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July 2009
Bengals Training Camp Notes
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — The Bengals were in shorts and shells during their first day of practice in training camp and there was plenty of action on the field to report. So let’s get right to it.
Pickpocket
Safety Chinedum Ndukwe finished minicamp in June with six interceptions and today he picked up where he left off. Ndukwe was covering Jerome Simpson during 7-on-7 drills and he was on the receiver like stink on skunk. Ndukwe jumped the route and intercepted the pass thrown by quarterback Carson Palmer. Ndukwe had another attempt at an easy pick later on but dropped it. The safety is a true ball-hawk.
Don’t believe the hype
The only thing that Bengal fans have been hearing about safety Roy Williams since coming over from Dallas is that he can’t cover. Well, someone is lying like a rug. Not only did I watch him cover well in minicamp, fans got to witness Williams read the coverage, break on the ball, intercept the ball, and return it for a touchdown. Aside from that Williams kept everything in front of him during pass-coverage. He covered well today. Williams has dropped weight and is now a sleek 217-pounds and he looked a lot quicker.
On the right track
Quarterback Carson Palmer, who is coming off elbow injury, demonstrated good arm-strength throwing the ball, but struggled with his accuracy. He overshot his target a few times on passes 50-yards or more, which is more of a timing thing than anything else. The good news is his arm-strength is much improved from a month ago.
Play of the Day
Not to be out done in the arm-strength department was little brother Jordan Palmer. He threw the best deep pass of the day hooking up with receiver Chad Ochocinco on a 60-yard touchdown strike. Young Palmer looked good throughout all the quarterback drills. He said after practice that he’s not going to make it easy for the two guys ahead of him. Judging by Palmer’s performance on Day 1 of camp the heat could be on J.T. O’Sullivan if he keeps it up.
Old numbers new faces
Rookie sixth round pick Bernard Scott was sporting the No. 28 jersey once worn by former Bengal running back Corey Dillon, and seventh round pick wide receiver Freddie Brown was wearing T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s old No. 84 jersey. They both have some pretty big shoes to fill if either is to accomplish what Dillion and Houshmandzadeh did for the Bengals.
Keep checking Big C’s NFL Blitz for updates on the Bengals training camp throughout the weekend.
TweetBengals officially sign No. 2 and No. 3 picks
As expected, the Cincinnati Bengals have officially signed USC linebacker Rey Maualuga (second round) and Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson (third round). Each player signed 4-year deals and will report to Georgetown College Thursday, July 30 with the rest of the team. Financial terms of the contracts are undisclosed.
“It feels good to officially become a Bengal,” Maualuga said during a phone interview Wednesday, July 29. “It has been a life long dream as a child to be able to wear a uniform as a pro. It’s a blessing for me and my family. I’m happy, excited, and can’t wait to get things going in the next couple of days. I want to come in and contribute in anyway possible and work my way into the starting lineup. Anything that I can do to help this team win ball games that’s what I’m going to do.”
The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Maualuga was a consensus All-American as a senior in 2008, the leading tackler (79) on a unit that led the nation in scoring defense (9.0 points allowed per game). USC also finished second in the nation in fewest yards allowed (221.8 per game) last season. Maualuga is a ferocious hitter and covers the field with outstanding speed.
“Having Rey on the field from the start of training camp will maximize his potential to lend a physical presence to our defense,” said head coach Marvin Lewis in a release to the media. “He showed us a lot in our offseason work, and now we look forward to seeing him in contact situations.”
The Bengals set out to improve the team’s pass-rush during offseason in snagged perhaps one of the most intriguing pass-rushing prospects in the draft.
Johnson (6-7, 260) recorded nine sacks and 17.5 tackles-for-loss for Georgia Tech last season, earning first-team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association. He started only 15 games for the Yellow Jackets, but posted career totals of 19 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, three blocked field goals and 30.5 tackles-for-loss.
