Mel on Cam

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The ever popular draft guru (or so he's referred as) Mel Kiper, Jr. was on a two hour conference call today regarding his latest mock draft. The popular subject, of course, was Cam Newton.

Not surprising considering Newton has lately become the greatest thing since sliced bread or so some think. Kiper is NOT one of those. Courtesy of Joe Reedy of Cincinnati.com, Kiper feels Newton is a risk.

“If you hit on Newton you could have a sensational quarterback for 10 years. If you miss, it sets you back three, four, five years,” Kiper said. “He was a one-year wonder. Akili Smith was a one-year wonder.”

Now, all Bengals fans remember Akili Smith, don't they? That pick did set the franchise back a bit. The interesting point is that in Kiper's most recent mock draft, guess who he has taking Newton? That's right. The Cincinnati Bengals at #4. Not WR A.J Green from Georgia as he had slotted previously, but Auburn's Newton.

And the one-year wonder tag does make sense...somewhat. He did have the one year at Florida (sort of) followed by the year at Blinn College where led then to a JUCO title. JUCO and the SEC are two completely different animals and Newton did master them both. I'm personally not that high on Newton either. In fact, this QB class is weak.

But Kiper has an interesting theory as to why Cincy will go that way.

“In 2003, Marvin Lewis’ first year as head coach with the Bengals, the franchise drafted Carson Palmer, and had the discipline to start Jon Kitna all season and let Palmer learn the system while waiting to step in as the franchise quarterback. With Palmer on his way out, Lewis could do something similar in 2011, drafting Newton, letting him take a year to learn the system and plugging in an interim solution in the meantime. The Bengals could also consider moving this pick, similar to Carolina’s position with Gabbert.”

I said it was interesting. I didn't say it was plausible. There are some things here.

Sources: Palmer Wants out of Cincinnati...or Retire

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Sources reveal to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer will request a trade or contemplate retirement if no trade is made. Palmer has personally made no comment regarding the report by ESPN. Of course, the Bengals had no comment on the matter.

It's apparent why Palmer wants out. Mort provides the answer.

"Palmer has become the object of fan frustration in the past two years and sources said he has grown frustrated with the team's inconsistencies."

Here's the numbers for Palmer since being tabbed as the Bengals starting QB.

Year	G	GS	QBrec	Cmp	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	Int	Rate
2004	13	13	6-7-0	263	432	60.9	2897	18	18	77.3
2005*	16	16	11-5-0	345	509	67.8	3836	32	12	101.1
2006*	16	16	8-8-0	324	520	62.3	4035	28	13	93.9
2007	16	16	7-9-0	373	575	64.9	4131	26	20	86.7
2008	4	4	0-4-0	75	129	58.1	731	3	4	69.0
2009	16	16	10-6-0	282	466	60.5	3094	21	13	83.6
2010	16	16		362	586	61.8	3970	26	20	82.4
Career	97	97	42-39-0	2024	3217	62.9	22694	154	100	86.9

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2011.

After a fantastic 2005 season, Palmer's second in the NFL as a player (he sat his entire first season as he learned the ropes), Palmer's production has been in a steady decline. The numbers completely bear that point.

I can see why. Mort's sources state that Palmer is "frustrated". Over the past two years (at least) there's a reason Palmer may be frustrated. The Bengals have no offensive identity. The philosophy seems to change on impulse. In 2009, Cincy was primarily a running team with Cedric Benson carting the load. The Bengals were 10-6 and won the AFC North.

This past season, the Bengals snared Terrell Owens via free agency and drafted Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley. Maybe the Bengals would evolve into a passing team. It never materialized and the Bengals finished 4-12. Since that magical 2005 season, Palmer's passer rating has declined in seasons where he was the full-time QB. The crowd at PBS has also shown its disdain over Palmer and his bad decisions and lack of accuracy.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

If the Bengals decide to give in to Palmer's demands, look for Palmer to attempt a reunion with his USC head coach Pete Carroll in Seattle. Matt Hasselbeck is a free agent and even though Caroll says he wants Hasselbeck back in a Seahawks uniform, he could go the way of Palmer if he is available.

Here's what makes me laugh about this. If the sources are correct, Palmer is saying "deal me or I quit".

Yeah, I want that guy running my offense.

