I live and work in the Metro Cincinnati area and the Bengals are usually on everyone's brain. During the season, I will gather a few of my co-workers (Tom Otten, William Morgan and Dave Chandler) together "at the water cooler" and discuss some Bengals topics.
Sportz: Last year, we all talked about a variety of topics during a disappointing 7-9 season. Now that camp has started, what are your expectiations for the upcoming season?
Tom: It's the Bungles. You scream and throw your beer at the TV. It's a rollercoaster ride of pride, pain and pathos.
Dave: As usual, just good enough to miss the playoffs. Sad life of a Bengals fan.
Tom: Just beat Cleveland
William: Playoffs.
Sportz: Man, that schedule is a beast. I think they'll be better than last year ... but their record may not prove it. That being sad, is this a make or break season for Marvin Lewis?
Dave: Break. And a scary thought because who will [Bengals owner Mike] Brown replace him with?
William: I think so. Marvin Lewis doesn't have to win the Super Bowl ... but I think he needs to make the playoffs.
Tom: Uh, is his contract up? Talk to me then.
Sportz: Mike Brown seems to think that Lewis is doing a fine job. Of course, who trusts Brown's football decisions? Lewis has been known as a defensive guru with the Ravens and Redskins, yet that hasn't been the case here.
Dave: Defense! Defense! Defense!
Tom: Well, they addressed the defense ... sorta. They picked up a couple of tackles [via the draft] and an end [Antwan Odom]. They picked up an offensive tackle and [Ben] Utecht, so they're okay. I guess special teams needs help the most: they were poor last year.
Sportz: I like [first round draft pick] Keith Rivers. However, if they can't get him into camp ... which always seems to be the theme in Cincinnati ... his impact on this season will be minimal. The need him in there. I'm excited to see what he can do on this team. Who is the new guy you are excited to see?
Dave: Rivers should bring much needed help to a weak linebacker corps. Also looking forward to Carson [Palmer] having a go-to tight end in Utecht.
William: Antwan Odom.
Tom: Jerome Simpson ... he could kill 'em! He could be the third receiver starter. Good vertical, but he needs to put on some weight.
Sportz: Though I think they reached on him, I like Simpson, too. With the Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh situations looming, Simpson could be the future in Cincinnati. Speaking of Chad ... as a Bengals fan ... do you accept his apology to the city?
William: Yes I do. Chad justs wants to win and I am not mad at that.
Dave: Yes, now shut up and play. Enough is enough already! Winning cures all but we won't win enough to keep Chad from blowing up again at some point.
Tom: I don't care. Shut up and play.
Sportz: There was talk of bringing Chris Henry back. You guys down? Dave: NO! He has had too many chances already. So much game, so little brain. It's a shame.
Sportz: Maybe he can fly on a plane, go on a train, live in Maine, or Spain, drink champagne, play in the rain, pop a vein, make a fire out of a flame ... though he was a pain.
William: He's had enough chances.
Tom: Ya know, I'm old school. I don't care what you do off the field as long as you bring it on the field. Steroids, pot, necrophilia, I don't care! So, yeah, I'd take him in a heart beat. The boy can play, and that's all I care about. You want a role model, be one. You want a football player, find one, build one or steal one. It's time to separate the NFL from the politically correct, MADD mothers, socially accepted, milk toast whiny ass [expletive deleted]. This is war, and that's how I feel.
Sportz: I see where you are coming from, but if his "incidents" are keeping him from being on the field ... then it is a problem. He is a hell of a player, but that doesn't help you when he keeps getting suspended by the league.
Last question. A week ago, I wrote about Rudi Johnson and Kenny Watson and their "training camp battle". Now, we all know that Lewis wants Rudi to start. What do you think about the running back situation?
Dave: Hopefully it will be a strength. Rudi supposedly has his muscle back. Losing weight and trying to be finesse doesn't suit him. He couldn't shed tackles last year. Perry, Dorsey and Watson all bring a nice change of pace and a threat catching out of the backfield.
Tom: Running back by committee. Seen this before? I'd send three backs out on every play. A little wish bone. Read the defense, send Perry in motion and let 'em go!
William: They have a lot of options. But I think you still have to start Rudi and then go from there.
Sportz: I like Watson's game, overall. I agree with you, Dave, that if Rudi is healthy than he is an extremely serviceable back. He is their punisher and Lewis has said that he wants the run the ball more. If that is true, they need all four of those guys to step up. I don't think Rudi has it in him anymore to be the man who gets 25+ carries. If Perry is healthy, they can keep bringing in fresh guys in the backfield and wear defenses down. After all, opponents still have to worry about Chad and T.J. Then see Rudi's production go waaaay up in the fourth quarter.
