Big C's NFL Blitz

Bengals’ Sanu already a fan favorite

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Friday, May 18, 2012, 06:07 AM

Cincinnati fans are jacked up over the third-round selection of Rutgers receiver Mohamed Sanu in last month’s draft.

Sanu is already being compared to T.J. Houshmandzadeh in terms of size and consistency. Okay, I get the size, but consistency? Please, let’s not get carried away here. Sanu hasn’t played a down in the NFL. Luckily, he’s remaining humble and not buying into the hype.

“I’m trying to contribute any way possible,” Sanu said during rookie minicamp. “If that’s a starting job then I’m willing to take it on full force. If not, I’m going to do everything I can to help this team get better. Although I have something to prove, I’m not coming in here trying to do too much. ”

The Bengals will have stiff competition in training camp for the role of complementary receiver to A.J. Green. Sanu appears to be the favorite of fans due to his receiving skills.

Sanu is a possession receiver with play-making ability. He’s intelligence and knows when to get physical and when to finesse defenders. He is big, strong, attacks the ball and has reliable hands. Sanu is not blessed with blazing speed but is a precise route-runner and creative getting separation.

Bengals receivers coach James Urban’s teaches his receivers to play low, fast and physical. The rookie receiver’s expectation in the offense may be a little more realistic than others. To keep him focused on what’s real, last year’s first-round pick Green offered him a bit of advice.

“A.J. said to me learn as much as you can, enjoy it and when the time comes take advantage,” Sanu said. “That’s what I plan to do. I’m going to try and learn everything I can from him and Coach Urban as well as the rest of the receivers. I look up to all the veterans on this team and want to make sure I follow in their footsteps.”

Bengals fans may have been spoiled by the success of Green last season. Let’s hope the pressure doesn’t mount where Sanu feels he has to live up to those expectations.

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Zeitler bringing the pain already

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 11:00 AM

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Ohhh, that is freakin’ hilarious! Those Wisconsin boys are powerful.

Over the years, I have come across many people with firm handshakes such as Matt Light, Adrian Peterson, Dontay Moch and Slick Willie, the neighborhood ice cream truck driver who always seems to have the hook-up on electronic equipment. But none were as punishing as Kevin Zeitler. Folks, his handshake is not of the norm. It’s more of a ratchet and whipping effect with a knuckle-crunching grip. I learned about it two ways.

Before interviewing Zeitler during Bengals rookie minicamp last week, I was cautioned about his handshake and given specific instructions to avoid it at all cost. I was like, ‘Really? Why?

Apparently, when Zeitler arrived at Bengals headquarters after being drafted he was introduced to members of the organization. I’m told he nearly ripped a dude’s arm out of its socket with a mere handshake. The individual, who is not a small guy, said he went to the restroom afterward and his arm was like spaghetti. Actually, I think he went there to cry. He told the story with pain in his eyes. Keep in mind I’m laughing the entire time, but thankful for the tip.

When I approached Zeitler for an interview, he stuck out his hand. I looked at him and said, “No thanks! I heard all about your handshake and will pass today.” He chuckled and said, “Yeah, I have been trying to hold back on that because people around here aren’t used to it yet.” Uh, I don’t think that’s something people get used to, big fella. So if you see people walking around Bengals headquarters in slings you know what happened.

I conducted my interview and by the time it ended I had forgotten all about the story I was told. Zeitler again stuck out his hand and, like a nincompoop, I grabbed it. Good googly moogly! The part man-part beast got me like the other guy and had me feeling like a tulip. I can’t believe I got punk’d.

Zeitler, c’mon man!

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Bengals’ Zeitler already looking like a force

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 06:15 AM

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If nobody cares nick then why are u on here reading about stuff that you dont care about.you cared

If their recent minicamp is any indication, the Cincinnati Bengals may have solved their problem at right guard when selecting Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler in the first round.