Update: Just about a half an hour ago, Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer posted on his blog that the Bengals are currently not entertaining any offers for Palmer. Bengals team president Mike Brown did confirm that Palmer requested a trade.

Update #2: Palmer's agent, David Dunn, released a statement on the affairs between Palmer and the Bengals. Again, Reedy has this posted.

“Carson met with Bengals owner Mike Brown recently. They both expressed profound disappointment in how the team fared last season, and in how it has generally performed during Carson’s tenure with the team. Because of the lack of success that Carson and the Bengals have experienced together, Carson strongly feels that a separation between him and the Bengals would be in the best interest of both parties. Carson could not respect the Brown family any more than he does or be more appreciative of what the Browns have done for him and his wife Shaelyn and his family.”

You can consider this a bit of fluff. All the rights things were said, er, written. There isn't exactly the phrase "requested to be traded" in there, but "separation" was. Maybe it is time for Palmer to go elsewhere. He obviously doesn't want to be in Cincinnati any longer.

Bengals, Lewis Reach New Deal

Tell me if you can logically follow this...

The Cincinnati Bengals and Marvin Lewis announced today that Lewis will stay on as the head coach of the Bengals. Lewis will now become the longest tenured coach in Bengals history, passing Paul Brown. Yes, that Paul Brown. For the record, the Bengals were 4-12 in 2010 after going 10-6 in 2009.

Does that makes sense? Well, on the surface, no. It doesn't make sense. But if any Bengals fans wants to solely lay blame at Lewis' feet for posting losing records in six of his eight seasons, they must understand the way things run in Cincy with Mike Brown at the helm.

Not only is Brown the owner, he's also the general manager. Yes, he is "another Jerry Jones"...minus the buttload of cash spent. Ah, the cash. Granted, Jones appears to have money to burn.

If you listen to and read believe everything, that's where Lewis and Brown have butt heads. Lewis wants a organization run similar to that of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. He was in Baltimore when the Ravens won it all. And everyone knows of the reputation the Steelers have as an organization. That will take some extra funds to do. An indoor facility is also considered a point of possible contention. Both involve extra funds.

Jungle Bungle

Much has already been made about the implosion called the Cincinnati Bengals in the wake of their Sunday collapse. Up 28-7 only to lose 49-31. Fans screaming for the ouster of Mike Brown, head coach Marvin Lewis and offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski. A word to those screaming for such...it's not happening although arguments could be made that they must go.

Concerning Mike Brown, he's not going anywhere. He's going to fire himself? In a roundabout way, that's what would have to occur. I'm not a Mike Brown supporter, but you have to extend him this. He realized that the Bengals "weakness" last season was the passing game. He brought in Terrell Owens, drafted Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley, and re-signed Bobbie Williams.

Sure, you can bring up the Antonio Bryant debacle here. Justifiable. Even mention the drafting of Andre Smith in 2009. You're right. Shouldn't have selected Smith considering issues floating around on draft day. Two seasons cut short in some ways with foot injuries.

But while attempting to improve the offense, the defense wasn't exactly getting a piece of the action.

NFL Week 3 Wrap-up

Lots of interesting stuff from this past week.

We've seen this before...

1. Michael Vick
I know people are touting Vick's return and saying he's better than he was while he was a Falcon. It's only 10 quarters of play, so let's curb that a bit. There are noticeable and encouraging differences from his days in the ATL. He's is more patient in the pocket. The fact that Vick is the most sacked QB in the NFL gives you a slight indication that he's more willing to stay in the pocket. He has regained most, if not all, of his explosiveness. And he's got the backing of his whole team. Long way he's come in a short time.

2. Cincinnati Bengals offense
Weren't a lot of experts predicting an outburst from the Bengals offense? Hasn't even materialized in the season's first three games. The Bengals have scored five, count 'em, five TDs. Kicker Mike Nugent, who has been perfect in the kicking department, has more field goals with eight. Nugent is the Bengals offense at this point. Carson Palmer has looked ordinary. Cedric Benson has yet to crack 100 yards in a game. Ochocinco and T.O. have 1 TD between them.

Off the Wall NFL Predictions for the 2010 Season

OK. They may not all be off the wall, but they are a bit out there. It didn't really take me long to come up with this list or the reasons behind them.

