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 The defensive tackle was going to be dealt to Cincy for a third and fifth round draft pick, but the office of the NFL rescinded the offer - with the sticking point having something to do with Rodgers' roster bonus?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]

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)

When Your Quarterback Isn't Good, Fire Your Offensive Coordinator

The f*ck's a "pass?"
So let me get this straight. Norm Chow preferred Matt Leinart over Vince Young. The Tennessee Titans draft Vince Young. In his first full season as the starting quarterback, Vince Young throws for nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions in what would be the 21st ranked offense in the NFL. Titans fire Norm Chow?

Yes, Young was voted the Rookie of the Year last season, and even made the cover of Madden. You may even hear arguments that the cover actually led to his demise, but will anyone bring up the fact that Young's 6 (out of 50) on the Wonderlic test coupled with Norm Chow's complex offense may not have been a good fit? Not likely.

Chow was given very little to work with this season, and had to do most of his damage through the running game with LenDale White and a washed up Chris Brown.

Quick. Who was the leading receiver for the Titans this season? If you guessed Justin Gage with 55 receptions and 750 yards, you win. What you win, I'm not so sure.

Chow will undoubtedly be picked up by someone who believes in his system. History will be his friend, and the future will prove that his approach works. Give him a quarterback that isn't a few ticks above Mike Tyson on the IQ scale, and he'll be right back in the ranks of success. Book it.

Paging Drew Bennett

[dial tone...]

[dialing Berkeley, CA phone number]

[phone rings]

Hello? Is Drew there?

Yes Mrs. Bennett, this is Billy Volek. I'm a quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, but I used to play with Drew back when we were in Tennessee.

Yes, Mrs. Bennett. I'm still in the league.

Well, yes, I was supposed to be the starting quarterback in Tennessee after Steve left, but then they drafted this kid out of Texas and then everything went down hill from there.

Yes, he's faster than I am. But his arm is questionable.

Oh, you've seen him play?

Well anyways, I was just wondering if Drew would be interested in playing with me this week. See, we're really screwed going into New England, and it is a playoff game. Our running back LaDainian is listed questionable with a hyperextended knee, and I think there's a good chance that I'm even going to play.

No, no, Mrs. Bennett, I'm not the number one quarterback for San Diego. The kid who was playing ahead of me has two sprained knees. Yes, I know he told the Indianapolis fans that he would be back from his injury, but he knows not what he says sometimes.

Okay, most of the time.

Well, you see, while we were able to win last week's game, I think that we may be in a bit of a bind this week. We're facing this guy you may have heard of. His name is Tom Brady and he's pretty good, so we...

Oh, you know Tom? Your what is named "Tom?" Oh, well, that's nice.

So, as I was saying. I think it would be nice to have Drew on my team again. You know, to rekindle the flame per se. Back in '04, we had one hell of a season. Drew caught 80 passes for 1200 yards and 11 touchdowns that year!

Yes, I know ma'am. He has only caught 10 touchdowns since then. But that's because I'm not his quarterback anymore. I'm the yin to Drew's yang, Mrs. Bennett.

What do you mean "that's weird?"

No, its just something that us football players say.

Oh, Drew's never said anything like that?

Well, OK. If you could just pass along the message that I called, it would be great. We could really use him this week. I really miss him, and think it would be nice if... [click]

Hello? Hello? [dial tone]

Rivers, Gates Questionable [SD Union-Tribune]
Philip Rivers Likes to Run His Mouth [NFL FanHouse]

To Make Matters Worse...

...For Browns fans, that is.

Scouring Rotoworld this afternoon, and I fould this little blurb on (Titans Quarterback, Geico Caveman) Kerry Collins.

Kerry Collins, speaking on WFAN, said that the Titans kneeled [sic] down at the end of the Colts-Titans game because they knew the Colts wouldn't call a timeout.

Collins said that the Titans originally called a running play, but he was told over his headset that the Colts wouldn't call a timeout to potentially force Tennessee to punt with less than 20 seconds left. Pressed further, Collins said the Colts and Titans coaches had "a communication."