Zeitler was impressive and showed exactly what he’s made of, stonewalling his opponents and rarely being on the losing end during one-on-one drills.

“I feel like I knocked some rust off mixing it up,” Zeitler said. “Now I’m just trying to understand the new techniques Coach (Paul) Anderson has been trying to teach me. I want to improve each day and make the most of what I learned in practice.”

Zeitler is acknowledged for his strong run blocking and mean streak in the trenches. But the interior lineman also fares well when pass protecting. He did a considerable amount of it this past season with the Badgers. Wisconsin’s offense passed for the most yards in school history.

Zeitler’s biggest challenge will be getting acclimated to doing things the Bengals way.

“Pass protection technique is completely different here from anything I’ve ever done,” he said. “Anderson is a different type of coach. He says in our meeting that everything he does no one else will ever do. It’s just a matter of getting used to that. What he’s teaching is starting to stick. However, there are a lot of things I have to work on.”

Zeitler said the offense is similar to what he played in at Wisconsin. But getting used to the terminology is the challenging part.

It was hard not to be impressed by Zeitler’s versatility, strength, power and mobility in practice. His massive frame allowed him to anchor and become an unmovable force.

“I’m glad the Bengals took a chance on me,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to help this team win. I’m going to embrace Ohio and the culture around me. I’m excited to get out in the city and check out all the restaurants (laugh).”

Spoken like a true lineman.

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Bengals tight end Charles stands out in rookie minicamp

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Sunday, May 13, 2012, 09:18 PM

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Hey, look everyone, Ben Rothlisberger is trolling a Bengal article. Up until just a few years ago

CINCINNATI — Several rookies made good impressions during the Bengals’ three-day minicamp over the weekend, but tight end Orson Charles, a fourth-round draft pick, may have been the most impressive.

Charles showed good receiving skills and the ability to get open deep. He also did a nice job running after the catch as well as blocking.

“The nice thing about Orson is his understanding and preparation,” tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes said. “I like that he’s on top of his assignments and really wants to learn. If he does something wrong, he will ask right away what can he do to fix it. I usually put it back on him and say you tell me how you can fix it or make it better. Those are the things that go through his mind and I like that about him. Orson wants to be the best he can be.”

Hayes is known for not sugar-coating things with his players. Charles got a taste of that hard-nosed coaching style while coming off the practice field Saturday, but all I heard was “Yes sir, yes sir.”

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Charles is considered slightly undersizes by NFL standards but is a gifted athlete who can create mismatches in the passing game. He has a quick burst off the snap and good straight-line speed to stretch the seam vertically. Charles plays faster than his 40-time (4.8) would indicate. He’s strong and built more like a linebacker with his sculpted physique. He also shows good versatility, having spent time in the backfield as an H-back and lead blocker.

“We have to use Orson to his strengths,” Hayes said. “We have to find his strengths and keep working those things. Everyone has weaknesses. We have to find the best things that suit him and accentuate those things to help the team win.”

Hayes played 12 seasons in the NFL at tight end and is entering his 10th season as Bengals tight ends coach. He’s largely responsible for the development of former No. 1 draft pick Jermaine Gresham, who was named to his first Pro Bowl after only his second year in the league.

“Well, I just try not to mess up Jermaine (laugh),” he said. “To be quite honest, you have to coach them, but you also have to give them enough rope to allow them to play and make mistakes. As a player, I always needed the opportunity to make mistakes so I could see how to correct the problem. I try to use the experiences I had in the past to allow them to see the big picture. I want to let them grow into a player where they can flourish in our offense.”

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Bengals sign draft pick Jones

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Friday, May 11, 2012, 04:00 PM

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The Cincinnati Bengals have signed fifth-round draft pick wide receiver Marvin Jones to a four-year, $2.262 million contract.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Jones was the second of three Bengals selections in the fifth round. He finished his four-year career at California with 156 catches for 2,270 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Cincinnati also signed second-round draft choice defensive tackle Devon Still of Penn State. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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