I may lose a few friends and I may gain a few with these.

1. The New York Jets will not make the playoffs.
Gutsy, I know, but I'm not alone on this one. Skip Bayless of First Take on ESPN doesn't have the J-E-T-S making the postseason bonanza either. I've heard too much yap out of the Jets ever since the end of their season last January. And how does Antonio Cromartie say the Jets are the "Miami Heat of the NFL"? Wait. They are. All the names and no hardware.

And where do people get this team is so talented? On defense, sure. I completely agree there. The offense is not loaded. You lost your top rusher from last season (Thomas Jones). You lost a Pro-Bowl guard (Alan Faneca) and you're better? Must be that Santonio Holmes deal. And look on the other side. It's Braylon Edwards. Holmes will miss the first four games and Edwards hasn't seen a pass he can't drop. The receiving corps, including the tight end, is serviceable at best. Half the teams in the NFL are better at receiver and end than the Jets.

Then it must be getting LT. Please. LT hasn't done much over the last two seasons. Don't tell me the Jets talented because they're simply aren't. They're just a bunch of hot air.

2. The Steelers will go 4-0 in Ben Roethlisberger's absence.
I truly thought Dennis Dixon was a far better option than Byron Leftwich. Dixon proved that last season when he led the Steelers into Baltimore and almost pulled off a win. That was all I needed to see from Dixon. I bet that's all the Ravens wanted to see from him, too.

I think the Steelers will struggle once Big Ben returns because of all the changes that will need to happen.

3. The Cincinnati Bengals will once again go undefeated in the AFC North.
People are chattering about all the weapons the Bengals have on offense, but they are selling the defense short. Way short. They were a top-5 unit in the NFL last year. But how can the guys in stripes go undefeated in the division again. I know I picked the Ravens to win the division. The Bengals have a tougher non-divisional schedule. But Cincy knows they can beat them all again. Confidence.

And that offense isn't too shabby either.

4. Jay Cutler will make the Pro Bowl...legitimately.I know the Bears have no legit #1 receiver. I know Greg Olsen hasn't exactly shown the promise that made him a first round pick. I know Matt Forte, a decent receiving back, fell off last season. Cutler gets there because of Mike Martz. Martz is an offensive genius. Ask him and that's what he'll tell you. I know the Bears offense struggled in the preseason, but that was preseason and having an opener against the Detroit Lions can build confidence. There's that word again.

Cutler has the arm but he's lacked the knowledge. Martz will provide that for Cutler and the Bears QB will have his best season thus far.

5. Anquan Boldin will have a better season than Larry Fitzgerald.
I don't think this limb is too long. Boldin has the up and coming Joe Flacco while Fitz has Derek Anderson. Who would you rather have at QB? Look at the supporting cast for each, too.

Boldin: T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Ray Rice, Derrick Mason, Todd Heap
Fitz: Steve Breaston, Early Doucet, Beanie Wells

See what I mean?

6. Carson Palmer will have a better season than Tony Romo.
People look at the Cowboys and, like the Jets, talk about all the talent. Palmer has the deepest, most talented skill position players since he's been a Bengal. Chad Ochocinco, T.O., Jordan Shipley, Jermaine Greshem, Cedric Benson.

It's as good as what Dallas has. Maybe just a tad better.

7. Reggie Bush will lead the NFL in all-purpose yards.
This whole Heisman thing will spark Bush to have his best season as a pro. Some still label the former Trojan as a bust, but they will eat their words this season...if I'm right, that is.

And I'm going to be right. Starting tonight, Bush will actually make his "arrival" as a top-notch NFL player.

8. Statistical leaders for the 2010 season.

• Rushing Yards: Frank Gore, SF
• Passing Yards: Palmer, CIN
• Receiving Yards: Andre Johnson, HOU
• Sacks: DeMarcus Ware, DAL
• INT: Jonathan Joseph, CIN
• TDs: Gore, SF

Gore plays in a division that has awful defenses (St. Louis, Seattle, Arizona) and he gets six games against those teams. That should translate to almost 900 yards and 10 TD in those games alone.

Johnson is purely the best receiver in the NFL.

Ware is a freak of nature.

Joseph is underrated and should have made the Pro-Bowl last season. Motivation.