"A communication?" The note went on to mention possible collusion. The only question that I have is, possible? How is this considered "possible?" If the Colts let on that they threw in the towel, and the Titans did nothing to continue the game, how is this "possible" collusion?

If you were a bit preturbed by Tony Dungy before this news, you're likely not going to be feeling any better about your 10-6 football team not being in the post season. And don't get me wrong. I do not think that this would have made a difference in the game - it's just some more salt in the wound that was Jim Sorgi's attempt at looking like a real quarterback.

Oh, and don't even get me started about next season's schedule. If you haven't heard, these teams may ring a bell: Colts, Cowboys, Giants, Broncos, Jaguars, Titans, Redskins and Eagles. Yes, the Browns will suit up against each and every one of them. Don't forget those in our division either. Should be fun!

At Least This Was Cool...

While I would have preferred the outcome of the game to be a tad different, there is no denying that witnessing the hit below on Live TV was worth watching the entire 48 minutes.



Feel free to watch it over and over again. I sure am.

A Few Guys You'll Need To Know

With the fate of the Cleveland Browns resting in the hands of the Indianapolis Colts, I thought it would be best to introduce you all to the actual Colts that will be held responsible with the duties this weekend, as a win over Tennessee cements a playoff bid for Cleveland - the first in quite some time.

But no, these will not be your typical Colts featuring Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai. Oh no, you'll have to dig pretty, pretty deep to find the jerseys of the folks you'll be rooting for. After this little exercise is over, maybe we will find that things might not be too bad. Or maybe this is all just wishful thinking. Without further ado, your week 17 Indianapolis Colts.

QB - Jim Sorgi


The Indianapolis Star has already confirmed that Sorgi will play "at least" a half in this week's game. Great news. Sorgi has thrown all of 12 passes on the season, completing seven of them for 64 yards. He has been fairly effective when given the chance to play, and was recently signed to a contract extension through 2010. After the Colts locked up a spot in 2005, Sorgi threw back-to-back games of at least 200 yards and a touchdown. While he won't throw for 300 yards and four touchdowns, all is not lost when Sorgi takes over.


RB - Kenton Keith


It wouldn't surprise me to see Keith carry the load from the second quarter on this week as the Colts will have to ensure that Joseph Addai is good to go for the playoffs. Keith's season as a back-up has been pretty solid thus far, including the week five game against Tampa Bay where he racked up 160 total yards, finding the end zone twice. He has sniffed 100 yard several times this year and even racked up 60 on 10 carries last week against Houston. It could really be a lot worse in terms of a back-up running back. In fact, I'm sure there are teams out there that would love to have Keith as their starter. Yes, I'm looking at you, Chicago.

WR - Devin Aromashodu


Here's where it starts to get fun. Believe it or not, Aromashodu is right behind Reggie Wayne on the depth chart as the "second" receiver. He saw his first action of the season in the week 14 blowout of the Baltimore Ravens, and has recorded a catch in each game since. When Anthony Gonzalez left the game last week, Aromashodu hauled in three passes for 42 yards, making for a respectible game. He'll need to harness some Aretha Franklin this week and keep the respect going - the receiving game depends on it. Otherwise, it's all up to...

WR - Craphonso Thorpe


Good luck finding a picture of this cat in action. Thorpe is listed as "proabable" for this week's game, but will likely see a bit of action against the Titans. He was a fourth round selection by the Chiefs, but never really saw the light of day thanks to their stellar receiving corps. Thorpe caught five balls for 41 yards against the Chargers during week 10, but has not done much since. Here's hoping that one of the greatest names ever can actually ammount to something this week.

TE - Bryan Fletcher


With Ben Utecht not expected to suit up thanks to a shoulder injury, Indy will likely turn to Bryan Fletcher for the majority of the tight end duties. He's coming off of a strong game that saw him haul in five passes for 25 yards - part of his 17 catches and 138 yards on the season. In a game against Tennessee last season, Fletcher caught three balls for 56 yards so it's been done before!


