The Bengals defense has been suffering from injuries since before the season even started. Their first round draft pick, Dre Kirkpatrick, was out with a knee injury before training camp began, their fifth round pick Shawn Prater has been on the IR list since preseason, Clements, Hall, Allen, and Newman have been back and forth with injuries, and DE Dunlap just returned to action last week against the Redskins. This week, the Bengals found themselves in even more trouble to start the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars when Clements and Allen moved to the doubtful list and Hall was given the questionable status and did not practice this week. They have been forced to pick up players from the free agency, play rookies that have no game time experience, and go back to the drawing board to utilize each players' strength.
This week has been no different in the acquisitions department for the team. With the defensive backfield looking more like a battleground filled with fallen soldiers, they had to no choice but to turn to other options. This week the Bengals even signed a familiar face to fans in S Chris Crocker. You may remember the Bengals cut him just 8 months ago at the end of last season. Now he is back on the team acting as a leader and teacher to a ravaged defense. They also had to make a call to the practice squad, calling up a new, lesser, known face in CB Chris Lewis-Harris. Lewis-Harris came to the Bengals as an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee-Chattanooga during camp. He is being brought up as insurance, but will probably see his first bit of NFL action in Jacksonville today.
It is no secret that the Bengals defense has been a sore thumb every time the team has taken the field this season. If the offense were not playing out of their minds right now behind the 2nd year quarterback Andy Dalton, the team would be 0-3, instead of 2-1 heading into the 4:15pm game against the Jaguars today. It could be because of the injuries or because they are just not at the top of their games. Maualuga is one player we are waiting for to step up this season. Whatever it is, I know that Bengal nation would like to see something productive out of them soon and this is the game to do it. The Jaguars have struggled on both sides of the ball led by quarterback Blaine Gabbert. They do have a not-so-secret weapon, though, in RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Today he has a great match up against the worst run defense in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals. If they can contain him and Dalton, Hawkins, and Green can continue to put up crazy numbers than the Bengals may walk away still tied with the Ravens for the AFC North at 3-1. It would be crazy to think they got there with the arguably one of the worst, most injured defenses in the NFL...but I believe.
Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Who Is Mohamed Sanu?
By now, almost everyone
knows Mohamed Sanu’s draft story. Watching in anticipation for his name to be
called in the 2012 NFL Draft, Sanu’s phone rang. When he answered, he heard the
person on the other end tell him that they were representing the Cincinnati
Bengals organization and the team was going to select him with their 27th
overall pick in the draft. The pick came and went and Mohamed Sanu’s name was
never called. It was a prank and a bad one, at that. The Bengals caught wind of
the news and called Sanu to apologize. He was on their list of receivers, but
they weren’t ready for him just yet. The next day when the draft resumed,
Mohamed got the call that he had been waiting for. This time receiver’s coach
James Urban was on the other end.
“Hey Mo, it’s James Urban.
You want to be a Bengal - - this time, for real?” Urban said.
Sanu accepted the team’s
offer in the third round and he and the Bengals could not be happier. He was
arguably one of the most talked about receivers in Cincinnati during the
preseason. Everyone was anxious to see what he was capable of and if he could
be the guy to line up next to Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green. Though, the
latter is yet to be seen with the coming out of wide receiver Andrew Hawkins
and the dynamic preseason play of rookie Marvin Jones, he has definitely proven
that he is an exciting option in the offense.
Before the game against
the Redskins, fans were questioning why the speedy Marvin Jones was not active
for the road trip and the less proven receiver Mohamed Sanu would be suiting up
instead. The Washington Redskins and the Cincinnati faithful did not have to
wait long for their answer. This past Sunday, against an ailing defense in
Washington D.C., the Bengals offense opened up with the wildcat. Quarterback,
Andy Dalton, ran out wide, leaving Sanu lined up behind center. Once the ball
was snapped, Sanu threw it for a 73 yard touchdown bomb to Green. His fantastic
pass and catch with A.J. was just the beginning of an offensive showdown that
did nothing but impress that day.
