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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 > October > 08 > Entry
In search of … biggest ‘08 Bengal bust
2008 ACQUISITIONS
FALLING WAY SHORT
OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS
Right defensive end Antwan Odom, who signed a five-year, $29.5 million contract that includes $11.5 million in guaranteed money, has 11 tackles (8 solos) with one sack for minus-10 yards and one forced fumble.
Tight end Ben Utecht, who signed a three-year, $9 million contract in March, has 5 receptions for 23 yards (a 4.6 average) with a long gain of 9 yards and no touchdowns.
Wide receiver Jerome Simpson, a second-round draft pick, has appeared in three games — no catches.
Wide receiver Andre Caldwell, a third-round pick, was activated for one game, but did not play — no catches.
Defensive tackle Pat Sims, a third-round pick, has not appeared in a game — no tackles.
Defensive tackle Jason Shirley, a fifth-round pick, has not appeared in a game — no tackles.
The busts are everywhere for the 2008 Cincinnati Bengals, but who’s the biggest?
Permalink | Comments (13) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Chuck Gose
October 8, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Why isn’t Chad Johnson or Carson Palmer on the list? They are bigger busts than anyone else.By Chuck Gose
October 8, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Why isn’t Chad Johnson or Carson Palmer on the list? They are bigger busts than anyone else.By Chuck Gose
October 8, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Oh, acquisitions… I get it now. Definitely Utecht thus far.By Steven Ross
October 8, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Mike Brown is the biggest lifetime Bengal bust with Marvin Lewis now a close 2nd. Our draft last year is bordering on big bust too. Business as usual in Bengal-dom.By Brian
October 8, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
To put Odom’s production into perspective, through 5 games last year Justin Smith had 21 total tackles (15 solos), 1 sack, and 0 forced fumbles. Smith made the bulk of those tackles in the 45-51 loss to Cleveland (9 total) and the 13-34 loss to New England (6 total). I wasn’t expecting Odom to be that much better or that much worse than Smith, so I can’t call him a bust. Bust wise, Jerome Simpson was a MONUMENTAL reach in the 2nd round who can’t even contribute in red zone situations in spite of his huge hands and atmospheric leaping ability.By David V.
October 8, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Hmm…aquisition…big defensive end sack specialist with one sack in 5 games…the “revolution” to the passing attack-a tight end who can catch the ball with 5 receptions…the rooks haven’t really made it to the field…I can’t vote for all of them? Chris Henry isn’t up there either-he hasn’t seen the ball thrown in his direction…wasn’t he the latest & greatest cure to the offense? Cedric Benson touched the ball 10 times-why didn’t he have 50 or 60 yards? He should be a pick for a bust, too…GO TITANS!By got milk
October 8, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Seems to me that the biggest bust of ‘08 is whoever ran the draft for the Bengals. Three 2nd and 3rd round picks that have contributed nothing? That’s terrible.By Derrick
October 8, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
“It’s the scouting department, stupid” that is the biggest bust.By Derek Lutz
October 8, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Considering the Titans are 5-0 minus Odom, it seems that they knew what they were doing letting him go to Cincinnati. Turns out he needed Haynesworth and Vandenbosch. Another amazing evaluation of talent by the Bengals. Good use of $29 million.By chiefwino
October 9, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
Looks like the basis for a new reality show “The Biggest Loser” (oops that name is already taken)By david
October 9, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
Without a doubt Odem is the biggest bust. The rookies are rookies. Wide Recievers especially need time. But Utect and especially Odem bust!!!! Smith was a good player Odem is not!By ryan
October 9, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
DeShaun Jackson… that’s the name we should have heard in the 2nd. Best WR in college drops in their laps and they take a guy most NFL fans have never heard of. Would have given us our first legit return threat also.By Brian
October 9, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
I guarantee you, barring injuries, Antwan Odom will at least match the two sacks that Justin Smith produced last season as the team’s franchise player. Heading into game six he’s halfway there. And yes, over-drafted project wide receivers like Jerome Simpson do take time to develop. But that’s okay. What do the Bengals have if not time?