The moral of the story is while this won't be last season's Colts championship team suiting up against the Titans this week, it could be a lot worse. In fact, given the way they played last week, I think this Colts team has a better shot to beat Tennessee than the Browns would at this point. I'm not sure how much that's saying, but Cleveland's fate will be determined soon enough.

The Q&A About DA

I've had some time to mentally digest the whole Browns potential choke as well as the pending quarterback situation. Note that I refuse to call the loss to the Bengals a full-on "choke" until this week is over. If Indianapolis beats Tennessee and the Browns make it into the playoffs, they will be lucky. If the Titans come out on top and Cleveland is sent packing, then I will whip out my best Spike Lee. But until that time, nary a word.

I received an email today asking me of my opinion on the Derek Anderson issue. Let me say first that not only will he start this coming week, but he should. Whether or not the Browns plan on re-signing the quarterback, or offering him up in a trade, you always want to maximize potential trade value. Starting Brady Quinn would not only spur a potential controversy, but it will further depress DA's value - as if the lawn chair job against Cincinnati wasn't enough.

I never thought I would say this, but Braylon Edwards could actually be a voice of reason. From the Plain Dealer:

"I can't see him doing that this late in the season and cause any controversy or anything like that [with] how we've played all year," receiver Braylon Edwards said. "There have been some chances for Quinn to get in, if that were going to be the case. He didn't take them then. I don't see him taking them now."

Now, looking forward to next year a bit - being that this game means relatively nothing in terms of the season as much as it does for individual player value - I say test the waters. The investor in me thinks that no matter what, flipping a sixth round draft pick into an earlier pick (first rounder? wishful thinking?) is a no-brainer. Three years ago, if someone told Phil Savage that he could do this, he wouldn't even think twice. Sell discipline is as key in investments as it is in sports - except there's no such thing as unrealized gains in football. (Eat shit, Uncle Sam!)

The Browns have a future quarterback, yet one of the worst defenses in the game. Yes, it is always great to have depth - just ask the guy who drafted Larry Johnson in fantasy football this year and took a bunch of receivers afterwords. However, you also want to maximize the potential that you put on the field. If the Browns have to settle for starting a defensive line that would struggle to make it on the field at all had they be rostered by a different team, they should reallocate some of their resources - assuming the price is right.

Morning YouTubeness: Monday Night Bukakke

Not only did we have a gunslinger last night as Denver took down the Tennessee Titans, but it appears as if some of the Broncos were rubbing it in Vince Young's face. Literally. Listen carefully.



Nice work, Jaws!

And Here Come The Suits

Lawsuits, that is.

Remember the whole Pacman-Jones-"Making it Rain"-biting-strippers-gunfire escapade? Well while Jones is still watching football from home, or just other strip clubs, the club manager that was shot and paralyzed has filed a lawsuit against Jones, the National Football League, AND the Tennessee Titans.

How can the manager, named Tommy Urbanksi, sue the NFL and the team which employed Jones? Simple.

The fact that the NFL and the Titans did not punish Adam "Pacman" Jones until after Tommy was paralyzedis a proximate cause of Tommy's injuries.

Wait, what? Because Jones was not punished for previous encounters with the law, Urbanski should benefit? If Jones had been suspended before the Las Vegas incident, he wouldn't have been at the club?

Not surprisingly, the NFL and the Titans have said they will fight the lawsuit, which is being called a "Hail Mary" by Pacman's attorney, Robert Langford. Very nice of him to use a football term so that we all understand.

Paralyzed shooting victim sues NFL, Titans, Pacman [NBC Sports]

Morning YouTubeness: "Best Team In The League, What Chu Know 'Bout That?"

Quite an odd line written in a song about a team that's currently 0-3. The Saints dropped another one, this time to the Titans...at home.