The Bengals have signed 10 of 11 draft picks, Maualuga, Johnson, TE Chase Coffman of Missouri (third round), C Jonathan Luigs of Arkansas (fourth round), P Kevin Huber of the University of Cincinnati (fifth round), CB Morgan Trent of Michigan (sixth round), HB Bernard Scott of Abilene Christian (sixth round), FB Fui Vakapuna of Brigham Young (seventh round), DT Clinton McDonald of Memphis (seventh round) and WR Freddie Brown of Utah (seventh round).
Cincinnati’s only unsigned selection is first round pick OT Andre Smith of Alabama. There is no word on the progress or lack thereof in terms of negotiations with the team’s top pick.
TweetBengals agree to terms with Maualuga
As previously reported on Big C’s NFL Blitz, the Cincinnati Bengals are close to finalizing deals with their two top defensive draftees.
According to a league source, the Bengals have agreed to terms on a 4-year contract with second-round draft choice USC linebacker Rey Maualuga. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed.
“It feels good to officially become a Bengal,” Maualuga said during a phone interview Wednesday, July 29. “It has been a life long dream as a child to be able to wear a uniform as a pro. It’s a blessing for me and my family. I’m happy, excited, and can’t wait to get things going in the next couple of days. I want to come in and contribute in anyway possible and work my way into the starting lineup. Anything that I can do to help this team win ball games that’s what I’m going to do.”
Maualuga was the 2008 recipient of the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best defensive player. He earned Pac-10 defensive player of the year after leading the Trojans with 79 tackles.
“Having Rey on the field from the start of training camp will maximize his potential to lend a physical presence to our defense,” head coach Marvin Lewis said in a release sent out by the Bengals. “He showed us a lot in our offseason work, and now we look forward to seeing him in contact situations.”
As for their third-round selection Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson, his agent, Richard Kopelman, said discussions are ongoing and is “very optimistic” Johnson will report to training camp on time. Johnson, who was the Bengals first pick in the third-round, has also participated in the team’s off-season activities.
Missouri tight end Chase Coffman was the Bengals’ second pick in the third-round behind Johnson and signed a 4-year deal on Tuesday, July 28.
The Bengals officially begin their first practice Friday, July 31.
TweetBroncos sign draft pick Bruton
The Denver Broncos have signed former Miamisburg High School football star David Bruton to a 4-year contact. The Notre Dame safety was selected by the Broncos in the fourth-round of this year’s NFL draft.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Bruton has outstanding playmaking ability and ball-hawking skills. He is seemingly always around the ball, showing very good instincts and explosion at the point of attack. Bruton showed that he can play in space while in college, but must show he can play inside the box against the run in the pros.
TweetCamp Countdown: Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals report to Georgetown College on July 30 for training camp and will hold their first practice the following day July 31. Yours truly will be attending camp to bring diehard Bengal fans in-depth coverage of the event. Check Big C’s NFL Blitz, only on DaytonDailyNews.com, daily for updates of the latest happenings in Georgetown. And if you really want to be in the know follow me on Twitter at BigCNFLGuru. You may be surprised what you might find. Be a part of BengalMania 2009 with Big C and the Dayton Daily News.
Now let’s get down to some business.
According to sources with knowledge of negotiations, Bengals second round draft choice linebacker Rey Maualuga could be signed as early as Monday, Tuesday at the latest. The same can be said for third round pick tight end Chase Coffman. I’m told that the two sides are working diligently to get deals in place for both players to ensure that the rookies will be in camp on time.
As for the team’s top round pick, offensive tackle Andre Smith, there is no word on the progress or lack thereof in terms of negotiations. Stay tuned!
Ones to watch
Rookie running back Bernard Scott is one guy that I will be keeping a close eye on in camp. The more I see and hear of this guy’s ability on the field the more I like him. We’ve heard all about the off-the-field issues, but after interviewing him last week I am convinced the negative stuff is far behind him. The coaching staff at Abilene Christian seems to believe that the Bengals have themselves a gem. I’m beginning to lean that way as well.
Scott is an explosive back with the ability to take it the distance on any given play. He’s a strong inside runner and can be creative in the open field. The Bengals will likely use him on kickoff and punt returns, and possibly as a third-down back.