So, who is this Mohamed
Sanu and why haven’t the Bengals utilized his hidden talent earlier? Let’s
begin his story in New Jersey, where he was born, raised, and played college
football at Rutgers. Many may not know this, but Sanu started his journey as a
quarterback at South Brunswick High School. In his final season as a Viking,
Sanu led his team to their first playoff berth in almost 40 years. He then went
on to Rutgers University in 2009, where he was used in a different way. Coach
Greg Schiano, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, started him as a true freshman
at wide receiver. He had a stellar year, posting 51 receptions for 639 yards
and 3 touchdowns. Sanu also ran 62 times for 346 yards and 5 touchdowns. That
same year, the young receiver then went on to win MVP honors at the 2009 St.
Petersburg Bowl. In 2010, he was a consensus preseason All-Big East wide
receiver. Then in 2011, Mohamed tied a Big East record with 13 receptions, to
only break that record the very next week by catching 16 passes. Sanu went on
to break the Big East single-season reception record with 115 receptions for
1,206 yards that year. A record previously held by NFL superstar Larry
Fitzgerald.
In his three seasons at
Rutgers, Sanu caught 210 passes for a total of 2,263 yards. He scored 19
touchdowns and gained 3,019 all-purpose yards. He was utilized often in the
wildcat formation, not only rushing, but completing 8 of 18 passes for 207
yards and 4 touchdowns. Sanu averaged 10.8 yards per reception over his college
career and decided to declare a year early for the NFL draft, leaving before
his senior season.
With numbers like these,
he had the potential to be drafted much higher in the NFL. The Bengals got
lucky, though. He was a diamond in the rough after a poor Scouting Combine
appearance. Sanu ran his best 40-yard dash at a time of 4.62. His speed was not
elite. His draft report card on NFL.com even stated that he is “slow off of the
line and is not an explosive athlete”. So, Sanu and all of his talent fell a
few places in the April draft. He fell into the right hands, though, at the
right time. Cincinnati was looking for a big, strong receiver, with great hands,
and ability after the catch. They were looking for another miracle like what
they found in Andy Dalton and A.J. Green the year before. They were looking for
Mohamed Sanu and what they are getting is a fresh, dynamic offensive threat; a
receiver with 0 regular season receptions and a 158.3 perfect passer rating. Even
though Sanu remains unproven at the receiver position for the Bengals, I think
it is safe to wipe our eyes after Sunday’s performance and ask, “Tebow who?”
Well played Cincinnati, well played.
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NFL and NFLRA Reach Agreement
The NFL and the NFLRA have finally come to an agreement to end the lockout that has kept the regular officiating staff of the field this NFL season. It couldn't have come at a better time, with the controversial call heard around the world on Monday Night Football when the replacement referees made a game deciding call on a catch that gave the Seattle Seahawks the game. It sent the Green Bay Packers packing and left all of America with a salty taste in their mouth.
The NFL and the Referee Union have been in talks for a while to get a new contract worked out, but have failed on countless attempts to find common ground. The meetings became sporadic and the NFL worked with what they had in the replacement refs. However, after all of the backlash from last weekend's officiating, the talks heated up again this week. Wednesday, the two sides met and the negotiating lasted until well after 11:00pm EST, according to a league source. By the time they had separated, an agreement had been made.
While all of the details of the contract are not yet known at this time, as the papers have yet to be signed, we do know that NFL and the NFLRA agreed to create a developmental program as a compromise to the league's demand for the addition of 21 officials to the current contingent of 121 NFLRA members. These referees would not be considered part of the Union, would not work games, and would not be eligible to be subbed in initially. They would be required to be mentored by an existing referee and work one day a week with them. The pool of money for the existing officials would remain the same. As the developmental referees improve and reach the standards of NFL officiating, they would be considered for NFLRA membership. At that time the pool of money would be adjusted accordingly.
