone out of its way over the last year to screw over the Bengals at any opportunity. Didn't know the commissioners office was on the schedule every year.

So, just to recap a few of these...

Roger Goodell obviously has it in for the Bengals because of a few character issues that can be found on their roster. In fact, he's their 17th game - believe it or not.

Thus, he nixed a trade that would benefit the team to even up the score a bit. A score set by guys like Chris Henry and Odell Thurman. Speaking of Thurman, the handling of his off-field issues is apparently "unfair," as well as other suspensions handed to the team. Evidently, multiple arrests and drug issues are just par for the course. And if they aren't, the Commish will find a way to "get back" at whichever teams employ players that "lack judgment."

Jeff Fisher may want to keep his eye out for this. You never know when further Pacman-related punishments will go down.

League Stops Rogers Trade To Bengals [Cincinnati Inquirer]

Darren, Travis. Travis, Darren.

While much of the talks regarding the NFL this week will be regarding the NFL combine and current free agents, running back Darren McFadden may impact both. Word on the street is that he's torching the 40-yard dash, which is helping his assent on draft boards. Enough to have the Cowboys get rid of both of their free agent backs? Only time will tell.

But while McFadden's physical skills are undoubtedly top notch, some are concerned about a few off-field issues. Specifically, fights (one in 2006, one last month) as well as a paternaty suit.

...A Little Rock woman filed a paternity suit against McFadden, seeking child support for her 4-month-old daughter."I took a paternity test and it came back negative," McFadden said Friday. "They wanted me to take another one."

Of course, McFadden would just join a laundry list of current NFL players that are involved in some sort of paternaty troubles. First and 10 Inches favorite Travis Henry will be going through his on a pay cut, so if anyone can help out the soon-to-be first round selection, its the Bronco back.

McFadden hits an obstacle [STL Today]

Travis Henry's Taking A Pay Cut

Everyone's favorite father of nine may have an even more difficult time paying his child support payments this season as he'll be making $6 million less in guaranteed money.

Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry has reportedly agreed to a restructured deal that will keep him in the Mile High city for at least another year. Though Henry started off strong, last year is considered to be of the "rough" variety as injuries coupled with the emergence of yet another previously unknown Bronco running back (Selvin Young) kept his numbers depressed.

"Travis wants to make it right in Denver," his agent, Hadley Engelhard, said Wednesday. "That is the big reason why he is back. He thinks it can work there."

Another leading factor to Henry likely wanting to stay in Denver is the fact that there are a boat load of running backs hitting the free agent market this season. Obviously realizing that alleged charges of marijuana smoking does not place a premium on one's place in the market, settling for Denver - at a lower pay rate - was the best move for Henry's long-term potential within the league.

Word around Denver is that the Broncos were looking at other options in the backfield (Dallas' Julius Jones and Tennessee's Chris Brown). Henry's willingness to take a pay cut will likely put an end to Shanahan's search.

Henry returning with redone deal [Denver Post]

(Picture courtesy 100 Percent Injury Rate)