Check out the video on Scott by my boys Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom over at Draftguys.com. They’re undoubtedly two of the best in the biz in my book. Like me, they love to watch film. NERDS!
Second-year wide receiver Jerome Simpson has left much to be desired in his development and it showed during the team’s minicamp in June. Aware of what’s at stake in training camp, Simpson spent time last week working out with former NFL receiver Ricky Proehl. The Bengals will have a plethora of receivers in camp, but will likely carry seven during the regular season. Simpson will be battling for a spot on the depth chart and will have his work cut out for him.
Carlos “Big C” Holmes covers the NFL for Cox Ohio Publishing.
TweetBengals O-line needs to serve and protect
The Cincinnati Bengals makeshift offensive line is being described as the weak link for an offense with the potential to become one of the most explosive in the NFL. Inquiring minds want to know if the revamped unit can protect franchise quarterback Carson Palmer. Good question, considering Bengal quarterbacks were sacked like a bag of chips last season — a total of 51 times, third most of any team in the league.
The team’s front five will have an opportunity to prove themselves during training camp, which begins July 31 in Georgetown, Ky. One of the players looking to open some eyes is starting left guard Nate Livings. He has paid his dues after spending most of 2006 and ’07 on Cincinnati’s practice squad. Now the undrafted free agent out of Louisiana State is being asked to help keep the team’s prized pupil upright.
“I want to take one game at a time and work together as a unit,” Livings said during a recent phone interview. “We did pretty well during OTA and minicamp, but our focus is on getting better every day. We will continue to work as a unit and let the chips fall where they may.”
The 6-foot-5, 330-pound Livings started the final six games of the 2008 season at left guard, due to injury. In those six games, the Bengals surrendered 12 sacks with Livings being credited with allowing a half sack. The versatile Livings has developed into a pretty solid run and pass blocker. His true strengths, however, may be his ability to pull and his quickness. He moves very well for a big guy.
Livings spoke on what needs to happen in order for the scrutinized offensive line of LT Andrew Whitworth, RG Bobbie Williams, C Kyle Cook, rookie RT Andre Smith and Livings, to be successful.
“The biggest thing is trust,” he said. “I think the key thing for us is to trust each another. (Andrew) Whitworth and I played together in college and he knows my style of play and I know his. Once we all get together and continue to trust each other and play our game, I think we’ll be very good.”
So what makes this year’s team different from the 4-11-1 team of last season?
“I think the focus is there,” Livings said. “You can look at each guy and pretty much tell that they didn’t like the taste in their mouths from last season. I think a lot of the clowning around is out with more focus on the football season and what we’re there for. It’s more of a locker room focused on what we have to do, first and foremost.”
On paper the Bengals look just as good as my pinup poster of Beyonce, but the players on the team know that it’s all about how you perform on center stage, game day.
“You always get hype during the offseason based on acquisitions and trades,” Livings said. “Hype is for the fans and that stuff just doesn’t enter the locker room. We’re focused on each game and not concerned about the hype. It’s just about coming together and being a great football team.
“We don’t want teams looking at us like it’s an automatic win on their schedule. We want to be one of the teams that when you look at us on the schedule you know you got to bring you’re A-game.”
TweetBengals’ Luigs signed and ready to compete
The Cincinnati Bengals announced today the signing of center Jonathan Luigs of Arkansas, the team’s fourth-round selection in this year’s draft. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“I know that there are experienced guys in front of me in Kyle Cook and Dan Santucci, but I’m ready to come in and compete,” Luigs said during a phone interview Tuesday, July 21. “Cook is a great leader and experienced in the offense. I’m really looking to him to see what I can do to get better and be more like him. My No. 1 goal right now is to make the team and take it from there. Right now I just want to study the playbook and report to training camp ready to go to work.”
Luigs (6-4, 315) was a three-time finalist for college football’s Rimington Award (nation’s top center), winning the award as a junior in 2007. He started all 49 games he played for the Razorbacks over four seasons (2005-08), and he blocked for six 1,000-yard rushing performers while being credited for only 4.5 sacks allowed on 756 career pass plays.