And finally...

9. Brett Favre's consecutive game streak will end and NOT because of it being the end of the season.

Favre will miss games (Yes, I said games, plural) due to a concussion and not his ankle. This will end his run...and his season.

There you have it. My bold predictions for the upcoming NFL season.

Agree or not or do you have one. As always, the comments are on and feel free to rant.

AFC North Primer

Last season the Cincinnati Bengals surprised everyone by taking this division with a perfect 6-0 record. While I don't expect that in 2010, it should still be hotly contested.

A welcome sight for Ravens fans...and Joe
Flacco.

Baltimore Ravens
2009 Record: 9-7, 2nd in division
Head coach: John Harbaugh
Key Additions: WR Anquan Boldin, WR Donte' Stallworth, DE Cory Redding, CB Walt Harris, K Shayne Graham
Key Losses: DE Dwan Edwards, CB Samari Rolle

1. How will this defense hold up?
With all the injuries (again) in the secondary, you would think not very well. The Ravens will come at you in any situation, but with an extremely thin secondary, you have to wonder if there will be a slight adjustment. LB Ray Lewis is still Ray Lewis and don't let his age fool you (35). He's still a force. The one guy the Ravens must have healthy is S Ed Reed and that is a huge question mark. Reed is the quarterback of the secondary. His skills and instincts are the best there is at the position. Yes, Steelers fans. Better than Polamalu.

2. Is Joe Flacco going to improve even more?
Just by trading for Boldin makes Flacco better...a lot. Throw in the stable of tight ends (Todd Heap, rookies Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta) and RB Ray Rice and Flacco has everything around him. The only question will be the O-line and that is solid, too.

3. Can The Ravens make a run at the AFC title?
No doubt about it. Their schedule is a tough one, though. I see four games that they will be highly favored in (2 v. Cleveland, Tampa Bay and Buffalo). They travel to play the New York Jets, New England Patriots (revenge game for Pats), Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers (always a tough place to play). They also host the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.

The Ravens are the sexy pick to win this division.

Will the tandem of Ochocinco and T.O.
make the Bengals more pass oriented?

Cincinnati Bengals
2009 Record: 10-6, 1st in division
Head coach: Marvin Lewis
Key Additions: WR Terrell Owens, WR Antonio Bryant, S Gibril Wilson, K Mike Nugent, K Dave Rayner
Key Losses: K Shayne Graham, RB Larry Johnson, WR Laverneous Coles

1. Can this team function with all the "personalities" on the roster?
Ochocinco, T.O., Pacman. They can and it will be up to Marvin Lewis to corral all that. So far, Adam Jones (he doesn't want to be called Pacman anymore and I don't blame him) has been stellar on the attitude front. He realizes this is his last gasp at football. I look for him to give CB Morgan Trent a run as the 3rd corner. Chad and T.O. will be fine. I bristled when I heard Skip Bayless on ESPN's First Take say that the Bengals (most notably Carson Palmer) created a monster in that Palmer targeted Owens so much during the game last night because he's lost confidence in Ochocinco. Not buying that one bit. We all know Bayless has it out for both Chad and T.O.

2. Can the defense duplicate what they accomplished in 2009?
They can and I believe they will. DE Antwaan Odom is back. They drafted DE Carlos Dunlap. The linebackers are outstanding (Dhani Jones, Ray Maualuga and Keith Rivers) and Cincinnati has arguably the best set of corners in the league in Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph. What's not to like?

3. Repeat as division champs?
Possibly, but we all know when you win your division, your schedule for the next season is tough. Cincy has both Super Bowl teams on their schedule and they have the usual home-and-home games against the Ravens and Steelers. Starting the season on the road at New England is no picnic either. 10-6 may repeat, but it will be a much harder fought 10-6 than last year.

The guys in stripes are every bit as legit can be.

McCoy will learn from one of the best team-
mates in Delhomme.