Reggie Bush finally had a solid game with two touchdowns, but it was at the expense of Deuce McAllister who reportedly tore his ACL in the game.

Vince Young threw for 164 and two touchdowns. LenDale White rushed for 50 yards, but also found pay dirt. Brandon Jones (likely one of the better receivers you haven't heard of) had 73 yards on four receptions and a touchdown.

But without further ado, the best team in the league.



Saints McAllister Has Torn ACL [CBS News]

Morning YouTubeness: Tardy Edition

'Morning all. I apologize for the delay as I had a few things to take care of this morning. I'll make up for it with this gem. I was hoping someone would post visual evidence of Rodney Harrison laying out Vince Young.

Let the Madden Curse commence! Enjoy.

Was PacMan At Work?

The ever-informational Michael David Smith brings attention to a little twist in the saga of everyone's favorite defensive back: Adam "PacMan" Jones.

Smith reportedly entered into a contract with a company called Harlem Knights, and in said deal, he agreed to shower the dancers with singles - making it "rain."

While the police have said that they have not heard of such a contract, I have two questions.

One, if it was just a contract that said Jones was to throw one dollar bills on to dancers, why would he get upset with the strippers when they tried taking the money? It's not his...is it? Or does that even matter?

Two, who would do any business with a company named Harlem Knights and expect to have it not end badly?

LenDale White Can Keep Eating

Unfortunately, it's because he likely won't be the starting running back for the Tennessee Titans this season. The Nashville City Paper is reporting that veteran - and often injured - Chris Brown is first in line to get the carries for a young Titans team this season.

Titans running backs coach Sherman Smith had the following to say:

“I think it’s starting to clear itself out. We’ve had two preseason games, and LenDale hasn’t played in one of them,” Smith said. “That kind of puts him in a position where you can’t say you’re competing for a starting job if you’re not practicing and not playing.
“I think it’s Chris Brown. This guy is showing that he’s been consistent. The rookie [Chris Henry] is still learning, and the other two guys, Quinton [Ganther] and Dontrell [Moore], are doing a good job when they get opportunities to play.”

One has to think that the Titans are starting to regret choosing White last season. If anything, he is now in worse shape than last year and obviously doesn't have the discipline or work ethic to improve. LenDale was near 260 lbs. at one point this season, and while he is now tipping the scale at 240 lbs., he still has a ton of work to do.

White didn't go as far as citing the success of William Perry, but at this rate, he'll be doing celebrity boxing in no time.

Weekend Wrap-Up

I haven't really decided what I'm going to do about the weekends. I, for one, would rather be outside with a beer - nowhere near a computer - but maybe that's just me. So for now, I think I'll just sprinkle a few links regarding what went on over the last 48 hours or so. Suggestions are definitely welcome.

In a love story for the ages, Chris Cooley will be marrying his longtime girlfriend. She just so happens to be an ex-Redskins cheerleader, who was booted from the squad for dating the tight end. I love that they call him Captain Chaos in D.C.

Romeo Crennel took a huge stance by electing to have his starting quarterback decided by a coin toss. No, really.

Despite all of the hype and youtubness about PacMan Jones' wrestling debut, it appears that the Titans want nothing of the sort. This comes as a big surprise considering he was a first round slection and all.

The Jaguars apparently had a rough night. Tim Couch is likely second-guessing that whole contract thing. (h/t to the Fanhouse)

A few suspensions were handed down.

No Michael Vick? No problem, as that Joey Harrington guy did alright. Yes, the Falcons lost to the Jets, but hey...think positive.

And finally, Steely McBeam. The Steelers new mascot with the questionable-at-best name. Yea, well it appears that Pittsbugh isn't a big fan. I'm sure pictures like this don't help much.

That's all she wrote folks. Until tomorrow...

Misunderstood, Man.

Gamebreaker. Risktaker. Rainmaker!



Not much that I can say that hasn't been said about this guy. I must reiterate that I'm willing to pay anyone the funds neccessary who can find me a jersey of this dude. Thanks in advance.