Luigs went on to say that the Bengals offensive line shows good cohesion and will only get better as they come together. He said he hopes to be a power-player among the unit when it is all said and done.
The Bengals also waived cornerback Simeon Castille, a second-year player from Alabama.
TweetBengals’ Roy Williams talks next season
Cincinnati Bengals safety Roy Williams took time out to talk to Carlos “Big C” Holmes of the DDN. Watch this video to see what Williams thinks about his new team.
TweetBrowns agree to terms with multiple draft picks
The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms on four-year deals with MLB Kaluka Maiava (fourth round), CB Coye Francies (sixth) and RB James Davis (sixth), according to sources familiar with the situation.
Cleveland’s rookies will report to training camp in Berea, Ohio on July 24.
TweetBrowns agreed to terms with Carey
The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with cornerback Don Carey according to sources familiar with the situation. Carey, the team’s sixth round draft pick, agreed to a four-year deal.
The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Carey was a four-year starter for Norfolk State University from 2005-08. He posted career numbers of 179 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 10 interceptions and 35 pass deflections.
TweetMcNair, a playa in the game
On Saturday, thousands attended the funeral of former NFL star quarterback Steve McNair. By now we have read the reports and stories of what took place in his condo early in the morning on July 4th. It was tragic, senseless and very sad for many reasons.
In football the rules are clear. The field is marked, your teammates are obvious, and jerseys are numbered. There is a playbook, a host of coaches and several referees to penalize players when the rules have been broken.
In the dating field, things are not so black and white. It is not always obvious who the real players are and who can handle playing the game mentally.
McNair knew the rules. He had been around for 36 years and knew how to play. And up until he met Sahel “Jenny” Kazemi, he had encountered women who knew how to play as well. Expect no commitment and you will never be disappointed.
Unfortunately, Kazemi wanted commitment and had designs on other things such as fame and fortune.
Kazemi was 16 years younger and fairly new to this sort of relationship. She thought that she was ready to play the game, but wasn’t quite mature enough for the big league. According to her family, she thought that McNair was going to divorce his wife so he could marry her. The truth is that no divorce papers existed.
The rumor is that McNair had actually begun dating another woman while he was still dating Sahel. Perhaps in Sahel’s naiveté, she assumed that McNair only cheated on his wife with her.
Rule #1: If he is cheating on his wife, he will cheat on you, too.
Rule #2: In relationships, your teammate sometimes can become your opposition.
Relationships are tricky even under the most “normal” circumstances. Steve finally played with someone who couldn’t handle the game.
According to reports that are circulating around the web, this was not the only mistress McNair ever had. Apparently, he dated a stripper from a club he owned and dated her for six years. Rumors are that she loved money, NFL players and McNair. She also just wanted to have fun. It sounds to me that she could handle playing the game and was an All-Pro.
It is easy to get sucked into superficialities. Whether it be beauty, money, status, or youth. We are all human and we all have lapses in judgment at some point in our lives. This situation prompts me to share a tidbit of my life. Something I never do.
I lost someone very dear to me because I got caught up in what I like to call flash. Thankfully, I got wise and recognized that all flash does is temporarily blind you from the true situation at hand.
McNair got used to the flash and now two lives are cut short over what? The thrill of the chase?
Luckily, I learned from my mistake and got out of the game before something detrimental occurred to me. Bottom line, nothing good comes out of being dishonest.
Let this be an entire cheerleading squad waving red flags in all our faces. Be careful! Hell just might turn out to be the person you are sharing your bed with.
My condolences to Steve McNair’s family, friends and fans.
TweetBengals agree to terms with Vakapuna
The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms with fullback Fui Vakapuna according to sources familiar with the situation. Vakapuna, the first of the team’s three seventh round draft picks, agreed to a four-year deal.
Vakapuna rushed 263 yards and three touchdowns this past season. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry while toting the rock for the BYU Cougars. He’s a bruising runner with good explosion and power - ideal for short-yard situations. He has all the physical attributes to contribute as a running back, fullback and special teamer. Vakapuna is expected to compete with Jeremi Johnson, J.D. Runnels and Chris Pressley for playing time during training camp.
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