Cleveland Browns
2009 record: 5-11, 4th in division
Head coach: Eric Mangini
Key Additions: QB Jake Delhomme, QB Seneca Wallace, LB Scott Fujita, T Tony Pashos, TE Benjamin Watson, LB Chris Gocong, CB Sheldon Brown
Key Losses: QB Brady Quinn, QB Derek Anderson, RB Jamal Lewis, WR Donte' Stallworth, S Brodney Pool, G Hank Fraley, G Rex Hadnot

1. Any hope for the offense?
Browns fans, there really is hope for your Browns. Granted, it will be a slow process, but I love what Mike Holmgren is doing. He's bringing in guys he knows can play and play at a higher level than Cleveland showed last season. Delhomme may be long in the tooth and he had a rough go of it the last couple of season, but Jake's always been a team guy. That bodes well for future starter Colt McCoy. If Delhomme goes down, there's the experience of Wallace. We know the Browns can run. They were last in the league in passing last year.

2. What's the strongest position on the roster?
I know there's a nice young stable of running backs, but I'm going with the linebackers. I love this group. Fujita, Gocong, David Bowens, Jason Trusnick, Matt Roth, D'Qwell Jackson and Eric Barton. If you're not listed here, you might not make the squad.

3. Will last season's finish lift these guys?
The Browns won their last four games and if not for a play here or there, they could have won 6 of their last 7. A lot of the guys on that roster are gone, so the momentum will not be as great if the roster wasn't overhauled like it was. Still, the Browns know they can compete and that's more than half the battle. If anyone takes these guys lightly, they will be beaten.

Holmgren will build this franchise. Just give him the time.

Ben will sit at least the first four games of
the 2010 season. It could be six.

Pittsburgh Steelers
2009 record: 9-7, 3rd in division
Head coach: Mike Tomlin
Key Additions: S Will Allen, LB Larry Foote, WR Antwaan Randle-El
Key Losses: CB Deshea Townsend, RB Willie Parker

1. How will the Steelers function without Ben Roethlisberger?
With the reception he has received at training camp (fans and teammates), Ben has been forgiven by the locals but is still reviled outside of Steeler Nation. The Steelers will most likely have to rely on a running game that has stumbled since the days of Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker providing that 1-2 punch. Yes, they won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago, but running the ball is no longer a Steeler staple. It has to become a staple again or the Steelers will have a big hole to dig out of. They start the season with Atlanta, at Tennessee, at Tampa Bay and home with Baltimore. Right now, that looks like 1-3...at best.

2. Will the Steelers defense return as a dominant force?
It has to. You can't run on them, but you can pass even with the talented group of linebackers they have. But here's something to keep in mind. In their seven losses in 2009, the Steelers either held a fourth quarter lead or was tied in the fourth in six of those seven games. Enough said.

3. Was it a good move to give head coach Mike Tomlin that extension?
Excellent move. We know the Steelers are the most loyal franchise when it comes to coaches. Despite "falling" to a 9-7 record last year and missing the playoffs after a Super Bowl win, Tomlin is your prototypical Steelers coach. No nonsense. This season will be Tomlin's most telling. Remember when he said Pittsburgh was going to "unleash hell" last year? It never really happened. This year, hell will need to be unleashed to contend with the Ravens and Bengals.

Note: If I owned a team, I'd hire Tomlin in a minute if it took me that long.

Here we go.

1. Baltimore. Schedule is just a tad easier than Cincy's
2. Cincinnati. Could come down to last game of the season in Baltimore.
3. Pittsburgh. No Ben for at least the first four games hurts.
4. Cleveland. Still needs time.

Don't Worry Bengals Fans, Chad and T.O. Will Be Fine

Imagine the celebrations we might see out
of T.O. and Chad during the upcoming
NFL season.

Can it be? The NFL's two most flamboyant personalities in one locker room? Both with reality shows. Both with extreme vibrato.

But that will be left off the field. Seriously, it will. If it does, it will be in the form of the most exquisite touchdown celebration ever. Yes, better than popcorn. Better than the Sharpie. Better than resuscitating the pigskin. Better than the Riverdance.

But can these two function on the same team? They sure can. Disregard all the fanfare and I'll explain why.

1. T.O. rarely misses a game. He's a health freak and still, even at 36, a physical specimen. Granted, that doesn't necessarily translate to on-field performance, but the fact that T.O. stays in such excellent shape shows commitment. Even the season in which he suffered a broken leg, Owens came back for the Super Bowl and if Philadelphia would have pulled out a win, T.O. would have most likely been the MVP (9 catches for 122 yards). Ask him. He'll tell you. The only extended period of time T.O. missed was due to a suspension and subsequent "de-activation" by the Eagles due to the famous "conduct detrimental to the team".