When a prominent regular official was interviewed earlier this week, he stated that the regular referees would be ready to go on a days notice. They have been keeping up with the sport and would not need transition time. This is welcome news with a Thursday night game slated for tonight between division foes, the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. With the deal being made late on Wednesday night and the officials being ready for action, Roger Goodell stated, "Our officials will be back on the field starting Thursday night." This is a relief to everyone involved in the NFL, fans included.
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The NFL and the Referee Union have been in talks for a while to get a new contract worked out, but have failed on countless attempts to find common ground. The meetings became sporadic and the NFL worked with what they had in the replacement refs. However, after all of the backlash from last weekend's officiating, the talks heated up again this week. Wednesday, the two sides met and the negotiating lasted until well after 11:00pm EST, according to a league source. By the time they had separated, an agreement had been made.
While all of the details of the contract are not yet known at this time, as the papers have yet to be signed, we do know that NFL and the NFLRA agreed to create a developmental program as a compromise to the league's demand for the addition of 21 officials to the current contingent of 121 NFLRA members. These referees would not be considered part of the Union, would not work games, and would not be eligible to be subbed in initially. They would be required to be mentored by an existing referee and work one day a week with them. The pool of money for the existing officials would remain the same. As the developmental referees improve and reach the standards of NFL officiating, they would be considered for NFLRA membership. At that time the pool of money would be adjusted accordingly.
When a prominent regular official was interviewed earlier this week, he stated that the regular referees would be ready to go on a days notice. They have been keeping up with the sport and would not need transition time. This is welcome news with a Thursday night game slated for tonight between division foes, the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. With the deal being made late on Wednesday night and the officials being ready for action, Roger Goodell stated, "Our officials will be back on the field starting Thursday night." This is a relief to everyone involved in the NFL, fans included.
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Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Anderson Moved To IR, Gilberry Signed
During Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, with just 1:50 left in the 4th quarter, Bengals backup DE Jamaal Anderson went down for what seemed like an eternity to those of us in the stands. When the dreaded cart was brought out, we all knew that it was not a good sign for an already injury plagued Bengals Defense. After being taken to the locker room, the team doctors determined that Anderson tore the quad above his right knee. With the injury, Jamaal's next stop was the season ending Injured Reserve list. This is definitely not good news. At the time of this injury it left the Bengals with just two healthy DE players in Michael Johnson and Robert Geathers.
So, after hastily moving Anderson to the IR, the Bengals hit the Free Agent market. They immediately signed Wallace Gilberry in the fifth year of his NFL career. Though, he came by way of a Friday release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he actually played the first four years of his career in Kansas City. He was a productive player for the Chiefs, playing in 54 games including a postseason appearance. He started every game from 2009-2011 and managed to rack up 14 sacks, 46 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries before being released at the end of the 2011 season. This is a plus for the Bengals, since the only players with more sacks are Geathers with 30 and Lawson with 16. Dunlap is tied for 14 with the new DE.
Speaking of Dunlap, he looks like he has a real shot at coming back to the active list for this weeks game in Washington DC against the Redskins. He has been back to practicing with the team and seems to be recovered well enough to play. This would be a much welcome relief for all of the defensive ends, but none more than Michael Johnson. These guys have been putting in a lot of game time, which is hard on the body and knees. Johnson played 90% of the snaps during the game against Cleveland. If Dunlap comes back this week, that will give the team 4 healthy defensive ends and will relieve some of the pressure on the new guy Gilberry, who will be expected to start on Sunday.
Hopefully, with Gilberry and Dunlap's possible return, the lackluster defense will get a much needed spark. Here's to hoping! Who Dey!
