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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > August > 25 > Entry
Offense is in D-E-E-P trouble
BENGALS’ OFFENSE MIRRORS
CHAD, T.J. AND CARSON:
BROKEN, SPRAINED & SORE
Wide receiver Chad Johnson did 21 push-ups before heading to practice on Monday, Aug. 25, a sign that his sprained left shoulder is healing quickly and will be stable enough and strong enough for him to start the Sept. 7 opener at Baltimore.
But his Pro Bowl running mate, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, is still nursing what he claims is a sore hamstring, and quarterback Carson Palmer is recuperating from a broken nose.
What the trio needs most is more time together, but time is running out.
Not once has Palmer, Johnson and Houshmandzadeh practiced together since training camp opened.
Now the pressure is on to get all of them healthy by the start of the season.
I couldn’t care less that Rudi Johnson returned to practice. He may be looking for a new place of employment come Saturday. His $3.2 million salary is a burden, anchor and weight the club doesn’t need. Rudi could gain 200 yards at Indy on Thursday night. What will that prove? Nuttin’, honey.
A couple weeks ago, Chad predicted 2008 will be his best year ever. Can we revise that statement? This could be his worst season.
Without a healthy Chad & T.J., the passing game is dormant, allowing defenses to gang up on the run.
Bottom line: The Bengals offense is in trouble. DEEP TROUBLE.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Brian
August 25, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Rudy rushing for 200 yards would mean nothing? At least it would indicate that the offensive line was accomplishing one facet of its job. With that achievement under their belt they could concentrate on to no longer pass blocking like a bunch of matadors.By JimB
August 25, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Chick my man you are losing it hating on my dog Rudi. A few points here: 1. Carson has been getting beat up on the blitz because Rudi is not there to block the blitzing backers like he is great at. 2. Who you gonna call? a. DeDe “I can’t hold onto the ball” Dorsey? b. Kenny “I can’t run over anyone” Watson? c. Chris “I’ll probably be injured by mid-season” Perry? or, d. Jeremi “I’m too fat to get onto the field” Johnson? Cut Rudi, you must be mad. Fair enough that this season is put up or shut up, and 200 yds. against the Colts would seem like a very strong message to me! On the other hand, if he’s still too hurt to get on the field, then do the PUP, then cut him. Either way, he’s earned the chance to prove his worth and the options are even less attractive.