2. Owens can still make plays. T.O. may have only scored 5 TD catches last season for the Bills, but 4 of those were on receptions of 40+ yards. He hasn't lost a step. Maybe a half a step, but in no way has he lost a full one. Throw in a 29 yard rushing TD, too.

3. Carson Palmer is now his "quarterback". Think about this. Who would you want, Palmer or either of the two QBs Owens had last year in Buffalo (Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards)? Next question.

4. With the addition of Owens, Cincinnati may possess the deepest receiving corps in the NFL. Throw in a healthy (if that's possible) Antonio Bryant, rookie Jordan Shipley (who some scouts were saying he's the next Wes Welker) and a guy that Palmer relied on heavily last year in Andre Caldwell. Deep. Very deep.

The lack of a running game in Buffalo let
opponents double up on T.O. That will
not happen in Cincinnati because of
Cedric Benson.

5. Owens best friend may not be Chad or Palmer. It might be Cedric Benson. With a healthy running attack, you get more "8-men in the box" looks. The Bengals saw that plenty last season. With the addition of T.O. and the others, that look might be something of the past. But if teams continue to give the Bengals that look, the receivers and Palmer will put up big numbers. Owens didn't have a running game to aid him in Buffalo.

Oh, there's a situation (or two or more) that could arise and sends all this crumbling. And don't be ignorant and say "we'll worry about that when it happens" either. Here's a scenario .

Bryant is placed on the PUP list and has to wait until after the 6th game to play. Meanwhile, Owens is putting up very good numbers. Bryant rejoins the team, but isn't really ready for a starters role until the 15th game of the season. The Bengals brass brought him along slowly because the did sign Bryant to a 4-year, $28 million deal.

Got it so far? Good. When Owens signed, he got $2 million and could earn up to another $2 million due to incentives. I know you're following along with me now. Owens is shifted to the #3 wideout. He only needs 9 receptions, 130 yards and 1 TD to reach the first level of all of his contract incentives. But he's no longer a starter. He's no longer the second option. He's now the third. I would imagine a blow up could transpire.

But if I learned anything from Owens' season in Buffalo, I learned that he has been humbled by the game. He has many situations where he could have launched his teammates and coaches under the old bus. He didn't. He gave the Buffalo media no fodder. He gave them zero reason to report negativity due to his statements.

That maturity tells me that T.O. finally gets it. He gets the whole package that is being an NFL player. That's why this works for the Bengals. It's almost a "win-win" deal.

Almost...

Bengals willing to help

Update: According to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, receiver Matt Jones has signed a 1-year/$700,000 deal with the Bengals.

Are the Cincinnati Bengals in the process of changing their image? Or are they in the process of helping players change theirs. Actually, both.

Yesterday, it was reported that the Bengals worked out Adam "Pacman" Jones. That same report has Cincy offering a contract to former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Matt Jones.

Interesting. Both "Pacman" and Matt Jones have had their fair share of off-field issues. Pacman because he can't stay off the police blotter and Matt because of substance abuse. Character issues? You bet.

But therein lies the issue.

Would you want your team even giving these guys a look? Most would say no. Look at the landscape of the Bengals past versus the Bngals present, and it's almost a given why the Jones' are getting that "look-see".

The Bengals players at one time had a knack for getting into trouble with local law enforcement (10 times in a 14 month period). We saw it recently with the Rey Maualuga incident, but it had been a while since that last happened.

The Bengals are now getting into the business of helping players get their lives going back in the right direction. We heard that from every Bengals player when the unfortunate and sad news of Chris Henry's passing. All said he was in the process of getting it all together.

Henry was by far the only Bengal earning "stripes" in life. There are others on the Bengals roster that have had questionable pasts. Tank Johnson, Cedric Benson (right), Frostee Rucker, Larry Johnson. We know about Benson's transformation, and the others contributed significantly to the Bengals success in '09. LJ's departure from Kansas City was on every website last year because of comments he made. In Rucker's case, it was an incident during his playing days at USC.

Don't forget that the Bengals were also one of the teams after the services of Michael Vick.