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So, after hastily moving Anderson to the IR, the Bengals hit the Free Agent market. They immediately signed Wallace Gilberry in the fifth year of his NFL career. Though, he came by way of a Friday release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he actually played the first four years of his career in Kansas City. He was a productive player for the Chiefs, playing in 54 games including a postseason appearance. He started every game from 2009-2011 and managed to rack up 14 sacks, 46 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries before being released at the end of the 2011 season. This is a plus for the Bengals, since the only players with more sacks are Geathers with 30 and Lawson with 16. Dunlap is tied for 14 with the new DE.
Speaking of Dunlap, he looks like he has a real shot at coming back to the active list for this weeks game in Washington DC against the Redskins. He has been back to practicing with the team and seems to be recovered well enough to play. This would be a much welcome relief for all of the defensive ends, but none more than Michael Johnson. These guys have been putting in a lot of game time, which is hard on the body and knees. Johnson played 90% of the snaps during the game against Cleveland. If Dunlap comes back this week, that will give the team 4 healthy defensive ends and will relieve some of the pressure on the new guy Gilberry, who will be expected to start on Sunday.
Hopefully, with Gilberry and Dunlap's possible return, the lackluster defense will get a much needed spark. Here's to hoping! Who Dey!
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Monday, September 17, 2012
Worried Yet?
The Bengals won their first game of the season in week two on Sunday. It happened in front of a sold out home crowd in Paul Brown Stadium. The game was exciting, the fans were loud, the Jungle was rocking, and the offense was dynamic. The final score against our rivals, the Cleveland Browns, was 34-27. We as fans in Who Dey nation should be happy, right? Right? We got a win, we are essentially tied for the #1 spot in the AFC North, yet I am still left disappointed. I feel bad for feeling this way. A win is a win, right? Do I expect too much from this team, from these individual players? I can't be the only one that feels this way.
The offense looked good for the most part. The offensive line, filled with young and inexperienced guys, looked decent. They did break down more than a few times, though, allowing Dalton to be sacked 6 times. This is something that they need to work on, but will definitely change week to week as they mold together as a unit and get more game experience. The running game, on the legs of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, was solid again. The Law Firm managed 75 yards on the ground and 30 yards through the air. He was a bright spot in the offense again. The O-Line didn't seem like they were as sturdy in the blocking department this week, or I feel like Green-Ellis would have had triple digits on the ground. Peerman was used for one carry this week, but he was only able to get 1 yard. So it looks like the Bengals may be ready to say Green-Ellis is the full time back. I know that Scott is still not back from injury, but the game seems to be good on the ground without the running back by committee approach.
The receivers really stepped up this game. The ball was spread around more and Dalton was more precise on his throws. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done there. He was still overthrowing guys at very inopportune times, but he did look a lot better. Andrew Hawkins came up big again and proved that he can make the tough, smart run after the catch. He has a good eye for holes on the field and missed coverage. I think he may be good option for Andy this year and is quickly becoming the safety net for the quarterback. Tate had a coming out party, as well, on Sunday. He picked up 71 yards on 3 receptions and had a touchdown, followed closely by Binns at 66 yards, Green at 58 yards, Hawkins at 56 yards, and Gresham at 37 yards. All together Andy Dalton threw for 318 yards, 3 TD, and 1 interception. The fourth touchdown came from a punt return to open the Bengals first possession from PacMan Jones in the first quarter. Overall the offense and special teams shined.
Now for the ugly part of the game. The part that leaves me empty and killed the mood of a home win. At the beginning of the season everyone talked about this Defense and how great they were going to be. I was there at training camp, I saw them. They looked great. They were big up front, fast, and able to penetrate. Sports writers raved about them. Many saying they were quietly going to be in the top 5. I feel like that was years ago and we are talking about a completely different defense now that the season has started. These guys up front can't stop the run, they barely get penetration, and the backfield is virtually non-existent. There are bad tackles, blown coverage, and the backs and safeties look like they just can't keep up. Is Leon Hall done? Was this last injury too much? I heard the gentlemen talking beside me and one put it best. The older man said, "Did you notice Mays isn't out on the field right now?" In response, the younger guy said, "Did you notice Hall is on the field right now? Because he isn't playing." It is so true. Hall is out there, but he isn't playing at any kind of pro level. It isn't just him either. Clements didn't look that great and Nelson isn't even mentioned this year. With the talent in this division, the Bengals are never going to survive like this. You can't let a team like the Browns score 439 yards and 27 points on you. Just the previous week against the Ravens it was another 430 yards on this defense. This is basically like losing and it will be losing if Dalton and the offense isn't as great every single game as they were yesterday afternoon. The defense, alone, is what makes me feel yesterday was still a loss and rips all hope away from me and the other fans. The schedule is too tough and we all know that the offense just isn't consistent enough yet behind Dalton. This isn't the Patriots of last year. We aren't a 50 point a game offense. So the defense needs to step it up or you can guarantee this will be another losing season for the Orange and Black.
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The offense looked good for the most part. The offensive line, filled with young and inexperienced guys, looked decent. They did break down more than a few times, though, allowing Dalton to be sacked 6 times. This is something that they need to work on, but will definitely change week to week as they mold together as a unit and get more game experience. The running game, on the legs of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, was solid again. The Law Firm managed 75 yards on the ground and 30 yards through the air. He was a bright spot in the offense again. The O-Line didn't seem like they were as sturdy in the blocking department this week, or I feel like Green-Ellis would have had triple digits on the ground. Peerman was used for one carry this week, but he was only able to get 1 yard. So it looks like the Bengals may be ready to say Green-Ellis is the full time back. I know that Scott is still not back from injury, but the game seems to be good on the ground without the running back by committee approach.
The receivers really stepped up this game. The ball was spread around more and Dalton was more precise on his throws. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done there. He was still overthrowing guys at very inopportune times, but he did look a lot better. Andrew Hawkins came up big again and proved that he can make the tough, smart run after the catch. He has a good eye for holes on the field and missed coverage. I think he may be good option for Andy this year and is quickly becoming the safety net for the quarterback. Tate had a coming out party, as well, on Sunday. He picked up 71 yards on 3 receptions and had a touchdown, followed closely by Binns at 66 yards, Green at 58 yards, Hawkins at 56 yards, and Gresham at 37 yards. All together Andy Dalton threw for 318 yards, 3 TD, and 1 interception. The fourth touchdown came from a punt return to open the Bengals first possession from PacMan Jones in the first quarter. Overall the offense and special teams shined.
Now for the ugly part of the game. The part that leaves me empty and killed the mood of a home win. At the beginning of the season everyone talked about this Defense and how great they were going to be. I was there at training camp, I saw them. They looked great. They were big up front, fast, and able to penetrate. Sports writers raved about them. Many saying they were quietly going to be in the top 5. I feel like that was years ago and we are talking about a completely different defense now that the season has started. These guys up front can't stop the run, they barely get penetration, and the backfield is virtually non-existent. There are bad tackles, blown coverage, and the backs and safeties look like they just can't keep up. Is Leon Hall done? Was this last injury too much? I heard the gentlemen talking beside me and one put it best. The older man said, "Did you notice Mays isn't out on the field right now?" In response, the younger guy said, "Did you notice Hall is on the field right now? Because he isn't playing." It is so true. Hall is out there, but he isn't playing at any kind of pro level. It isn't just him either. Clements didn't look that great and Nelson isn't even mentioned this year. With the talent in this division, the Bengals are never going to survive like this. You can't let a team like the Browns score 439 yards and 27 points on you. Just the previous week against the Ravens it was another 430 yards on this defense. This is basically like losing and it will be losing if Dalton and the offense isn't as great every single game as they were yesterday afternoon. The defense, alone, is what makes me feel yesterday was still a loss and rips all hope away from me and the other fans. The schedule is too tough and we all know that the offense just isn't consistent enough yet behind Dalton. This isn't the Patriots of last year. We aren't a 50 point a game offense. So the defense needs to step it up or you can guarantee this will be another losing season for the Orange and Black.
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